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Pride Month is only two weeks away, so now’s the best time to start packing your playlists with queer bangers. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Kesha’s latest banger to Arca’s glitchy new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Kesha, “BOY CRAZY.”
While fans have been thrilled to see Kesha looking back on her early-2010s stylings with her new songs, the pop star decided to turn her eyes to the future for her latest offering. Sure, “BOY CRAZY” takes a few of its cues from glittering 80s synth-pop, but the majority of the track plays like a revved up hyperpop anthem, as Kesha whets her appetite for the male form in this thrilling new track.
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Arca, “Puta”
Throughout her career, Arca has prided herself on zigging where people thought she might zag. With her double single release, Arca gives fans a song they can dance to with “Puta” — but it’s her second song “Sola” that shines brightest here. Over a scintillating beat and with a vocoder-assisted vocal, Arca lets herself strip some of the artifice away to show her own vulnerability. “I don’t want any more damage in love,” she sings in Spanish.
G Flip, “Disco Cowgirl”
What says “it’s summer” more than some ’80s synths and an anthemic vocal? Australian star G Flip is ready to ring in the season with “Disco Cowgirl,” their glittering new track dedicated to hot nights, messy relationships and good music. Along with providing some of the cleanest production of their career, “Disco Cowgirl” sounds like a vocal level up for G, as they deliver a full-blown belt of the song’s thesis in the final moments of the chorus: “Could’ve been my disco cowgirl/ But you rode off into the sunset without me.”
Frankie Grande, “Boys”
Turns out vocals run in the family! Frankie Grande debuted his latest single “Boys” on Friday (May 16), a club-ready pop track that sees the singer setting his sights on … well, you saw the title! Using his airy falsetto over a hard-hitting beat makes Grande’s new track an immediate contender for “That Song You Keep Hearing at Pride Festivals” in 2025.
Orla Gartland, Everybody Needs a Hero (Extended Edition)
Who doesn’t love a victory lap? After earning critical acclaim for her excellent 2024 album Everybody Needs a Hero, the Irish singer-songwriter is giving fans five bonus tracks on a new extended edition of the LP. Ranging from post-punk rage-outs (“Now What?”) or indie-rock kiss-offs (immediate standout “Pest” with Tommy Lefroy), the deluxe version of Hero gives Gartland’s fans just enough new mixed in with the vibe sound they’ve come to love.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
In need of some new tunes from your favorite queer artists? We’ve got you covered — Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Miley Cyrus‘ emotional new song to Kali Uchis’ introspective new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Miley Cyrus, “More to Lose”
With Something Beautiful’s first two offerings (the title track and “End of the World”), Miley Cyrus gave fans two unique looks into her forthcoming new project. “More to Lose” continues that trend, stripping back the art-rock and glam-pop artifice of the album’s other singles to deliver a lofi, stripped-back ballad examining the memory of a lost love. The pop singer’s smooth alto voice glides effortlessly over lush instrumentation as she bids farewell to a bygone relationship: “I knew someday that one would have to choose,” she sings. “I just thought we had more to lose.”
Halsey & Amy Lee (of Evanescence), “Hand That Feeds”
Having already collaborated with Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for 2021, Halsey’s ready to take another spin around the block with a goth legend. On “Hand That Feeds,” featuring Evanescence’s lead vocalist Amy Lee, Halsey expertly blends her own pop stylings with the alternative metal that made her collaborator a star in the early 2000s.
Kali Uchis, Sincerely,
Kali Uchis has never been satisfied with fitting into just one lane. Sincerely, the singer’s latest album, takes yet another bold step in a new direction for the Latin star, as she explores soul, pop and even doo-wop (with a stunning bit of Amy Winehouse-esque flair on album stand out “All I Can Say”). It certainly doesn’t hurt that the unifying factor for all of Uchis’ projects — her flawless voice — continues to shine on this dreamy new album.
Maren Morris, Dreamsicle
“I was always too good for your a– anyway,” Maren Morris belts on “Too Good,” one of the immediate standouts off her vibrant new LP Dreamsicle. It also serves as something of a tone reset for an album that refuses to take itself too seriously; all throughout Dreamsicle, Morris explores a world post-divorce, as she dives back into one night stands (“Bed No Breakfast”), occasional meltdowns (“Cry in the Car”) and leaving the things behind that don’t serve her (“Lemonade”). Leaning hard into her pop sound, Morris has never sounded like she’s having more fun than on the sticky sweet Dreamsicle.
Snow Wife, “Sweat”
Need something to strut down the street to? Allow Snow Wife to assist with “Sweat,” her thrilling new Y2K pop jam. Blending together the stylings of Britney Spears with The Pussycat Dolls, the up-and-coming pop singer bounces her way through this sultry new song as she commands her listeners to dance along — and after your first listen, we’d be shocked if you managed to resist the call.
Jake Wesley Rogers, In the Key of Love
There’s a reason why Jake Wesley Rogers was heralded as a generational talent by none other than Sir Elton John. Take just one listen to his debut album In the Key of Love and you’ll hear that familiar brand of confessional, deeply personal songwriting filtered through a pop lens so inherently catchy that you cannot help but hit the replay button. Rogers’ commitment to blending pop and gospel sounds together into a harmonious new sound is a statement enough in and of itself — one that you won’t be able to forget after you’ve heard the words he’s singing on identity, spirituality and finding comfort in who you are.
Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:
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CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back with the newness! With our latest update this week, we’ve added some songs you should know and other joints you need to know, so let’s get into it.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
We open up this weekend’s playlist with Megan Thee Stallion’s bouncy single “Whenever,” released under the Houston Hottie’s full creative control. We follow that up with Westside Gunn’s “EGYPT” remix featuring a face-melting verse from Doechii.
Switching it up, we feature BigXThaPlug’s high-charting single “All The Way” featuring Bailey Zimmmerman, and the ultra-talented JID’s “WRK” single foll ows that track. Taking things down to Baton Rouge, we have “Shot Callin” from NBA YoungBoy, and then we hop over to New Orleans to check out La Reezy’s “Have Mercy” joint.
Salute to all of the acts that make up this CRT FRSH update: Flo Milli, T-Pain, Russ, Bas, The Hics, Ab-Soul, Saba No ID, MFnMelo, REASON, Cozz, Ray Vaughn, Defcee, Pararell Thought, Lil Tjay, 42 Dugg, Niontay, Swizz Beatz, Larry June, Conway The Machine, Sauce Walka, Benny The Butcher, Daringer, Skylarr Blatt, MIKE, Tony Seltzer, Sideshow, Valee, Harry Fraud, Curren$y, and Deante’ Hitchcock.
We’ll be back in two weeks with 20 new Certified Fresh songs. Stay tuned. Check out this week’s drop below.
To be considered for inclusion in the CRT FRSH playlist, please email playlist curator D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com
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Photo: AnnaStills / Getty
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Source: @seddyhendrix/@officialflippat/@fatmoney/@zayskiift / IG
Hip-Hop Wired’s May 2025 roundup of rising artists is packed with artists making noise across the country. From Columbus to Atlanta, here are the standout tracks you need to hear this month.
Saint Lamaar, a rising star from Columbus, Ohio, has finally released his highly anticipated track “Everybody.” Sampling Aaliyah’s classic “Are You That Somebody,” Saint Lamaar brings a modern twist to the iconic R&B hit, infusing it with his unique style and energy.
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chichi and Seddy Hendrix have teamed up for the fiery collaboration “UNDERDGS.” Seddy Hendrix delivers an exceptional performance, showcasing his lyrical prowess and solidifying his place in the spotlight.
Hailing from Atlanta, Jiah has dropped her latest single “TRUSS.” With its catchy melody and infectious hook, the track has quickly become a favorite, leaving listeners unable to get it out of their heads.(Black America Web)
These artists are among the rising talents Hip-Hop Wired is highlighting in the month of May. With their innovative sounds and captivating performances, they are set to make a significant impact on the hip-hop scene this year.
For the full list of artists to keep an eye on, check out Hip-Hop Wired’s feature.
1. Zaytoven’s son, Zayskii
2. Jiah drops “TRUSS”
3. Saint Lamaar – “EVERYBODY”
4. Fat Money “CincoDeToven” Out Now
5. sectiontoo
6. chichi x Seddy Hendrix
7. Flippa T
8. Montana 700
9. Mir Fontane
10. Mo Money
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update this week, we’ve added some songs you should know and other joints you need to know, so let’s get into it.
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
Welcome back to CRT FRSH, a collection of songs we feel should be on your radar if they aren’t already. With this week’s update, we did our best to put together a playlist that showcases the wide scope of great Hip-Hop music, although we’re sure to have missed some drops.
We open up the playlist with Mozzy’s “WHO WANT WAR” with a guest feature from Polo G, appearing on the Sacramento rapper’s new INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS album. CRT FRSH favorite Raz Fresco links again with Futurewave for their excellent Stadium Lo Champions album, and the track “Cyanide” is one of our top joints.
“Danger Danger” is a new track from Swizz Beatz from the Godfather of Harlem Season 4 original soundtrack, featuring verses from Jadakiss and Pusha T on the closeout. Mathematics, the longtime DJ and producer with the Wu-Tang Clan, delivered his new album Black Samon, the Bastard Swordsman, and the track “Mandingo” is a classic Wu banger featuring Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, and a stong anchor verse from Cappadona.
From The Private Selection of Saba and No ID could very well end up being the album of the year for many, and “30seccchop” featuring Joseph Chilliams and a strong performance from Jane Deaux is just one of the heaters from the project. Ray Vaughn, one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s newest signees, delivered his new mixtape, The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu, and “EAST CHATT” features fellow TDE artist, Isaiah Rashad.
Salute to Young Thug, Future, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Half-Empty, Partly Vacant, SALIMATA, Khadijat, Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist, KenTheMan, Niontay, MAVI, Sideshow, Shoreline Mafia, Boldy James, V Don, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Quik, Domo Genesis, Smoke DZA, Dough Networkz, Graymatter, Coyote, Ab-Soul, Python P, 2 Eleven, Low The Great, MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, Shenseea, LaRussell, Busta Rhymes, and Mike G Beatz.
Check out out in two more weeks for our next update. If you wish to be CONSIDERED for inclusion, email D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com.
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Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update this week, we’ve added some songs you should know and other joints you need to know, so let’s get into it.
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
Welcome back to CRT FRSH, a collection of songs we feel should be on your radar if they aren’t already. With this week’s update, we did our best to put together a playlist that showcases the wide scope of great Hip-Hop music, although we’re sure to have missed some drops.
We open up the playlist with Mozzy’s “WHO WANT WAR” with a guest feature from Polo G, appearing on the Sacramento rapper’s new INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS album. CRT FRSH favorite Raz Fresco links again with Futurewave for their excellent Stadium Lo Champions album, and the track “Cyanide” is one of our top joints.
“Danger Danger” is a new track from Swizz Beatz from the Godfather of Harlem Season 4 original soundtrack, featuring verses from Jadakiss and Pusha T on the closeout. Mathematics, the longtime DJ and producer with the Wu-Tang Clan, delivered his new album Black Samon, the Bastard Swordsman, and the track “Mandingo” is a classic Wu banger featuring Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, and a stong anchor verse from Cappadona.
From The Private Selection of Saba and No ID could very well end up being the album of the year for many, and “30seccchop” featuring Joseph Chilliams and a strong performance from Jane Deaux is just one of the heaters from the project. Ray Vaughn, one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s newest signees, delivered his new mixtape, The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu, and “EAST CHATT” features fellow TDE artist, Isaiah Rashad.
Salute to Young Thug, Future, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Half-Empty, Partly Vacant, SALIMATA, Khadijat, Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist, KenTheMan, Niontay, MAVI, Sideshow, Shoreline Mafia, Boldy James, V Don, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Quik, Domo Genesis, Smoke DZA, Dough Networkz, Graymatter, Coyote, Ab-Soul, Python P, 2 Eleven, Low The Great, MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, Shenseea, LaRussell, Busta Rhymes, and Mike G Beatz.
Check out out in two more weeks for our next update. If you wish to be CONSIDERED for inclusion, email D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com.
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Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update this week, we’ve added some songs you should know and other joints you need to know, so let’s get into it.
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
Welcome back to CRT FRSH, a collection of songs we feel should be on your radar if they aren’t already. With this week’s update, we did our best to put together a playlist that showcases the wide scope of great Hip-Hop music, although we’re sure to have missed some drops.
We open up the playlist with Mozzy’s “WHO WANT WAR” with a guest feature from Polo G, appearing on the Sacramento rapper’s new INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS album. CRT FRSH favorite Raz Fresco links again with Futurewave for their excellent Stadium Lo Champions album, and the track “Cyanide” is one of our top joints.
“Danger Danger” is a new track from Swizz Beatz from the Godfather of Harlem Season 4 original soundtrack, featuring verses from Jadakiss and Pusha T on the closeout. Mathematics, the longtime DJ and producer with the Wu-Tang Clan, delivered his new album Black Samon, the Bastard Swordsman, and the track “Mandingo” is a classic Wu banger featuring Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, and a stong anchor verse from Cappadona.
From The Private Selection of Saba and No ID could very well end up being the album of the year for many, and “30seccchop” featuring Joseph Chilliams and a strong performance from Jane Deaux is just one of the heaters from the project. Ray Vaughn, one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s newest signees, delivered his new mixtape, The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu, and “EAST CHATT” features fellow TDE artist, Isaiah Rashad.
Salute to Young Thug, Future, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Half-Empty, Partly Vacant, SALIMATA, Khadijat, Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist, KenTheMan, Niontay, MAVI, Sideshow, Shoreline Mafia, Boldy James, V Don, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Quik, Domo Genesis, Smoke DZA, Dough Networkz, Graymatter, Coyote, Ab-Soul, Python P, 2 Eleven, Low The Great, MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, Shenseea, LaRussell, Busta Rhymes, and Mike G Beatz.
Check out out in two more weeks for our next update. If you wish to be CONSIDERED for inclusion, email D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com.
—
Photo: Getty
If you’re looking to freshen up your playlists with some new tunes from your favorite queer artists, you’ve come to the right place. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Cynthia Erivo‘s dramatic new ballad to Betty Who’s empowering new anthem, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Cynthia Erivo, “Worst of Me”
Sure, Cynthia Erivo has proven time and time again just how good her singing voice is — but with her new single, she’s proving that she’s a singular artist, too. “Worst of Me,” the second single off Erivo’s forthcoming new album I Forgive You, takes her powerhouse vocal to new levels as she bids farewell to a toxic relationship. Sweeping strings and layered harmonies bring richness to the track, as Erivo sends her unparalleled voice to new heights on this dizzying new song.
Trending on Billboard
Betty Who, “Run”
Looking for a little hit of ’80s synth-pop? Allow Betty Who to help with “Run,” her electrified new song paying homage to the thrilling camp of the era. Over glittering synths, Who riffs and, well, runs her way through this upbeat homage to perseverance, and doing so with the kind of gusto that you can only hope for from a pop star of her caliber. “Don’t you give up on me,” she asks at the end of the chorus. “I just wanna run.”
Yeule, “Evangelic Girl Is a Gun”
To anyone still earnestly trying to put art-pop star Yeule in box; how’s that going? The titular track off the Singaporean star’s forthcoming new album Evangelic Girl Is a Gun is a masterclass in experimentation, as Yeule and producer Kin Leonn dabble in early 2010s electronica, trip-hop, rock and pop, all while creating one of the wildest-sounding new songs of the year thus far. After finding breakthrough success with Softscars in 2023, Yeule is clearly going for another immediate classic — and judging by their output thus far, they’re on the right track.
Trixie Mattel & VINCINT, “Supermodel (You Betta Work)” (RuPaul cover)
Who doesn’t love RuPaul’s classic house anthem “Supermodel?” What queer person hasn’t looked at themselves in the mirror at some point and yelled “you betta work?” For the uninitiated (and everyone else for that matter), drag star Trixie Mattel and pop virtuoso VINCINT are here to give you a modern take on the dance classic. With Mattel on DJ duty and VINCINT utilizing his silky-smooth voice, the updated rendition of “Supermodel” manages to pull off what every cover hopes it can by giving the original its flowers while standing out as a track of it’s own. To paraphrase fellow drag star Plane Jane: Kudos to Trixie and VINCINT for doing this. For spilling.
Chrissy Chlapeck, “Cherry Do You Love Me”
After breaking through with her clubby 2024 EP Girlie Pop, Chrissy Chlapecka is ready to zig where you thought she might zag. Taking on the persona of “Nicole Vegas,” Chlapecka dropped “Cherry Do You Love Me,” her raucous, rocked out new single that trades in her pounding club beats for blown-out guitars. Her voice naturally fits this style, as she impressive wails her way through this fiery ode to the titular Cherry. If this is any indication of what’s to come for Chlapecka, then buckle up — her new era is already promising to be a wild ride.
Bells Larsen, “Might”
There is a moment on Canadian singer-songwriter Bells Larsen’s latest single “Might” where something magic happens. As his soft, falsetto voice descends from the song’s chorus, where he opined that his voice “might get deep,” Larsen’s old vocal comes in contact with his new, affirmed voice — a beautiful baritone — harmonizing with his past self. Having the foresight to create a loving tribute to the process of transitioning by duetting with your pre-transition self is one thing; but to execute that idea as deftly and lovingly as Bells Larsen does here is another, more profound accomplishment entirely.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
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Source: Prince Williams / Getty
New Orleans rapper Rob49 is taking over the game with his new anthem “WTHELLY,” and the streets are absolutely screaming it.
The track dropped with a hook so catchy it’s stuck in everyone’s head, and it’s about to be the club banger of the summer. The buzz started brewing during Super Bowl weekend in his hometown, New Orleans, where the unreleased song was bumping in all the local clubs. Word got around fast, and even Cardi B hit Rob49’s DMs asking, “Where the hell can I find this song?” She told him she’d been looking for it all weekend because every spot she went to in N.O. had it on repeat.
Less than a month later, Rob49 dropped “WTHELLY” and the world went crazy. It’s already getting mad love from the industry, and it’s turning into a whole new slang that’s popping off everywhere. People can’t stop saying it, remixing it, or shouting it out in their captions. It’s everywhere, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Rob49’s been putting in work since he hit the scene in 2022 with his breakout single “Vulture Island.” That track went crazy, and then he followed it up with the remix featuring Lil Baby, which gave him major co-signs. The music video even brought out legends like Birdman and Kevin Gates, solidifying Rob49’s place in the game. Now, with “WTHELLY,” he’s back with another one that’s shaking up the culture and has the clubs on fire. The whole rap game is tuned in, and Rob49’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Spring has officially sprung, meaning there’s no better time for you to update your playlists with some new songs from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Japanese Breakfast’s stunning new album to yet another new Lil Nas X single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Japanese Breakfast, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)
If Jubilee was Japanese Breakfast’s exploration on defiant joy, than consider For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) as the inverse — a meditation on the darker sides of the singer-songwriter’s internal life. Throughout her fourth studio album, Michelle Zauner leans into dour narratives about lost love (“Honey Water”), paralyzing anxiety (“Picture Window”) and much more, all while teaming up with co-producer Blake Mills to render those visions through lush, understated melodies that bear even further depth the closer you listen.
Trending on Billboard
Lil Nas X, “Lean On My Body”
In the world of Lil Nas X, more is more. A week after he dropped five songs in a row, the pop-rap superstar unveiled yet another new single, and it’s one his fans have been waiting on for three years. “Lean on My Body,” the latest track to be released in Lil Nas X’s Dreamboy rollout, sees Lil Nas flexing harder than ever on his detractors, letting them know that they can pray for his downfall all they want — but he’s not going anywhere, “My next move always gon’ be better than your best one,” he spits. “You b–ches couldn’t even see Lil Nas-y in a warmup, a tryout, a test run.”
Ashnikko, “Itty Bitty”
Ashnikko is back baby, and she’s ready to keep your attention with her risqué new single. “Itty Bitty,” much like plenty of Ashnikko singles before it, sees the singer doing on a sexy, self-destructive rampage in the wake of a breakup, as she puts on her most revealing outfit and goes hunting. The gloriously chaotic production and pounding club rhythm gives “Itty Bitty” that little bit of extra oomph, meaning this new track from Ashnikko will be a surefire hit at a gay club near you.
Shamir, “Neverwannago”
Even though Ten, Shamir’s forthcoming new album, is slated to be the pioneering singer-songwriter’s final album, that doesn’t mean we should cry because it’s over; in fact, he’s encouraging you to smile because it happened. “Neverwannago,” the lead single off his last album, sees Shamir employing ’90s alternative pop to convey his deep, unyielding love for his partner, as he begs them not to leave him alone. “I don’t wanna go back to feeling empty,” he sings. “‘Cause I’m not well.”
Big Freedia, “Take My Hand”
In a time where the concept of Christianity is being wielded as a cudgel by a nefarious group of bigots wishing to strip people of their fundamental rights and freedoms, Big Freedia is here to offer a rebellious and joyful alternative. “Take My Hand,” the first track off the Queen of Bounce’s forthcoming gospel album, is still fueled by the same spirit fans of Freedia have come to know over the last few decades. Over a turbo-charged beat, a series of samples and some gorgeous choral vocals, Freedia reminds everyone that the point is to invite each other in — not push each other away.
Jake Wesley Rogers, “Hot Gospel”
If you’re a little too burned out from the religious side of it all for Freedia’s new song, might we recommend Jake Wesley Rogers’ tongue-in-cheek new pop jam, “Hot Gospel.” The song follows the rising singer-songwriter as he narrates a lifetimes’ worth of expectations that have led him to a therapist’s office to unpack his trauma. While he does that, he pulls out pure ’70s pop nostalgia to make an exceedingly catchy, deeply fun song about working through religious emotional damage.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
