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Between a rumors of joint album from Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign, several revelations from Jada Pinkett Smith’s memoir, and a surprise freestyle from Drake’s son, Adonis, the hip-hop world has been in a tizzy for the past week. In the midst of all of these cultural conversational touchstones, a bevy of hot new music also made its way to streaming platforms on Friday (Oct. 13).
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With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Naomi Sharon’s smooth ode to unconditional love to Young Thug’s heartfelt response to Mariah the Scientist. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Ken Carson feat. Destroy Lonely, “Paranoid”
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The umpteenth reunion of Playboi Cart’s two biggest signees was bound to produce a banger — and Ken Carson & Destroy Lonely do not disappoint. In a nod to the everlasting cultural impact of Barbie, Ken raps, “I f–k Barbie b–ches, yeah, yeah, all my hoes plastic/ All my hoes know how to act, all my hoes classy,” over a skittering trap beat crafted by F1LTHY, Lukrative & Lucian. Both rappers employ madcap flows that cover hip-hop’s most stories tropes (wealth, women, guns, etc.) with an air of wariness that plays into the concept of paranoia that guides the track.
Westside Gunn & Stove God Cooks, “House of Glory”
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And Then You Pray For Me may stand as Westside Gunn’s final studio effort, but the Griselda God left us with an incredibly consistent project. One of the record’s standouts is a RZA-produced collaboration with Stove God Cooks titled “House of Glory,” which finds the pair trading verses laden with biblical imagery over a soulful, almost drumless beat that pulls from a Tchaikovsky sample. “Seen Chanel five hundred dollar plates, she in the county/ She pulled up on Tiffany, shot out the Audi/ Another palm angel gained new wings/ Valentino down to my shoestrings,” he spits.
Jay Worthy, Kamaiyah & Harry Fraud feat. Ty Dolla $ign, “Pull Up”
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On this cut from Jay Worthy, Kamaiyah & Harry Fraud’s terrific The Am3rican Dream collaborative album, the trio calls upon Ty Dolla $ign to help inject some extra West Coast bounce and flair into the track’s soulful production. It’s a tribute to Black wealth as it relates to the concept of the American Dream through the lens of the contemporary entertainment industry. When Ty and Jay trade the “It go money, hoes, fancy s–t/ Let the ho choose up, don’t ask the b–ch” lines in the hook and pre-chorus, there’s a glint of irony in their delivery that takes the whole thing up several notches.
Naomi Sharon, “Regardless”
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As OVO’s First Lady continues to tease her forthcoming debut album, she delves even deeper into her Sade influences on this new acoustic track. “Regardless,” a straightforward track that finds Naomi yearning for truly unconditional love, balances her smooth, seductive timbre with sparkling, subdued keys for a track that understands the beauty of letting the music breathe.
Veeze, “Amusing”
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Over a subtly menacing K Money-helmed beat, Veeze delivers a verse-long stream-of-consciousness tirade in this new track from the deluxe version of his acclaimed Ganger album. He does a lot of typical street posturing on the track — “Doin’ deals neat, this the corner suite trap spot/ I done grew a lot, servin’ n—as I could slime out/ Do the drill on feet, take that boy ID, face shot/ All my n—as stand over shit, we don’t do drive-bys,” he raps — but it’s his laidback cadence that every so often bubbles over into a new level of assertiveness that makes “Amusing” such a dynamic and intriguing listen.
Hunxho feat. Dej Loaf, “Make Time”
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In this delectable slice of trap&B yearning, rising Atlanta rapper Hunxho and Dej Loaf trade verses about straightening up their ways and doing the work to prove to a potential significant other that they are both ready for a proper relationship. Murky trap drums and slurred flows add to the muddy kaleidoscope of emotions that both artists cycle through in the song. “I wish I could love myself/ Like I love you and nobody else,” Dej croons.
Young Thug, “From a Man”
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Over a surprisingly smooth beat courtesy of Turbo and London On Da Track, among other contributors, Thugger delivers a freestyle-evoking track that details his personal and romantic commitments to R&B singer-songwriter Mariah the Scientist, who released her own “From a Woman” track on Friday (Oct. 13) as well. It’s Young Thug’s first new song (as a lead artist) since he dropped off his Business Is Business album earlier this year. The rap great is still behind bars as he awaits the resolution of his RICO case, but “From a Man” proves that he’s still capable of being as prolific as ever.
Drake’s For All the Dogs album — and his subsequent back-and-forth with Joe Budden — took up a lot of airtime this weekend, but the rest of the music world was just as active. As usual, New Music Friday (Oct. 6) unleashed a fresh batch of new R&B and hip-hop tracks to sort through as we count down to the BET Hip-Hop Awards on Tuesday (Oct. 10).
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With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Fivio Foreign’s fiery new drill anthem to Megan Thee Stallion’s swing at hip-hop musical theatre. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Fivio Foreign, “Why Would I?”
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For his first unaccompanied release in several months, Fivio delivers a biting piece of authentic New York drill. With pop-drill — a subgenre that Fivio helped pioneer — topping Top 40 radio and soundtracking the Barbie movie, the skittering snares and staccato flows of New York drill have reached the apex of pop culture. With “Why Would I,” Fivio goes back to basics, as he flexes his real-life successes and achievements in the face of Internet haters, over a menacing drill beat crafted by LS Da Producer and FritzThaProducer.
Megan Thee Stallion, “Out Alpha the Alpha”
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After making a return to the rap scene alongside Cardi B with “Bongos,” Megan Thee Stallion commemorates her foray into film acting with a new song for D—ks: The Musical, a musical comedy based on Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson’s off-Broadway musical of the same name. More Hamilton than Traumazine, “Out Alpha the Alpha” finds the Hot Girl Coach delivering familiar rhymes serenading women’s independence and power — but this time she adds an extra dose of comedy in her delivery to play on the arrangement’s jaunty piano and horns.
Connie Diiamond & Jenn Carter, “Ghetto & Ratchet (Remix)”
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As two of the buzziest names coming out of the New York rap scene, it’s no surprise that Connie and Jenn have found their way on a track together. On the remix to Connie’s fast-rising “Ghetto & Ratchet,” Jenn delivers a characteristically rambunctious verse full of bars flexing both his street cred and his status as one of his city’s hottest rappers. His high-octane delivery offers a smart complement to the smoothness of Connie’s tone.
Digga D, “TLC”
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On this tender G-funk-inflected track — which incorporates a well-known guitar lick from Soul Mann & The Brothers’ “Bumpy’s Lament,” by way of Dr. Dre’s “Xxplosive” — British rapper Digga D offers an introspective number in which he waxes poetic about needing something a bit more real and human in the face of his fast-moving career. “I know it’s insane / I’m grateful, but I’m kinda tired of fame / I need some TLC, I’m drained,” he spits.
Majid Jordan, “Hands Tied”
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For the latest taste of their forthcoming Good People album, Majid Jordan delivers a vibe in the spirit of Sade. Steady percussion and twinkling keys soundtrack a love story concerned with two loves, for whom risk is the reward itself. “Suspicious, suspicious, dismissive, dismissive, dismiss us, dismiss us/ Love is the answer, love is the message, you know it,” they croon. On this smooth, quiet storm-evoking track, the duo makes the smart choice to prioritize singing straight, instead of over-embellishing the song with runaway riffs.
Mannywellz, “Serious”
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On “Serious,” ManNywellz continues his soulful blend of Afrobeats and R&B. Here, Manny extends the spirit of “no weapon formed against me shall prosper” for a war-ready anthem of resilience steeped in faith. He waltzes across the peppy, percussive beat with swagger and confidence, sourced from his knowledge of God’s protection over his life. “I identify as God’s n—a / No weapon can dance with us / Can’t compete, I got stamina,” he proclaims.
Another day, another Drake album. After nearly 10 months of teasing, delays, and an album campaign characterized by his first poetry book and a 21 Savage-assisted tour equally focused on music and bras, Drake has finally unveiled For All the Dogs. Arriving on the heels of three consecutive Billboard 200-topping projects that were all received […]
Whether it’s her “Icy” calling card or her “I know that’s right” catchphrase, two-time Grammy-nominated rapper Saweetie has been cementing herself as a branding queen since she first hit the Billboard charts with “Icy Girl” back in 2017. In the years since then, she’s notched a bevy of platinum singles — “Tap In,” “My Type” and “Best Friend” (with Doja Cat), among them — and collaborated with everyone from John Legend to Gwen Stefani.
For her latest partnership, Saweetie has joined forces with Tinder — the dating app used by millions of love-seekers around the world. Dubbed “Swipe-Off,” the collaboration is a nationwide challenge where the college with the most Swipe activity on Tinder wins a free double feature concert headlined by Saweetie and special guest and fellow rapper Baby Tate. “She was definitely one of the top choices and I’m happy she went with us,” Saweetie gushes.
Swipe-Off — which alludes to Saweetie’s “Tap In” lyrics, “You better get the card and make it swipe like Tinder”— is the latest step in a busy year for the “Icy Chain” rapper. Earlier this year, she released a pair of singles titled “Shot O’ Clock” and “Birthday” (with YG & Tyga), the latter of which peaked at No. 16 on Billboard‘s Rhythmic Airplay chart. Before she debuted those two songs, Saweetie also hopped on the remix of Baby Tate’s viral hit “Hey Mickey,” which the pair will “absolutely” perform at the Swipe-Off concert. Just last month, the rapper and USC alumna co-hosted the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show.
In a lively conversation with Billboard, Saweetie speaks on new music, that VMAs teleprompter gaffe, a return to acting and her dating tips for a Tinder home run.
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What can fans expect to hear and see at your Tinder Swipe-Off concert, should their campus win the competition?
Icy Girls love to have fun, and I’m a college girl, so I would love to bring my energy to whatever campus wins. I think it’s a great way to bring communities together in such a fun and youthful way. I’m jealous too, I wish I was still in college. It’s been some time! I’m really happy to go to the students. I’m happy that they’re excited to see me with my new music. I just dropped “Birthday” and “Shot O’ Clock,” which is doing really well right now. So, I’m excited to see who’s gonna go up because they can expect a really fun show. The surprise is out now, I’m bringing Baby Tate, who is also amazing. So, we’re going to bring all of that!
The focus on college campuses in this Tinder collaborations lines up with your advocacy for education. What are your long-term plans and goals for your ICY Baby Foundation?
My longtime goals and plans is to give back to Black and brown communities, and to come back and to be a living example for what they could become. Whether it’s music, business, education, whatever their heart desires. I want them to know that accomplishing their dream is possible. I think it’s important that somebody who looks like them is coming back and speaking on this, just to give them the fuel they need to engineer their dreams.
My goal is to go back and to inspire and to help them not only learn about financial literacy, but to discover what their passion is. I think that when we used to have career fairs as children, we were often only shown the traditional careers, but it’s 2023-2024. There’s so many more opportunities out there. So, I think it’s important to show them that someone that looks like them did it, and they can do it too.
As you prep for the Swipe-Off concert, what have you found are your favorite songs to perform live?
So there’s two songs. For a popular cut, I love to perform “My Type,” of course. The energy is always so crazy. A deep cut I love to perform is “Back Seat,” it’s such vibe, it’s so special, and it just puts me into this magical trance on stage.
You put out “Birthday” and “Shot O’ Clock” earlier this year, which of the two do you prefer?
I feel like every day is your birthday. I’m the type of person that celebrates my birthday the whole month. So, “Birthday” was really special to me, because I feel like everyone should celebrate life for, if not the whole month, then — I don’t know what’s more dramatic than that — but give me a whole month and I’m good.
What I love about “Shot O’ Clock” is that it’s a triple entendre. It could be alcohol shots, but it could also be like healthy and wellness shots. They could be NBA shots. There could be some type of other shots! [Laughs.] It can go in so many different ways. What made those two songs the perfect combination is that they’re a celebration of life. I’m an Icy Girl, I love to have fun. I like to work hard, but I also like to celebrate hard as well, and I feel like those are what those two songs exhibit.
Those two songs were your first releases (as a lead artist) of the calendar year, why return with those particular tracks?
I think it was all about getting new music out. It was the summertime — you know, summertime is for the girls stepping out, getting ready and having fun — so I think it matched that energy. Now, as far as my next couple of releases, I’m still deciding on what those are, but I just wanted to give the girls something to get ready to and to party to.
In terms of new music, where is your head at sonically? What sounds and styles are inspiring you right now?
I don’t want to give the name of my sound out — because, you know, people be studying and they be stealing, girl. But this music I’m creating…
I literally tell people that I don’t like writing camps. Don’t do any writing camps without me, because I have to be in the room. I produce my own music and I also write my own music. It’s a co-production between me and the creatives, and I think once I put my foot down in that way, the music got so much better. I need to be in the room. My soul and my spirit needs to be in the production. All I can say is when you hear this sound — it’s just gon’ be that Saweetie Sound. So, I’m really excited to share that with the world. It’s that Saweetie Sound, baby, let’s just call it that!
Let’s get into your Tinder history for a bit. When you use the app, do you do so as Saweetie or Diamonté, or are you a lurker?
Honestly, I was a lurker for one day. I was like, “Oh no, this is a new world for me. I gotta come back to this.” But I never came back to it, so I’m excited that I’m actually able to work with them in a bigger way.
What are you green flags and red flags on a Tinder profile?
Green flags are somebody who’s well-traveled, who likes to have fun, who has a job…? A J-O-B. [Laughs.] A job that makes tangible money, not just social currency. A red flag is someone who has no other hobbies besides partying. I think that’s a very one-dimensional personality, and for a girl like me, you need to be multi-dimensional to keep me interested. That’s definitely what I’m looking for: someone who has more to offer than just one side.
What was your approach to dating in college and how does that differ from how you move in the streets now?
I definitely recommend that people shouldn’t be tied down to one person in college, I think college is all about experience — which is why Tinder is great because, you’re able to see what you like and what you don’t like. Hopefully, the girls are out there vetting because we’re the prize. So, who wins the prize? We’re gon’ see!
In the Swipe-Off ad, you were giving us some acting vibes and you’ve done that in the past. Is a return to acting on the table for you in any capacity?
Well, before the writers’ strike, I actually filmed with a really big TV show, so I’m really excited for whenever they decide to release it. I know it’s going to be a huge moment. They stripped me down: no lashes, barely any makeup, I had this wig on! They were like, “No lashes, take ‘em off!” And you know, I’m a lash girl, so I’m just like, “All right, cool. Let’s get into this acting bag, what’s up?!”
Obviously the SAG-AFTRA strike is still ongoing, but could you give fans any hints as to what the show could be?
I’m going to give you one of my lyrics: “Cocaina tiptoes/ Ride it like the whip stole/ Benjis in my bra when my titties need a lift though.” The answer’s in there!
Outside of the Swipe-Off concert, where else can fans expect to see you performing?
That is something we are working on when it comes to this top-secret rollout we’ve been planning, but they gon’ see me outside!
Now, I have to get into the VMAs because obviously everybody had a lot to say. Take me inside your head while you were hosting the pre-show and reading off that teleprompter. Do you have anything you’d like to say to the commenters at home?
I do have a response for that actually. I think a simple response is no matter what happens, baby just keep going. Imma always keep going. I love to motivate. I love to inspire, and because I got back up on that stage, makeup still intact, hair still intact, outfit still intact, still on my Icy Girl ten white toes — I just keep going no matter what happens. That’s all I gotta say about that.
I know your DMs probably be flooded daily, what’s the corniest pick-up line anyone’s ever tried on you? And have you ever used a pick-up line on somebody else?
I think my brand is so strong that the way I’m approached or the way fans — you know, fans shoot their shot — I think I don’t get corny lines cause I think people just know me so well. They be like, “You want some crab legs? You want a Birkin? What you wanna do?” It be cute stuff!
I think that I don’t get corny pickup lines, I get creative pick-up lines. The pickup lines I be getting to see have me laughing. And I think that when people are trying to link on Tinder, make them laugh, be creative, don’t do the “Yo,” “Hey,” “Wassup.” Don’t do the simple stuff. It’s Tinder, baby! Let’s spice it up and let’s have fun in life. It’s something about making the girl laugh. If you could make me laugh, what else can you do?
You puttin’ everyone on game, I know that’s right!
I know that’s right! You know what I love? I love when a man come up to me and they do that line and they go, “I know that’s right.” I be like, “Look at you!” It makes me giggle because to hear a man say it in my tone?! [Laughs.]
Even in the midst of the announcement of Beyoncé’s imminent Renaissance World Tour documentary concert film, there was still an onslaught of new music unleashed upon the world over the weekend. From marquee mainstream rappers to British crossovers, there’s a whole lot of material to sort through.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most exciting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — including Cleo Sol’s gospel-informed affirmations and Paul Wall’s sleek synthesis of Southern and East Coast hip-hop.
Make sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Cleo Sol, “There Will Be No Crying”
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On this gospel-steeped opener to Gold — her second new album in as many weeks — British singer-songwriter Cleo Sol blends gospel, soul, jazz and ambient music for a transformative rumination on the vitality of emotional resilience. Obviously a nod to Revelations 21:1-4, the song’s lyrics are a practice in affirmation, a paean for freedom and release in a world desperately in need of it. “There will be no fighting/ In a river full of dreams/ Make it better, one thing that I need, is to be free/ Life’s a battle that don’t scare me,” she coos in one of the song’s verses. The Inflo-produced track — which completely eschews typical song structures — delicately balances plaintive piano, bass, guitar, and drums for a serene yet intentional reclamation of inner strength.
Paul Wall & Termanology feat. Bun B & Deandre Nico, “No Apologies”
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Southern hip-hop icon Paul Wall is currently readying his forthcoming collaborative album with Billboard-charting rapper and producer Termanology — due Oct. 13 — and this latest taste from the record promises a set that celebrates Southern hip-hop traditions while pushing the scene in a few new directions. “No Apologies,” which features Grammy-nominee Bun B and Texan musician Deandre Nico, finds Paul and Termanology blending elements of drum-heavy East Coast-nodding production with the slower, more languid vibe of Hoston rap production. The result is a lush ode to the power of ambition, set against of backdrop of Static Selektah’s soulful keys and DeAndre Nico’s commanding chorus.
No Guidnce, “Spicy”
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Something of an all-male counterpart to FLO — the British girl group who broke through in 2022 and currently prepping their debut studio album — No Guidnce is seeking to solidify themselves in a similar manner with their new Spicy EP. Three of the tracks on the EP have already been out for months, but their new single — the groovy, bed squeak-touting “Spicy” — is their strongest attempt at a proper radio single. On the new song, the quartet not only showcases their impressive blend, but they also sell a level of camraderie that’s necessary to sell the idea of a boy band. Moreover, the song’s production keeps them in line with most of the contemporary pop&B landscape without threatening to be a sound that casts an insurmountable shadow of their future releases.
Kenyon Dixon feat. RL, “2000s R&B”
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Grammy nominee Kenyon Dixon released his new The R&B You Love album last Friday (Sept. 29), and the record is a nuanced, heartfelt tribute to an era of R&B that prioritized soul music above all else. Tucked away in the back half of the album is a duet with RL of Next titled “2000s R&B,” a prime encapsulation of all the histrionic no-holds-barred journey through the throes of a romance rollercoaster. “Since you left, ain’t been the same/ Got me singin’ 2000s R&B, all in this f–kin’ rain like/ I wish I never met her, no/ D–n, I wish I never met her,” he croons in the chorus.
Sha EK, “Last One Left”
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This standalone EMRLD & Wizical Beats-produced track finds Bronx rapper Sha EK turning down the bombast and opting for a more introspective vibe. Over an instrumental that’s closer to G-Unit’s luxurious street anthems than his usual dynamic take on New York drill, the “New Opps” rapper reflects on his rise to prominence and pledges to put longevity before cheap thrills. “I be going through s—t, but I’m never gonna fold/ N—a, my momma happy cause she see me growin’ ol,” he spits.
Sexyy Red, “No Panties”
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After making the round-up last week, Sexyy Red returns with a fiery new track for the forthcoming second season of Issa Rae’s acclaimed Max series Rap Sh!t. “I ain’t got no panties on, gotta let this coochie breathe/ Bend that shit over, touch them toes, grab your knees,” the “SkeeYee” rapper spits over YA & Snacks-produced banger that leans more Southern rap than her Midwestern comfort zone. From a booming bassline to steady handclaps, Sexyy delivers a bevy of memorable NSFW one-liners throughout this ode to going commando.
Philly Goats, PGS Spence & Armani White, “Buckle Up (Remix)”
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Before its official release to streaming services, Philly Goats’ “Buckle Up” garnered over one million posts on TikTok. Now, the runaway Jersey club snippet hit has grown into a full-fledged smash, complete with a new remix featuring “Billie Eilish” rapper Armani White. Sometimes, songs that gain their popularity through TikTok snippets can become beholden to those thirty seconds — but luckily, this new remix allows “Buckle Up” to feel like a solid standalone song, instead of a track that you’d only encounter while watching TikToks explicitly participating in the accompanying dance trend. “Man, now cuz all on his lawn and I can’t say I’m not in the car / It’s fully, damn / Now I’m in a jawn with a jar and my jawn don’t know I be drawin’ / You feel me? Damn,” Armani raps over the danceable beat.
”Bongos,” Megan Thee Stallion’s latest collaboration with Cardi B, serves as Meg’s first musical release of the year — a slight change of pace for the artist who famously pumped out two studio albums, a compilation tape and an EP in a little over two years.
Her most recent album, August 2022’s Traumazine, followed years of intense emotional and personal turmoil, online vitriol and legal sagas for the three-time Grammy-winning rapper. On Aug. 8, Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan in July 2020, a long-awaited conclusion to three years of court drama.
“I feel like I’m finally closing all the old chapters and now I’m starting with a blank slate,” Megan tells Billboard in a new interview. “Very fresh, very new. I think the Hotties are gonna be so excited.”
“Bongos” — a raucous Brazilian-funk-nodding sequel to 2020’s historic “WAP” that debuts at No. 14 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100— is the first section of that new chapter. Alongside the song’s release, Megan and Cardi also treated fans to an eye-popping music video — with choreography courtesy of Sean Bankhead — as well as a showstopping performance at the 2023 MTV Music Video Awards.
With more new music on the horizon and a new collaboration with Flamin’ Hot called Flamin’ Hot University (FU), Megan Thee Stallion is carefully setting the stage to take the entire world by storm — again.
Megan Thee Stallion will serve as Thee Official Hot Girl Dean of Admission for Flamin’ Hot University, which features a one-of-a-kind online curriculum centered on food, fashion and lifestyle. FU will also give students the entire catalog of Flamin’ Hot snacks in a special limited-edition package — complete with exclusive merch designed by Melody Ehsani — approved by Megan herself. Proceeds from the merch line will go toward a scholarship for deserving students at Texas Southern University, the “Thot Sh–” rapper’s alma mater, thus helping them sidestep student debt.
In a hilarious conversation with Billboard, Megan breaks down some of her Flamin’ Hot University courses, provides an update on her forthcoming new album, reflects on her friendship with Cardi B, and gives her true reaction to Justin Timberlake yelling out her trademark “real hot girl sh–” ad lib after the VMAs.
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How did you come up with the curriculum for Flamin’ Hot University? What are your responsibilities as the Hot Girl Dean of Admissions?
I’m basically just the overseer of all things Hot Girl at this camp. I just wanted to have a lot of things that have something to do with things that are personal to me, how to be a Hot Girl, you know? How to make your favorite snacks at 2 a.m. I feel like every college student knows the struggle. I feel like Hot Cheetos are definitely on the menu at every campus, this is what we eat! So I just want to do things that feel real to me.
Recently, the state of public education in the country has become increasingly muddled by some troubling political agendas. What does it mean to you to be able to give back to your HBCU during a time like this?
I know what it’s like to be a struggling college student. I know what it feels like to be discouraged: “I give up, my classes are hard, I can’t even pay for this, etc.” But I really got through it, and I wanted to be able to give back to other students that I know feel the same way I felt. So once I was able to give it, I was like, “Yeah, lemme put my people on.”
That’s real. What’s your favorite Flamin’ Hot snack?
Everybody knows I love me a good fried pickle, so I definitely love making Hot Cheeto fried pickles. That’s my sh–! With ranch!
When you sit back and reflect on how you’ve grown “Real Hot Girl Sh—” from a catchphrase to one of the most recognizable brands in contemporary pop culture, how do you feel?
I feel surprised half the time. Like, wow, I really just be talking, and I just be living, and people are like, “Yes, I wanna do that too!” [Laughs.] I feel like it’s amazing to just authentically be myself and it, you know, translates into a brand. And it makes me feel like, “OK, you know what? I can’t be doing too bad, right?!”
When it comes to the specific Flamin’ Hot University curriculum, what can people expect to see in some of your lessons?
They can definitely expect all of my Hot Girl recipes from the things that I personally would make out of Hot Cheetos and some stuff that I didn’t even know about. Some things that I took from other people. It’s a chef, his name is Chef Scotty and he also went to TSU, and he put me on a few snacks. So I feel like he definitely gonna figure out some things to eat at 2 in the morning.
We gon’ be eating real good!
We gon’ be eating real good! [Laughs]
One of my favorite parts of your TikTok is how hard you go in the gym. What role has physical fitness played in your life over the past couple of years?
Physical fitness helps me with my mental. If I feel like I’m a little stressed or I’m a little whatever I’m feeling that day, I know I can go let it out in the gym and it helps me clear my mind. I love boxing. I love anything HIIT [high-intensity interval training]-wise. I love pushing myself. When I’m in the gym, I’m like, “Girl, if you can’t do two more squats, I don’t know if you’re gonna be able to handle two more comments!”
So, I definitely go in the gym and I push myself and I motivate myself and I’m pushing my body. But, to push your body, I feel like it’s to push yourself mentally. The gym is definitely a mental thing. To get yourself out the bed in the morning or whatever part of the day, even if you don’t have time to work out in the morning, if you push yourself to finish your day and go to the gym, I feel like it’s all mental. And I feel like you feel like, “Oh my gosh, I did it,” and now you can reward yourself. Working out just feels super rewarding. I feel very accomplished after I work out.
Congratulations on the “Bongos” release and VMAs performance! The music video is very elaborate. What was it like shooting that?
It was so much fun! Every time me and Cardi link up, it ain’t nothing but laughs and a whole party. Both our teams absolutely love each other. Everybody hangs out on their own time anyway, so it kind of felt like we was going out every morning. Oop, Cardi had me waking up so early for these damn — lemme not even curse — Cardi had me waking up so early for these shoots!
How early y’all was up?
Baby, I will start my glam at 3 in the morning to do my first shot at like 8 or 9, and sometimes it didn’t even happen at 8 or 9. If I’m up at 3 in the morning, I’m probably shooting at 3 p.m.! Like goddang! But it was a great time though.
Y’all built different, because 3 a.m. is crazy.
3 a.m. is crazy! But you know you can’t pay the sun to stay out long, so you gotta get all your shots during the day.
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While recording “Bongos,” did you and Cardi feel any pressure to re-create or live up to the heights of “WAP”?
I know for myself, I don’t make music with any expectations. I don’t really care about charts and stuff like that. Obviously, everybody wanna be No. 1, everybody wants to win, everybody wants to give their fans these bragging rights. But I just make music because I love to make music, so I’m not making it like, “Oh, I gotta top this” or “Oh, we have to be better than the last time.” I’m like, “No, we’re gonna make a song because we like to make music, and it’s gonna be fun!” It doesn’t have to be the same vibe. That was already its great, own moment. It served its purpose at that time. That was two, three years ago. We two different women now! So this is different.
I wasn’t expecting it to be anything like “WAP” because we’re not even in the same headspace. I think it was COVID. Baby, we was in the house recording! [Laughs.] Now we outside! It’s time for everybody to be in a good mood. It’s time for everybody to feel a different way. I was so excited when [Cardi] sent me this song because I had never recorded over a beat like that before. I never rapped to anything like that, and I felt like it was a challenge. I was like, “Oh, this is something new. OK, girl, you want me to go to work today, I got you!”
What is it about Cardi specifically that makes her such a good collaborator and friend?
Speaking to the collaborator part like, she literally just let me do me. This is the second time she’s sent me a song, and I’ll be like, “Friend, can I do whatever I want to do on the beat? I’m finna put two verses on here, all right?” She always let me do whatever I want to do creatively. I just appreciate that so much because sometimes people try to give you a direction and they want you to do what they want you to do, but she’s like “Megan, what you think?” She’ll ask me what I think about this song like, “OK, how you think we could make it better? What should we do next? Just do whatever you wanna do and then we’ll piece it together.”
I love the creative freedom that she gives me. She’s always open to whatever I’m saying or any suggestion, so I love that about her. She not scared to try nothing, and her ego ain’t big. She’s not a woman that’s scared to say “you’re right.” So, I really love that about her work-wise.
Friendship-wise, she’s just so real. When I first met her, she was so shy! Anybody’ll probably see her online and they think her personality gonna be one way, no, it’s so opposite. But like as we got more [close as] friends — you know people start off shy and then they get like “Oh, yeah, this the real you”? — I feel like I definitely get to see the real her. She’s just so nice, and she’s really a kind person. That’s what I really like about her. And she just raw. First thing that come to that lady brain, she gon’ say it! And I like that. I respect people like that. She’s definitely a “take it how you wanna take it” type of person.
When can we expect new music from you, girl? We’re starving!
It’s definitely coming very soon. I’m really excited about this chapter of my life because I feel like I’m finally closing all the old chapters, and now I’m starting with a blank slate. Very fresh, very new. I think Thee Hotties are gonna be so excited. I’m trying different things. I got a lot of things that I produced with Ju and with some new producers.
Oh, you got behind the boards!
Baby, I was behind the piano! Yeah! [Laughs] It’s very exciting. I can’t wait for Thee Hotties to really get in my head with this new person I feel like I’m becoming.
What sounds are you thinking of? Is there anything you know for sure you want to address? Is there a tour on the way? What other tea can you give us!
The tea is… everything about the music is tea! [Laughs] Just expect the unexpected. Expect a lot of rawness, a lot of realness, a lot of sh— talking. Just know I’m coming and I hope everybody ready.
Oh, we ready! One quick question before you go: Were you expecting Justin Timberlake to say “real hot girl sh—” in that TikTok?
Dawg! That’s why my mouth was open big! I was so excited! It’s a good feeling when you know the icons know about you. It made me feel good. I was like, “C’mon, real hot girl sh—!”
Pusha T is a global force. The veteran rapper is currently touring It’s Almost Dry, his acclaimed Billboard 200-topping fourth solo studio album, in venues across Europe, from Norway to the U.K. While his singular brand of coke rap has carried him to worldwide success, the heart of Pusha T’s music and aesthetic finds its anchor in the place he calls home: Virginia.
The “Neck & Wrist” rapper is headed back to the DMV on August 19 to perform for fans at the first-ever free Pepsi Dig In Day Block Party in Washington D.C. at the Sandlot Anacostia. With a focus on celebrating and spotlighting local Black-owned restaurants, Pepsi Dig In Day Block Party attendees can expect to enjoy free food, fun and music performances from a lineup of talented musicians, including Alex Vaughn, Black Alley, DJ Five9 and DJ Money.
Supporting Black businesses and Black art is nothing new for Pusha T. In February 2020, he launched his own record label, Heir Wave Media Group, focused on signing and developing artists from the Virginia area. Last year, he publicly cut ties with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music due to the “Black Skinhead” rapper’s controversial appearance on an InfoWars episode and subsequent antisemitic remarks. Currently on a 50/50 deal with Def Jam and Heir Wave Media Group for his solo musical endeavors, Pusha T remains steadfast in his prioritization and elevation of Black people and Black art as his global profile continues to soar, even in the face of recent jabs from Drake on Travis Scott’s “Meltdown.”
As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, Pusha T has enjoyed another banner year. In April, he performed a fiery 17-song set at Coachella, which followed a heated back-and-forth with “We Fly High” rapper Jim Jones regarding Push’s placement on Billboard and Vibe’s Greatest Rappers of All Time ranking. Later this month, Push is set to reunite with his brother, No Malice, for Clipse’s first New York show in over a decade. The performance, which will take place during Genius’ all-day IQ/BBQ, marks Clipse’s second reunion show of the year following their appearance at Pharrell Williams’ Something In The Water Festival earlier this year.
Billboard got a chance to catch up with Pusha-T and talk about the significance of Pepsi Dig In Day, the variety of Hip-Hop 50 celebrations, Clipse’s upcoming reunion performance, and his new album.
How’s life for you on the road right now?
Really good! Pretty hectic, pretty tedious. This first week was about six shows in seven days, and going from Europe to the US, so this is a hell of a way to start off a tour. But that’s what we’re here for!
Why is it important for you to be involved in an event like Pepsi Dig In Day?
I feel like Pepsi Dig In Day speaks to bringing the community together for music and the celebration of black-owned businesses in the DMV area. The DMV has so many different places and black-owned businesses to highlight in the restaurant space. It’s just a good time. It’s a good time for everybody.
Recently we’ve seen a lot of big pushes and initiatives in support of Black-owned businesses across the country, especially since 2020. Why did you choose to partner with Pepsi for this one, and what made you believe in this particular endeavor?
I’m always in the area — I’ve actually moved to the area permanently [laughs] and I’m renovating a house there. For me, I feel like this particular [event] is very special, because I frequent The Sandlot, which is where it’s being held. The Sandlot, for those who don’t know — it’s a historic neighborhood in D.C., where they’ve built out this area where people just have parties and DJs, and it’s always a really good, cool time. It’s where all the cool kids, the creatives, businessmen congregate for many events that I’ve been to. Once I heard about it, it was a no-brainer for me.
What are some of your favorite Black-owned spots in the DMV area?
I would start with some of the first ones that ever frequented, Maketto and KitchenCray. My guy, J.R. [James Robinson] with KitchenCray, and my guy, Keem [Hughley] with Maketto and Bronze, he has two restaurants. (Ed. note: Hughley is the director of sales at Maketto, which is owned by chef Erik Bruner-Yang.) They have a whole food truck culture out there as well. Jerk@Nite is really good, and Horace and Dickies, man, the fried whiting/fried shrimp/seafood swag.
What’s your go-to meal when you’re back home, whether it’s home-cooked or a plate you can get at one of those spots?
I’m going to have to say the jerk wings, rice and peas, and the mac and cheese. It’s a must. You can’t have it every day. It is 1000% something you should not have every day, if you’re being super health-conscious like I am at the moment [laughs], but it’s something that I have to have.
This year, Pepsi Dig In Day happens to coincide with a bunch of Hip-Hop 50 celebrations. How have you felt about the various celebrations so far and do you think that you’ve been included and honored in the way that you deserve?
I’ve been a part of a couple [Hip-Hop 50 celebrations], and I feel like I’ve been included. It’s been super-inclusive to all the subgenres of hip-hop, it’s been great to see. I think that, more importantly, this is a milestone for hip hop, and for people to recognize that hip-hop is really here to stay. You think about all the times that hip-hop wasn’t even included — whether it was award shows, or all of the fighting and political stress that was surrounding hip-hop at one time. To see that we’ve been here 50 years, man, it’s amazing.
What’s it been like touring Europe during Hip-Hop 50?
This is the second part of my Europe tour this year. I had to break it up, because I started working on music. It’s been great to be in Paris and be in London and watch the fans go crazy. The fans are super excited. For me, it’s always good, because I get to see the range of my fanbase — and it’s like, “Man, I’m seeing from 15 to 50!” That’s a blessing. It’s always been amazing to me just to be overseas across the waters and be able to touch the people that really show me support, and have shown me support for all these years.
Clipse is coming back with their first NYC show in over a decade in a couple of weeks. Talk to me about that. Do you guys have anything special planned? How does it feel to be returning to the birthplace of hip-hop for such a momentous occasion?
It’s really good just to be able to come to the birthplace of hip-hop and perform again. Being included in the hip-hop celebration by Genius, it’s awesome that we’re looked at and in such a regard — and I’m talking about Clipse — we’re just looked at for our lyricism, we’re being looked at for what we brought to the genre of street rap, and just being recognized is always a good thing. I mean being onstage with my brother is second to none.
Obviously, rap is a very regional art form, and your hometown and roots have an outsized influence on your music. Now that you’re back for such an uplifting event, do you anticipate that influencing your upcoming music at all? What can you tell us about your upcoming album, which you’ve described as “a special project?”
I personally feel like my music has always been representative of the region that I’m from, meaning that whole Virginia area and the DMV as a whole. The term “DMV” is very territorial to people. I’m from Virginia, 757 area code, which is Southeast Virginia State. You know, when they say “DMV,” it’s usually representative of Northern Virginia and D.C. proper. Me being on the outskirts and having the success that we’ve had, it’s always been like a second home to us, and we’ve always loved and supported the area in any way that we could. I love to come back and give that energy back. I think that we’ll really show the world all the aspects of the DMV.
“If you remember anything from tonight, remember this one thing: I ain’t s— without you,” proclaimed Lil Wayne at the Hip Hop 50 Live concert on Friday (Aug. 11). As tens of thousands of fans descended upon Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the most important and influential art forms in the world, Wayne’s message was proven correct.
Hip Hop 50 Live, which featured headliners Run-D.M.C. in their final show, was a celebration of the genre’s roots and evolution as much as it was a celebration of the fans and community that have kept pushing the culture forward for 50 years and counting. Featuring a crowd as diverse as New York City itself, the concert placed a heavy emphasis on honoring the genre’s pillars such as The Sugarhill Gang and Melle Mel. From undisputed icons like Roxanne Shante to new-school innovators like A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Friday night’s concert was the physical embodiment of the cross-generational impact of hip-hop.
Assembling a lineup that effectively conveys the cultural, regional, sexual, and generational diversity of a genre as multilayered as hip-hop is no easy task. While the show was notably lacking in contemporary stars, the concert’s lineup was more than capable of captivating the massive stadium. Performances included sets from Nas, Lil Wayne, Ice Cube, Wiz Khalifa, Ghostface Killah, Common, Lupe Fiasco, Cam’Ron, T.I., Lil’ Kim, Trina, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Slick Rick, EPMD, Snoop Dogg and more.
Hip Hop 50 Live specifically commemorated a legendary party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue hosted by Cindy Campbell and DJed by DJ Kool Herc — a party that birthed hip-hop. As such, the celebration took things all the way back to the beginning. The Sugarhill Gang delighted the audience with a rousing rendition of “Rapper’s Delight,” which is widely regarded as the first commercially released hip-hop song, and rap pioneer Grandmaster Caz rocked the house with performances of “It’s Us,” among other Cold Crush Brothers selections.
Of course, hip-hop is about more than just the rappers. DJs also got their due at Friday’s concert, with legendary DJs like Marley Marl and Mannie Fresh keeping the energy flowing with sets that frequently highlighted the sub-genres and sounds of hip-hop not present on the official bill.
As the night transitioned into lengthier sets, both Lil Wayne and T.I. reminded attendees that both have an endless stream of hits across eras and genres. T.I. held it down for the South and 20 years of Trap Muzik with a set that included such hits as “Swagga Like Us,” “Whatever You Like,” and “Live Your Life.” Lil Wayne, who masterfully tore through countless anthems, pulled out hits like “A Milli,” “Uproar,” “I’m Goin’ In,” and a cruel tease of “Back That Azz Up,” that left the crowd hanging.
Hip Hop 50 Live was co-produced by Mass Appeal, Live Nation, and the New York Yankees. Emmy Award-winner BASSic Black Entertainment CEO Adam Blackstone and producer and keyboardist Omar Edwards served as the concert’s creative music directors.
Here are the 8 best moments of Hip Hop 50 Live:
Doug E. Fresh Transforms Into ‘Human Beat Box’
Image Credit: Danny Vasquez/Mass Appeal
On the heels of achieving his highest-charting unaccompanied Billboard Hot 100 hit with “F—kumean” (No. 4), Gunna has released a new music video for “Rodeo Dr.” Taken from his chart-topping A Gift & A Curse album, “Rodeo Dr” debuted and peaked at No. 42 on the Hot 100 last month on the chart dated July […]
Sexyy Red isn’t concerned with chasing hits. “I’m not even trying,” she tells Billboard over Zoom. “You just gotta be yourself and then they gonna f–k with you.”
She’s living proof: the 25-year-old (born Janae Wherry) is currently enjoying a breakout year thanks to her sexually explicit, Tay Keith-produced “Pound Town.” Since the trap single arrived in January, Sexyy Red has formed bonds with some of R&B and hip-hop’s biggest names, befriending Travis Scott and Drake (the latter has posted a picture with her on Instagram, and Sexyy Red has teased music together), and collaborating with Summer Walker and Nicki Minaj.
Her “Pound Town 2” remix with Minaj dropped in late May and became Sexyy Red’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 the following month, debuting at No. 66. Still, she remains blasé toward her A-list interactions. “I already know I’m a cool, f–k-witable person,” she says.
It’s not surprising that the St. Louis native has maintained her nonchalant attitude amid her rise. After all, it’s what helped put her on the map: According to co-manager Caprie Poe — who is also general manager at Miami-based label Rebel Music — Sexyy Red first caught the attention of an A&R rep at the label in 2021 with her 2018 single “Free Smoke.” “[She] was super raw and authentic,” says Poe. “She always says what’s on her mind.” Case in point: the “Pound Town” lyric that has taken the internet by storm (“I’m out of town, thuggin’ with my rounds/My c–chie pink, my booty h–e brown”).
Cartier eyewear from Spencer Shapiro.
Devin Christopher
The rapper signed to Rebel Music and released her debut project, Ghetto Superstar, that December to local acclaim. But co-manager and Rebel Music founder/CEO Javier “Jay” Sang says the team was dedicated to growing her national audience: “We treat Sexyy Red as a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week business.”
Their strategy paid off last fall, when they encouraged Sexyy Red to follow up with Tay Keith (who she was acquainted with), leading the Grammy-nominated producer to send her the beat to what became “Pound Town.” Soon after, she was freestyling about a sexcapade with an ex-boyfriend during a Miami studio session. She remembers laughing with her friends throughout — but her team was more earnest. “They was like, ‘You playing on this man’s beat,’” she says. “I’m like, ‘Ain’t nobody trying to be serious all the time.’ Finally, they [said], ‘I understand your vision.’”
By February, she released a music video inspired by the reality show Cheaters, followed by a Miami spring break edition of the clip in March. The track has also found success on TikTok having been used in over 250,000 clips. There’s even a mashup of the song called “Frontin’ x Pound Town Simmy Mix,” where Chicago native DJ Simmy overlaid Red’s vocals on Pharrell and Jay-Z’s “Frontin’” beat. But the original song needed a final push to become a hit.
Sexyy Red photographed July 24, 2023 in Miami.
Devin Christopher
From left: Sexyy Red and co-manager Caprie Poe photographed July 24, 2023 in Miami. Cartier eyewear from Spencer Shapiro.
Devin Christopher
Around the same time, industry veteran Larry Jackson launched Gamma — a media company specializing in distribution, creative guidance, marketing and more — and signed Sexyy Red while building a roster that includes Snoop Dogg and Usher. (Sexyy Red also remains signed to Rebel Music.) “She immediately became a priority,” says Sang. “I know Larry for moving mountains and he was like, ‘What do you think about Nicki on the record?’ It was a no-brainer.”
As the song continues to grow, Sexyy Red knows that it’ll “never get old,” but is ready for people to start focusing on her other music. “SkeeYee,” another Tay Keith-produced track — and popular greeting call in St. Louis — on her June mixtape Hood Hottest Princess, has been gaining momentum of late.
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This summer has also included a Rolling Loud performance, and soon, a few opening slots for Moneybagg Yo on tour. She’ll eventually embark on her first headlining trek, with dates and locations yet to be announced, but for now, she’s letting her team handle her business affairs. “I’m just the artist and they do what they do to make it happen for me,” she admits. “They ain’t trying to stress me out because I don’t even want to deal with no s–t like that.”
Instead, she’s focusing on what she does best: releasing one salacious, unapologetic song at a time, she says. “People think I’m crazy, but I feel like I’m just myself.”
Sexyy Red photographed July 24, 2023 in Miami.
Devin Christopher
A version of this story will appear in the Aug. 5, 2023, issue of Billboard.