genre hiphop

From the final Dreamville Fest to a beautiful, memory lane-traversing headlining set from J. Cole, this weekend belonged to North Carolina. And after Duke’s devastating loss on Saturday (April 5), that’s the least the universe could do.

In addition to Cole, Dreamville Fest 2025 headliners included Lil Wayne (with Hot Boys and Big Tymers), 21 Savage and Erykah Badu. Tems, Coco Jones, Wale, and GloRilla all delivered stellar sets, while Dreamville stars Ari Lennox, JID, Earthgang, Omen, Cozz, Lute and Bas paid tribute to the label’s history and legacy with each of their performances. Although Cole did not drop new music from his highly anticipated The Fall Off album, two other stars confirmed forthcoming LPs. DJ Swamp Izzo revealed that Playboi Carti’s Baby Boi album is finished, and Ab-Soul spoke to Billboard about Soul Burger: The Odyssey, a separate project from his 2022 LP that continues his tribute to the late Doaeburger.

On the charts, Drake is up to No. 3 on the Hot 100 with “Nokia” following the release of its official IMAX music video. On the Billboard 200, Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead deluxe album returned to No. 1, besting Carti’s Music (No. 2) and Lil Durk’s newly released Deep Thoughts (No. 3).

With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from a poignant gospel-infused duet to Jai’Len Josey’s bouncy new single. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Eric Roberson feat. BJ the Chicago Kid, “Where You Gonna Go”

Grammy-nominated crooners Eric Roberson and BJ the Chicago Kid for a gorgeous, soulful new single. Produced by Rodney Jones, the Detroit hip-hop-inflected and gospel-infused track explores moving with life when you’re supposed to instead of forcing harmony where there is only dissonance. “Sometimes you gotta go where love will find you/ I’m not saying leave what you love behind you/ But listen to life and move when it’s time to/ ‘Cause you don’t know nothing of who you were yesterday, but everything of who you are today,” he preaches in the first verse. Marking his first musical release of 2025, “Where You Gonna Go” is a promising start to Roberson’s year. — KYLE DENIS

Ray Vaughn, “DOLLAR Menu”

Ray Vaughn has boldly compared his upcoming album to being his version of good kid, m.A.A.d city, and Kendrick Lamar’s influence can be felt on gripping singles like “DOLLAR Menu.” The TDE rapper recalls the days of starving because “last night I had sleep for dinner.” Vaughn narrates his come-up and reflects on navigating the stresses of his relationships with his parents. He even uses a threatening voice note from his mom to close out the track as she urges her son to pay back some cash he owes. Look for the Long Beach native to paint a picture of his life’s story with The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu when it arrives on April 18. — MICHAEL SAPONARA

Ab-Soul, “Untitled”

Produced by none other than Roc Marciano, Soulo couldn’t wait to share this song dedicated to his late friend Armon “Doeburger” Stringer that will more than likely be appearing on his upcoming project Soulburger: The Odyssey. It’s not available on streaming yet, so the only way to listen to it is on his Instagram account and YouTube for now. Soul’s fans like the track so much, they’re in the comments clamoring for an entire tape from the Carson wordsmith and the Long Island producer on some West meets East sh—t. RIP Doe Burger. — ANGEL DIAZ

Destin Conrad & Teezo Touchdown, “The Last Time”

Destin Conrad & Teezo Touchdown was an unexpected collaboration but based on this new track this won’t be “the last time” they link up. The duo lay their emotions bare with their slow-burning reflection on love that just won’t let go. Over a moody beat, they trace the highs and lows of a relationship stuck on repeat, where every ending feels like déjà vu. The chorus’ aching “D–n, d–n, d–n” says it all —frustration, regret and the weight of knowing things won’t change. Even as they acknowledge the cycle, the pull remains too strong to resist. Their voices glide effortlessly, blending pain with melody in a way that lingers long after the song fades — a sad effect of a relationship gone sour. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON

Jai’Len Josey, “New Girl”

To introduce her Tricky Stewart-helmed debut studio album, Serial Romantic, rising R&B star Jai’Len Josey has unleashed its lead single, “New Girl.” Produced by Josey, Herothaproducer, Madness & Michael Barney, “New Girl” blends the bouncy piano chords of ballroom and house with flashes of U.K. garage to decorate the track’s R&B foundation. “Don’t be afraid of my loving, boy/ Giving all of my might / You’re liking what you’re seeing/ So come on, baby, put the fire deep in,” she sings, expertly curating a vibe for the thrill of a new connection this summer. — K.D.

PinkPantheress, “Tonight”

PinkPantheress launches into her next era with an addictive bop. The singer’s first attempt at using a U.K. bassline is a successful one. She even takes a more mature approach while talking about her carnal desires and exploring more explicit themes surrounding romance. “Tonight” boasts a sly Panic at the Disco sample and PinkPantheress takes it back to Bridgerton for a royal party in the visual, which features everything from sweaty makeouts to pillow fights and more. Her upcoming Fancy That mixtape drops on May 9. — M.S.

Sauce Walka & That Mexican OT, “Samsung Screenz”

Produced by Big Duke, Sauce Walka and That Mexican OT deliver another great song that makes me wonder what a collab project from them would sound like. “Samsung Screenz” features that signature smooth Texas sound along with a catchy hook with Sauce and OT  in rare form as they continue to show off their chemistry like they did on songs like “Now & Later” and “Check Please.” — A.D.

SAILORR, “Down Bad”

SAILORR dives deep into emotional uncertainty on “Down Bad,” a raw and intimate take on unreciprocated love. She paints a picture of late-night calls, fleeting intimacy, and the lingering ache of being someone’s second choice. The verses mix frustration with longing, capturing the push-and-pull of a relationship that never quite feels secure. All SAILORR wants is matching tattoos, stolen moments, and rides with no destination. Her list of “something that can last” adds weight to the heartbreak, making each lyric hit even harder. “Down Bad” is a bittersweet anthem for anyone caught between holding on and letting go. — C.C.

Joe Kay, Arin Ray & Blackway, “Frontin & Crushin”

Joe Kay, DJ and founder of Soulection, unveiled his debut EP — If Not Now, Then When? — last week (April 4), and it’s stacked with collaborations with several ascendant voices in R&B. Cincinnati singer Arin Ray and Ghanian-American rapper Blackway team up with Kay for “Frontin & Crushin,” a sonic encapsulation of the beginning stages of a crush. Not quite infatuation or obsession, the feeling these three artists sing of is something a bit more innocent, surprising and fleeting. “I saw you comin’/ She got an aura ’bout her something I respect/ We was frontin’, then crushin’ bad/ It was a feeling that I never would forget,” they sing in the intro over Kenzo Slice, Koko and UNKWN’s Afrobeats-indebted production. — K.D.

BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman, “All the Way”

In a time of division, BigXthaPlug wants to bring us all together. The Dallas native gives fans a taste of country trap with the arrival of his Bailey Zimmerman-assisted “All the Way” single. BigX and Zimmerman might seem like an unlikely duo, but it’s a clean mesh as they ruminate about fractured relationships over guitar strings and kicking drums. BigX has long teased his foray into country and the upcoming EP is set to feature some of his superstar friends, like Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Shaboozey and Luke Combs. — M.S.

SiR & Maeta, “Out of My Hands”

SiR and Maeta explore love, regret, and the weight of fate on “Out of My Hands,” a soulful duet about a relationship slipping through their fingers. SiR is wrestling with emotional uncertainty, admitting, “maybe one day or someday, [he] won’t wanna run.” Maeta’s perspective adds to the heartbreak, reflecting on love that once felt limitless but now feels out of reach. With dreamy production and emotionally rich vocals, “Out of My Hands” is a stirring ballad about the struggle to hold on when the relationship becomes just a series of chances, and love alone isn’t enough. — C.C.