Music
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With the NBA All-Star tournament, SNL 50 and a potentially pivotal new joint album from Drake and Partynextdoor all coinciding on the same weekend, hip-hop continued its months-long chokehold on the apex of pop culture. Oh, and it was also Valentine’s Day Weekend, which gave us additional love-minded projects from Flau’jae, Jacquees & DeJ Loaf and Marvin Sapp.
Amid a shift in format, NBA All-Star Weekend featured performances from major names across hip-hop and R&B, including introductory performances from Grammy-winning Cali natives Raphael Saadiq (Feb. 15) and H.E.R. (Feb. 16). DJ Cassidy turned the halftime show into a special Bay Area edition of his “Pass the Mic Live!” series featuring appearances by E-40, Saweetie, Too $hort and En Vogue. Of course, All-Star Weekend couldn’t let such a major sports-meets-music moment pass without tapping Gelo, the biggest breakout hip-hop star of 2025 so far, to make his live TV debut with a performance of his Billboard Hot 100 hit “Tweaker” (No. 29). Other hip-hop and R&B performers over the weekend included LaRussell, Goapele, PJ Morton, 2 Chainz and Flo Rida.
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In 1981, the Funky Four Plus One became not just the first rap group to ever perform on SNL, but the first rap group to perform on American television. 44 years later, the iconic sketch comedy program enlisted several stars across hip-hop and R&B to help celebrate its 50th anniversary, including Lil Wayne, The Roots, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, T-Pain, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Snoop Dogg.
And then there was Drake. And Partynextdoor. On Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), the dynamic OVO duo braved the aftermath of Kendrick Lamar‘s victory-lapping Super Bowl LIX halftime show performances and launched their new R&B-focused joint album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. With “Gimme A Hug” and “Nokia” gaining traction, the new record may have given The Boy a path to redemption.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Kwn & Kehlani’s sexy new remix to AJ Tracey & Jorja Smith’s viral new collab. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: A$AP Twelvyy feat. Lord Sko, “Nina Sky”
Just two days after A$AP Rocky scolded him mid-testimony for nearly revealing the meaning behind AWGE, A$AP Twelvyy dropped his fourth studio album, I Did More With Less (V1). Skewing closer to traditional hip-hop than the ethereal, Houston-indebted soundscapes that Rocky favors, I Did More With Less is yet another formidable showing from one of A$AP Mob’s most underrated members. On standout cut “Nina Sky,” Twelvyy joins forces with fellow NYC native Lord Sko for a braggadocious, shit-talking lyrical exercise that ends in an ode to the Puerto Rican duo who inspired the song’s title; “Both b–ches look alike, call ’em Nina Sky,” Twelvyy spits at the end of his final verse. With their laid-back flows complementing the spacious groove of Wrex Mason’s production, “Nina Sky” is a home run. Let’s keep Twelvyy off the stand and in the booth! — KYLE DENIS
AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith, “Crush”
A snippet that lived up to the hype: After a week of build-up, AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith’s Brandy-sampling “Crush” arrived to rave reviews from fans. The twitchy R&G bop finds J-Money even tapping into her rap bag a bit while Tracey lays out his plan to make the good girls go bad. The London rhymer goes a step far vividly describing his plan to watch anime and “take a bite out of her a–cheek.” Netflix and chill just got one-upped. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Jaylon Ashaun & S!MONE, “5 Minutes”
Jaylon Ashaun and S!MONE reunite for another soulful collaboration with “5 Minutes”, a smooth and intimate track that explores the yearning for just a little more time with someone you love. The song beautifully captures the tension between love and responsibilities, as the couple holds onto their last few moments together, wishing they could pause time. With its heartfelt lyrics and captivating delivery, “5 Minutes” — S!MONE’s first release since her 2024 debut album — should resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled to say goodbye, even if only for a short while. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Cash Cobain feat. Bay Swag & Rob49, “Trippin on a Yacht”
There’s often interesting lore behind Cash Cobain songs. For “Tippin on a Yacht”, the New York rapper and producer previewed the song during a session with streamer PlaqueBoyMax back in January, and has had fans in his social media comments and replies asking for it ever since. Featuring a New Orleans bounce sample, Cash is joined by Bay Swag and the Nola’s own Rob49 on a song that makes you wish you were in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by baddies. — ANGEL DIAZ
Saint Lamaar, “Buss at You”
“Said, Dracos, ouuu/ Keltecs, too/ 7.62/ I can’t wait to buss at you,” croons Saint Lamaar, a rising R&B star from Columbus, Ohio. When you click play on “Buss at You,” you might be surprised to hear the opening notes of Tamia’s “Can’t Get Enough.” You might be even more surprised to realize that the production from Tamia’s original remains largely unchanged as Lamaar launches into an ode not to a lover, but to his gun. “I be keeping my cool/ Never know when I’m gonna have to shoot/ So I’m watching everything/ And bro watching everything/ And I know we feel the same way,” he croons in this hilarious and infectious song. Lamaar’s voice is surprisingly soulful, and his youthful timbre and slight rasp add interesting textures to the nostalgia baked into Tamia’s 2006 hit. — K.D.
OhGeesy & Saweetie, “Cuttin Up”
It’s a West Coast party as Los Angeles meets The Bay. This might be OhGeesy’s album, but Saweetie steals the show with her sharp assist. “It never rain in California, I’ma make it rain today, throw them ones, hoe,” Saweetie raps on an earworm of a chorus. “Cuttin Up” should make every strip club DJ’s rotation to close out February. — M.S.
Ayra Starr, “All the Love”
Afrobeats princess Ayra Starr delivers a heartfelt and uplifting anthem with “All the Love,” a song about genuine love, loyalty and emotional support in a world where fake love is all too common. She reassures her someone special that her love is real and unwavering, promising to be their safe space when others may not have their best interests at heart. Singing, “But one thing is certain, I’ll be that person/ Wey go be your shoulder, buddy, bestie, anything,” Ayra emphasizes the depth of her commitment — offering not just romance, but true companionship and emotional security. The song contrasts authentic love with the superficiality often found in relationships, urging the listener to let their guard down and accept something pure. With its warm melodies and soul-stirring lyrics, “All the Love” serves as both a love letter and a reminder that real love still exists. — C.C.
kwn & Kehlani, “Worst Behavior”
Chances are you probably saw a clip of Kwn and Kehlani’s scene-stealing 30-second makeout session before you actually heard their new song — but it’s still well worth your time to do the latter. Kwn dropped the original version of her steamy, sensual “Worst Behavior” last fall, and now Kehlani — fresh off three 2025 Grammy nominations — has added her touch to the track. “I’ma turn into a slip and slide, I’ll make sure you’re satisfied/ Meet the record every night/ ‘Cause you do me so good thinking of keeping it/ Say my s–t tastes so good, you tryna sleep in,” she coos, expertly ratcheting up the chemistry and tension between her and Kwn as Sasha Keable’s background vocals add yet another layer of seduction. — K.D.
Toosii, “168 Hours”
There are 168 hours in a week and Toosii is just trying to make the best of every minute. The bouncy production boasts a solemn flair that Rod Wave would’ve snatched up for his next album with ease. The 25-year-old rapper-singer holds his own while pouring out his heart about his dedication to making a certain relationship work no matter the obstacles. Job well done, although we could’ve done without the poop stains bar in the second verse – you got your point across, Toosii. — M.S.
Halle, “Back and Forth”
“Back and Forth” is a sultry, emotionally charged song about love, passion, and emotional conflict in a relationship. Halle explores the push-and-pull dynamic of a relationship where love, frustration, and desire all blend. She expresses her need for love that doesn’t hurt, yet she’s drawn to the emotional highs and lows that come with intense passion. “Sometimes I like when you get angry/ Something about it just reminds me that you care,” she admits, revealing her attraction to the passionate side of conflict, even if it’s not the healthiest. “Back and Forth” captures the complex emotions of a relationship that swings between love and frustration. Halle’s smooth vocals and vulnerable lyrics reflect the struggle of wanting stability while craving passion — even if it’s a bit toxic. — C.C.
Lady Gaga proved to be a master magician earlier this month with the release of her new single “Abracadabra,” and for her next trick, she’s making her global audience reappear. On Tuesday (Feb. 18), Gaga officially surpassed Ariana Grande’s record as the female artist with the most monthly listeners in the history of Spotify. At […]
Lil Wayne made a surprise appearance at the SNL50: The Anniversary Special celebrations on Sunday night (Feb. 16) where he performed a greatest hits medley from his decorated Tha Carter series. From “Mrs. Officer” to the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Lollipop” and closing out with “A Milli,” Weezy jumped around his discography with […]
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” resurges to No. 1, from No. 20, on the Billboard Global 200 chart (dated Feb. 22), fueled by his performance of the song during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show Feb. 9. He also boasts five of the chart’s top 10.
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” rebounds for a ninth week atop the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, which began in September 2020, rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.
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Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.
“Not Like Us” drew 113.2 million streams (up 176%) and sold 39,000 (up 424%) worldwide Feb. 7-13. The seething diss track – which on Feb. 2 won the Grammy Awards for record and song of the year, among its five victories – adds a third week atop the Global 200. It debuted at No. 1 on the May 18, 2024, chart and became a pop-culture fixture, spending the next eight weeks in the top 15. It was further boosted by Lamar’s Juneteenth The Pop Out: Ken & Friends concert – in which he performed the song five times. It rebounded for a second week at No. 1 on the July 20 chart, following the July 4 premiere of its official video. The song’s 30-week break between No. 1 from July to this week marks the longest excluding holiday fare in the chart’s history.
Lamar also soars back to the Global 200’s top 10 with “Luther,” with SZA (12-4, as it returns to its best rank); “TV Off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay (27-8, after hitting No. 5); and 2018’s “All the Stars,” with SZA (74-10 for its first week in the tier, becoming Lamar’s 12th top 10 and SZA’s eighth). All four songs were also part of his halftime performance.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” dips to No. 2 after nine weeks at No. 1 on the Global 200 starting last September and ROSÉ and Mars’ “APT.” backtracks 2-3 following 12 weeks on top beginning in October.
Plus, Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” unveiled (through a MasterCard commercial) during the Grammy Awards Feb. 2, bounds 10-5 in its second week on the Global 200 led by 78.4 million streams worldwide in its first full tracking week (Feb. 7-13); it drew 47.7 million from its release through Feb. 6.
“Die With a Smile” rebounds 2-1 for its ninth week atop Global Excl. U.S., with 107.7 million streams (up 3%) and 5,000 sold (down 8%) outside the U.S. Feb. 7-13.
“APT.” descends to No. 2 after a record 15 weeks at No. 1 on Global Excl. U.S. beginning in November.
“Not Like Us” leaps 27-3 on Global Excl. U.S., surpassing its prior No. 5 best; “Abracadabra” vanishes from No. 9 and reappears at No. 4 in its second week on the chart; and Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” falls 4-5, after three weeks on top last August. Plus, “Luther” leaps 19-7, after reaching No. 6.
The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated Feb. 22, 2025) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, Feb. 19, a day later than usual due to the Presidents’ Day holiday in the United States Feb. 17. For both charts, the top 100 titles are available to all readers on Billboard.com, while the complete 200-title rankings are visible on Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription-based service. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.
That’s so true that something is going on between Gracie Abrams, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco. Gomez and Blanco have been continuing the roll-out of their upcoming album, I Said I Love You First, and the couple took to Instagram this week to tease what seems to be a collaboration with Abrams. It all started […]
Quevedo is back, and in a big way. On Monday (Feb. 17), the Canary Island artist kicked off his highly anticipated Buenas Noches Tour with a sold-out show at the Movistar Arena in Madrid, the first of three consecutive dates in the Spanish capital. After nearly a year away from the stage, the performer of “Playa del Inglés” returns with a show that demonstrates his artistic evolution and his mastery of the live performance, combining the best of his repertoire with a visual and sound display that meets expectations.
From the first moment, the audience sang along with total devotion, while Quevedo — all dressed in black and with his emblematic diamond chain inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” — commanded the central stage. In front of about 17,000 fans, the artist sang hits from his most recent album, Buenas Noches, and others that have made him one of the most influential voices in the current Latin urban scene.
But the night wasn’t just his own. The show was full of surprises, with appearances from artists like Aitana, Lola Índigo, De La Ghetto, De La Rose, Sech and La Pantera. With a minimalist but effective stage setup, Quevedo confirmed that he is ready to take his music beyond Spain, with a tour that will soon take him across Latin America.
The Movistar Arena in Madrid perfectly adapted to Quevedo’s style, with a stage located in the center of the venue. This configuration, surrounded by screens and visual effects, allowed attendees to enjoy the show from any angle. The pyrotechnics and synchronized lights show added a spectacular touch, elevating the atmosphere of each performance and complementing the powerful presence of the artist.
After his performances in Madrid, Quevedo will take his show to several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. For a full list of dates, click here. He will also visit other cities in Spain, such as Gran Canaria, Barcelona, Malaga and Bilbao.
Below, the eight best moments from Quevedo’s Buenas Noches Tour kick off in Madrid.
The start with “Kassandra” and a passionate Movistar Arena
Brat Summer has extended deep into awards season. Charli XCX’s Brat is competing for a Brit Award for British album of the year on Saturday (March 1), just weeks after it competed in the Grammy race for album of the year. Brat is the first album to be nominated for the top album honor on […]
Drake and PartyNextDoor finally dropped their much hyped collab, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, on Valentine’s Day, and to celebrate they decided to give fans a freebie. On Monday (Feb. 17), the Toronto rapper posted an unreleased track on his finsta account @plottttwistttttt featuring New Orleans bounce rapper OnlyHeaven and blamed sample clearance issues for […]
The first round of grants targeting wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles following last month’s all-star FireAid benefit concerts were announced on Tuesday (Feb. 18). The $50 million-worth of phase one gifting — representing half of the estimated $100 million raised by the shows — will prioritize “community-based organizations that are on the front lines of wildfire relief.”
The groups, which organizers said have the infrastructure, experience, and in-place relationships to “efficiently and equitably” deliver assistance to fire-impacted individuals, are each for $100,000 or more and targeted toward immediate relief; phase two will be more focused on rebuilding efforts following the series of fires that killed 29 Angelenos and destroyed more than 16,0000 homes and structures.
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The organizations are split into several buckets, including emergency aid to children and families, school recovery funding, targeted support for vulnerable youth and foster youth and funds to help with educational continuity via a grant to A Sense of Home.
The community hubs and conveners grant will send funds to Abundant Harvest LIFT, a community crisis center that distributes information, financial assistance and connects individuals with critical resources for survivors of the Eaton Canyon fire. Other groups covered by this grant include: Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades, Clery Community Coalition, Inc., Deliverance Tabernacle Church, First AME Pasadena, Flintridge Center, Friends Indeed, Harambee Ministries – Pasadena, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Kehillat Israel Synagogue, LA Voice Benevolence Fund, Masjid al Taqwa, NAACP of Pasadena, Pasadena Church, Pasadena City College Foundation, Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist, St. Vincent de Paul Society’s St. Elizabeth Conference of Altadena, the Santa Monica College Foundation, Victory Bible Church Pasadena and YMCA Metro.
Disaster relief will distribute direct cash aid for Angeleno’s most critical needs, as well as coordinated efforts to clear hazardous waste, test water quality and restore safe living conditions. The grantees for those efforts include: Alliance for a Better Community, Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund, Brotherhood Crusade, CA Conservation Corps, CA Native Vote Project, Change Reaction, CORE, Heal the Bay, Jewish Free Loan Association, LA Conservation Corps, LA County Household Relief Fund, LA Works, Inc., Latino Community Foundation, My Tribe Rise, Pasadena Community Foundation Eaton Canyon Fire Relief Fund and Team Rubicon.
Grants covering food access and security needs for those displaced residents who are in shelters without cooking facilities and who face challenges sourcing nutritious meals will go to: Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Hollywood Food Coalition, Hunger Action Los Angeles, Los Angeles Food Policy Council, Las Angeles Regional Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Saint Vincent, Meals on Wheels, West, Office of Food Equity, Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, Project Angel Food and Westside Food Bank.
Aid for frontline, displaced workers and small businesses to assist first frontline workers possibly facing displacement, financial strain and mental health challenges, as well as workers who commuted to affected areas for jobs and small businesses needing relief to rebuild will go to: CA Firefighters Benevolent Fund, IDEPSCA, Inclusive Action For the City, LA Region Worker Relief Fund, Labor Community Services Program of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Black Worker Center, Philipino Workers Center and Restaurants Care Project.
Health and housing assistance for wildfire survivors facing physical and mental health challenges due to exposure to smoke and poor air quality, as well as stress and trauma, include: Dena Heals, Didi Hirsch, Door of Hope, Foothill Family Service, Greenline Housing Foundation, LA Coalition of Community Clinics, LA Family Housing Corporation, LIFT-Los Angeles, NAMI Westside LA, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County, Pacific Clinics, St. Joseph Center, The People Concern, Union Station Homeless Corporation, United American Indian Involvement and Vision y Compromiso.
Los Angeles’ vast musical community will also get some assistance after many musicians and artists lost their homes, equipment, studios and income in the fires. The funds will provide direct aid to affected artists, as well as mental health services, employment in community programs and support for small arts organizations to ensure their survival. The grantees include: Armory Center for the Arts, LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, LA Commons, LA County Arts & Creative Recovery Fund, MusiCares Foundation, Music Health Alliance – Music Industry Mental Health Fund and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
Organizations helping Angelenos facing displacement, trauma and having trouble navigating survivor services who will receive funds include: 211LA, Bet Tzedek, Dena Care Collective, Imagine Los Angeles, Inc., Legal Aid of LA, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County – BAILA and Public Counsel.
Schools around the L.A. region have had classes severely disrupted due to the fires while some have faced closure as displaced students — especially those from low-income households in college — struggle with housing, financial aid stability and campus resources. Aid for those groups will go to: California Charter School Association, Communities in Schools of Los Angeles, LA Community College Foundation, LAUSD Foundation, Pasadena Educational Foundation, Palisades Charter HS and Project Camp.
Supportive services for vulnerable populations including seniors and people with disabilities who may confront issues accessing aid, healthcare and stable housing will get a boost with grants to: Disability Community Resource Center, Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles, Malibu Senior Center, Pasadena Senior Center and Special Needs Network Inc.
Click here to see the full list.
Organizers says the first phase of funds will be distributed by the end of February. The second phase will focus on sustaining long-term recovery, remediation and rebuilding, as well as addressing environmental issues. Fundraising for the fund is still open.
January’s two shows at L.A.’s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum were seen by more than 50 million viewers across 28 streaming platforms, who tuned in to performances by more than 30 artists including Green Day with Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Stevie Wonder, Lil Baby, Tate McRae, Sting, Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak with Dr. Dre and Sheila E, Dawes, John Mayer, a Nirvana reunion, Joni Mitchell, a reunited No Doubt, P!nk and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among many others.
As evidenced throughout her career, Serena Williams likes to go big — and she doesn’t do anything for small reasons. That includes her recent appearance during Kendrick Lamar‘s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, about which the superstar athlete is now shutting down rumors regarding the so-called “petty” reasons she decided to take part in the performance.
Replying to a post on X about the cultural significance of the cameo she made as Lamar performed Billboard Hot 100-topper “Not Like Us” at the big game — shared by her husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian — Williams wrote Monday (Feb. 17), “… def not dancing to be petty lol.”
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“I think I proved 23 times over (not counting 4 gold medals) that I simply don’t have time for petty,” she continued.
The tennis champion’s post comes a full week after Ohanian — with whom Williams shares two daughters — posted his initial tweet, in which he reminded followers how much backlash his wife received when she famously crip walked at Wimbledon in 2012. Thirteen years later, Williams reclaimed the narrative by crip walking again, this time for more than 130 million viewers on the Super Bowl stage with Dot in New Orleans.
“Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance,” the entrepreneur wrote, sharing a screenshot of an old article calling Williams’ dance at Wimbledon “the height of disrespect.” “This is bigger than the music.”
“That there my baby daddy and husband,” the Olympian added in her reply. “Always got my back. I Love you.”
Williams’ seconds-long appearance during halftime Feb. 9 was certainly one of the most talked-about moments from Lamar’s 13-minute showcase — not only because of its callback to Wimbledon, but also due to the athlete’s rumored romantic past with Drake, whom the Compton rapper taunted multiple times during the show. In addition to cheekily referencing Drizzy’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over “Not Like Us,” Lamar also led the crowd at Caesars Superdome in an ear-splitting “Tryna strike a chord, and it’s probably A-minor” chant seconds after looking straight into the camera and jeering, “Say, Drake, I hear you like them young …”
Because of Lamar’s feud with Drake, many fans assumed that the “Squabble Up” artist was adding insult to injury by inviting his foe’s rumored ex to join him on stage. But according to Williams, she only had pure intentions before getting on the field.
She added in her post, “All love and respect always nothing negative here.”