genre hiphop

If the “I am music” tag isn’t playing on a loop in your head, clearly you missed one of the year’s buzziest album drops over the weekend. In the wee hours of Friday morning (March 14), Playboi Carti finally unveiled his highly anticipated third studio album, Music, after five years of seemingly endless teases, standalone singles, guest appearances, and festival performances. Shortly after its release, the Atlanta rapper’s new LP became Spotify‘s most-streamed album in a single day in 2025 so far. Needless to say, Carti is on top right now.

Outside of King Vamp staking a strong claim to the rap throne, Ye delivered yet another head-scratcher of a moment when he dropped a new song via X on Saturday (March 15). Titled “Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine,” the new track apparently features vocals from Diddy and North West, much to the chagrin of her mother (and Ye’s ex-wife) Kim Kardashian.

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On the legal side, UMG filed a scathing motion to dismiss Drake‘s lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” on Monday (March 17). The motion reads that Drake “lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated. Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds. Plaintiff’s Complaint is utterly without merit and should be dismissed with prejudice.”

The new filing comes the same day Lamar’s SZA-assisted “Luther” enjoys a fourth week atop the Hot 100, the longest-running chart-topper for both artists.

With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Lil Nas X’s new Neptunes-esque banger to JayDon’s ode to ’00s R&B. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Rexx Life Raj feat. Mick Jenkins & BLK ODDYSY, “Take Me to the Sunlight”

“Sometimes I write and start to follow my feelings/ Could play the victim but these views will make me a realist/ I’m a Black man but still I understand I got privilege/ Bro, look at Rafah, where Israelis dropping bombs on a village,” Rexx spits to kick off the first verse of his poignant new collaboration with Chi-Town MC Mick Jenkins and Austin-based act BLK ODYSSY. Starting a song with a commentary on the intricacies of positionality and privilege between people of color is already ambitious, but “Take Me to the Sunlight” assembles three artists who are unwaveringly committed to that lyrical exercise. Over a simple, pensive beat, Rexx and Mick deliver verses that temper political commentary with relatable, personal narratives, while BLK ODYSSEY delivers a haunting hook. “Where is heaven for the ones who look like me?/ Tryna believe in something that I can’t see/ Take me to the sunlight,” he coos. — KYLE DENIS

V Don & Boldy James, “Split the Bill”

I know Boldy has been flooding the market over the last year or so, but I can’t ignore him linking up with the criminally underrated V Don who makes some of the hardest beats out. You can say Boldy’s subject matter is repetitive, but that’s like saying you get tired of Pusha’s coke raps, or Picasso’s Cubism era. There aren’t too many rappers that spit as effortlessly as the Detroit and when you couple him with a producer like V Don, you can expect high-quality rap music like the lead single from their upcoming tape Alphabet Highway. — ANGEL DIAZ

Aminé, “Familiar”

Aminé isn’t going to be told what to create. He’s always going to be a trailblazer — and that’s not only because he’s from Portland. It’s nearly springtime, so the 30-year-old is out of hibernation and has a new album on the way. Aminé taps into some of his toxicity while exploring more of an electro-pop sound on “Familiar.” The rapper grapples with the internal tug-of-war of knowing he has to let a former flame go, but there’s a part of him refusing to come to grips with the reality. It’s a strong single to kick off his rollout, and we only wish the sub-two-minute sprint had more distance before crossing the finish line. — MICHAEL SAPONARA

Jazlyn Martin & TheARTI$t, “Have It Your Way”

Jazlyn Martin is kicking off 2025 with “Have It Your Way,” a soulful duet featuring The ARTI$T that dives deep into themes of love, trust and devotion. The smooth, heartfelt track captures the essence of surrendering to love — letting go, following each other’s lead and embracing the emotional depth of a committed relationship. Martin’s verses glow with admiration, as she describes her partner as her guiding force, someone she trusts completely. The ARTI$T counters with raw vulnerability, admitting that while opening up isn’t easy, their partner provides the reassurance they need. “Have It Your Way” is a soulful declaration of selfless love, proving that sometimes, the strongest connections come from simply letting go. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON

Zyah Belle feat. Ben Reilly, “About Time”

Between Madness’ pulsating synths and snares, Zyah Belle’s flirtatious timbre, and the song’s general focus on finally making your move after a heated night on the town, “About Time” is tailor-made for summer rooftop functions — and they can’t come soon enough. Canadian rapper Ben Reilly effortlessly rides the beat, making for a welcome male counterpart to the perspective Zyah presents throughout the sultry track. — K.D.

Diany Dior, “Thick”

Diany Dior is an emerging rapper hailing from The Bronx, and if there’s anything about BX residents, it’s that they don’t need a proper outside introduction, just press play and you’ll see what they’re about really quickly. Dior isn’t resting on her laurels with a solid Big Dior debut project in 2024, as she’s right back to work before Q1 expires. The 23-year-old returned with a catchy single for the ladies sporting a more voluptuous figure. Dior shrewdly interpolates Missy Elliott’s “Work It” anthem and repeats the track’s title on an earworm of a chorus that bounces off the blaring production, which is sure to get listeners’ hips gyrating toward an Uptown dancefloor — just in time for the warmer weather coming. — M.S.

Wiz Khalifa, “Aerials Freestyle”

This column is usually for less established acts like Wiz, but this recent run he’s been on is taking us back to the days when the only way you could hear new music was on YouTube, Soundcloud, and rap blogs, so we must keep acknowledging it. The Pittsburgh rapper’s bringing the feeling back, and even sampling the titular System of a Down banger from 2001. Let the bong rip and hit play on some real stoner music. — A.D.

4batz, “Mortal Kombat”

4batz’s “Mortal Kombat” explores the intense, toxic cycle of a tumultuous relationship marked by constant arguments. This couple fights frequently but can’t seem to stay apart, with the chorus emphasizing the recurring nature of their battles—one partner always returns, despite the conflict. Ultimately, “MORTAL KOMBAT” is a track about the struggle to navigate love and conflict in a toxic relationship, choosing to fight for something real despite the challenges — a message we can all relate to in one way or another. — C.C.

JayDon, “I’ll Be Good”

With a melody and structure that screams ’00s Ne-Yo, “I’ll Be Good” is an instant earworm. The track, which samples Usher’s 2001 deep cut “How Do I Say,” arrives alongside the announcement of JayDon’s signing to Ursh and L.A. Reid’s mega label, in partnership with Larry Jackson’s gamma. JayDon — who voiced young Simba in the 2019 photorealistic remake of The Lion King — delivers a terrific vocal performance, intimately capturing the process of taking accountability while asking for forgiveness. At just 17 years old, he sings with the emotional heft of a crooner twice his age: ““Girl, if you find it in your heart/ Then I’ll be good/ I’ma try/ I’ma do better, better,” he pledges. — K.D.

Lil Tecca, “Dark Thoughts”

Lil Tecca is getting in his pop bag. On its face, “Dark Thoughts” feels like it would be more of an ominous tune, but Tecca’s trying to provide the soundtrack to a night out on the rooftop bars. Instead of pushing them away, Tecca embraces his “Dark Thoughts,” but bounces them off a glossier bassline that calls back to The Neptunes’ production on tracks like Hov’s “I Just Wanna Love U” or ‘90s R&B and the shiny suit Bad Boy camp. He assured us there was no plan B with his robust Plan A project in 2024, but the next era is taking his artistry to new heights – just enjoy the ride. — M.S.

Casper Sage & Amindi, “NuDivision”

“NuDivision” reflects on the growth that comes from separation, with the title symbolizing both a divide and the potential for something new. Lines like “switching, blocking light” and “clouds keep moving” embody the obstacles and emotional ups and downs they face. Nonetheless, there’s an underlying hope for rekindling what was once lost, with the repeated refrain of “nu-division” signaling a new chapter. Sage and Amindi’s verses show the balance of pain and optimism, highlighting the complexity of love’s evolution. — C.C.

Lil Nas X, “Hotbox”

Lil Nas X fell victim to “snippet culture” with recent releases, but he absolutely sticks the landing with “Hotbox” — and could have his next hit on his hands, which should springboard him into his Dreamboy era and set the tone for a major 2025. Pharrell’s impact on modern pop music can’t be escaped, with “Hotbox” nodding to P’s classic “Frontin” and a pink-splashed visual is expertly curated to fit Nas X and the track’s aesthetic. Coming up as a faceless member of Nicki Minaj’s Barbz army, even the pink pool feels intentional as a call back to Minaj’s “Super Bass” video. Well played, Lil Nas, well played. — M.S.