R&B/Hip-Hop
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Beyoncé had plenty of company when she celebrated her long-sought, first-ever album of the year win at Sunday night’s (Feb. 2) 67th Grammy Awards. The top prize went to Bey’s Cowboy Carter, but the trophy for second-most excited in the room definitely went to GloRilla, who was absolutely losing it when Queen Bey’s name was […]
Central Cee finds himself in the middle of some controversy. It’s really nothing serious, unless you’re a New Yorker. The British rapper recently claimed that he’s influenced streetwear here in the States, specifically having a hand in the popularity of the Nike Tech Fleece sweatsuit. In a clip posted on X by user @web_culture, Cench […]
Drake‘s father Dennis Graham was at the Grammys this weekend with the rest of the music world and was asked about Kendrick Lamar winning record of the year for “Not Like Us,” the diss song that ended the battle between the Compton rapper and Graham’s son. TikTok user @joy.of.everything posted a video of their interaction […]
Count Janelle Monáe among those furious at Nelly for his performance at Donald Trump’s Liberty Ball inauguration celebration on Jan. 20. Monáe hit the stage Sunday night alongside Anderson .Paak and a live band at a 2025 Grammy Awards afterparty going down at Andy’s in West Hollywood. The tuneful collective covered Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” anthem, […]
Compton, it’s a sweep! At last night’s 67th Annual Grammy Awards (Feb. 2), Kendrick Lamar went home the most-awarded artist of the night, taking home all five categories “Not Like Us” was nominated in. With his victories for best rap song, best rap performance, best music video, song of the year and record of the year, Lamar brought his career total to 22 wins. What’s more? In one night, “Not Like Us” won as many Grammys as Drake has in his entire career.
In non-Lamar Grammy news, Doechii shut down the stage twice. First, she delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning best rap album for Alligator Bites Never Healed, and she returned to the stage a few hours later for an explosive medley of “Catfish” and “Denial Is a River.” The R&B field wisely avoided a sweep and spread the wealth between Muni Long (best R&B performance for “Made for Me”), Chris Brown (best R&B album for 11:11), SZA (best R&B song for “Saturn”), Lucky Daye (best traditional R&B performance for “That’s You”) and Avery*Sunshine (So Glad to Know You) and NxWorries (Why Lawd?), who tied for best progressive R&B album.
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And, at long last, Beyoncé finally won album of the year, joining Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill as the only Black women ever to receive the honor as lead artists. Cowboy Carter also took home best country album and best country duo/group performance for the Miley Cyrus-assisted “II Most Wanted.”
Drake let Kendrick (and The Weeknd!) enjoy their Grammy moments last night, but he wasted no time making his own moves the following morning. On Monday (Feb. 3), Drizzy confirmed that $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, his long-awaited joint album with Partynextdoor, will arrive on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) — less than a week after K.Dot is slated to perform at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Doechii’s Grammy victory lap anthem to action to Jessie Reyez’s slinky new jam. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Doechii, “Nosebleeds”
Hours after joining Cardi B as just the second female rapper to win the best rap album Grammy as a soloist, Doechii dropped the soundtrack to her victory lap. Calling on Ye’s 2005 Grammy acceptance speech, the Swamp Princess kicked off her surprise new Jonas Jeberg-helmed track saying, “I don’t know, is she gonna go crazy? Is she gonna go crazy?/ Everybody wanted to know what Doechii would do if she didn’t win/ I guess we’ll never—.” Prancing down the path of Slick Rick, Doechii spends “Nosebleeds” weaving in and out of new flows, each more arresting than the last, and different vocal intonation and affectation to highlight the kaleidoscopic feel of Jeberg’s frenetic production. Reminiscent of 2022’s “Crazy” with an ethereal beat switch tucked at the very end, “Nosebleeds” is a loosie that bodes well for the rest of Doechii’s 2025. — KYLE DENIS
Lord Sko & Curren$y, “Understand”
The prince of Uptown NYC. A throwback to the Golden Era lyricism that once emanated from the pavement of the Big Apple, Lord Sko floats above the skyscrapers on the jazzy “Understand.” He delves into his escapades betting on Italian horses and how he’s spent so much on drugs that his plug became a fan. “It’s just something you can’t understand/ Word is in my palm, my blunt is in the other hand,” he raps. Curren$y feels right at home over the soulful production while flexing about his marble tiles and fountain sitting in his front yard. Look for Sko’s Piff album arriving on March 28. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Jessie Reyez, “Goliath”
“GOLIATH,” the latest taste of Jessie Reyez’s forthcoming new album, serves as a powerful reflection on selfless love. Reyez showers her partner with appreciation, expressing just how much their love means to her and her deep desire to hold on to it. “GOLIATH” centers on unwavering devotion, portraying a love so strong that she’s willing to fight any battle to protect it. The title is a biblical reference to the giant warrior defeated by David, symbolizing immense challenges or obstacles. When Reyez sings, “I would square up with any Goliath,” she declares her readiness to take on anything for love. Lines like “moonwalk it through any fire” further drive home her commitment — she’s not just facing difficulties, she’s moving through them with ease and confidence. With “GOLIATH,” Jessie Reyez delivers yet another emotionally charged anthem. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Durand Bernarr, “Impact”
Fresh off his first career Grammy nomination (best progressive R&B album for En Route), acclaimed indie R&B singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr launched “Impact,” the lead single from his forthcoming third studio album, Dur&. Over pulsating synths, Bernarr employs a range-traversing approach to vocal performance that allows his bright falsetto and robust lower register to highlight the darkest and warmest elements of the soundscape Stanley Randolph, Poe Leos and nftnty94 co-created. A funky ode to remembering the link between intention and impact, Bernarr’s latest single keeps his hot streak going. — K.D.
EST Gee feat. Travis Scott & Lil Baby, “Houstatlantaville”
Geeski season has returned. Taking inspiration from Drake’s “Houstatlantavegas,” EST Gee flips a street anthem of his own connecting H-Town, Atlanta and Louisville alongside Lil Baby and Travis Scott for “Houstatlantaville.” Originally just Gee and Baby, a strip club encounter with La Flame in Houston brought him into the fold. Scott bats third after a pair of gritty verses and takes the chance to boast about his lucrative touring. “Every time I touch the stage, that’s two million in the case/ 30-plus shows in the states, I come back with twice my age,” he boasts. The song’s full parent album, Gee’s I Ain’t Feeling You, is also worth the price of admission. — M.S.
Coco Jones & Leon Thomas, “Here We Go (Uh Oh) [Remix]”
“Here We Go” again! Coco Jones is back with a fresh take on her Grammy-nominated hit “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” this time teaming up with Leon Thomas. As she readies for the release of her highly anticipated debut album under High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings, Jones continues to build on the momentum of her 2022 EP What I Didn’t Tell You, which featured the Grammy-winning track “ICU.” On the remix, Leon Thomas steps into the role of the ex, offering a raw and emotional response that adds another layer to the song’s narrative. “Here We Go (Uh Oh) (Remix)” vividly portrays the tumultuous cycle of a toxic, on-again, off-again relationship where neither partner can truly let go. Coco Jones channels frustration as she attempts to break free, but subtle actions — like her ex liking her posts — keep drawing her back in. Leon Thomas, on the other hand, views their tumultuous love as just part of the experience, questioning why she would move on while subtly implying that she’s not completely over him either. — C.C.
Dee Gatti, “Control”
Like Ms. Jackson, everyone has a story about control, including rising Texas R&B singer Dee Gatti. “Too selfish for your own good/ Baby, you change on your own time/ ‘Cause I gave it the best I could/ Ain’t no saving you, I tried/ If I could care any less, I would,” he croons in the pre-chorus over percussive, early ’00s Timbaland-evoking production courtesy of Kofo, Jay Gogna & Arniticus Anderson. With sweeping, histrionic strings perfectly communicating the harrowing stakes of navigating a relationship with a controlling — and maybe even manipulative — partner, “Control” is an excellent addition to Gatti’s 2025 offerings. — K.D.
AzSwaye, “LOTTA”
AzChike represented for the AzCult with his guest appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album, and AzSwaye takes the baton for the crew into 2025. Swaye’s never been shy about rolling the dice in life and his overindulgences. “You know I talk a lot of s–t/ I’m off drank, I’m off pills/ I’m on a lot of s–t,” he raps over trunk-rattling drums for the menacing “LOTTA.” Raised around West Coast rap royalty – Kendrick Lamar once helped save him following a treadmill accident – Swaye looks to etch his own chapter in the history books. — M.S.
Mahalia feat. Lila Iké, “Pressure Points”
British singer Mahalia teams up with Jamaican artist Lila Iké for the reggae-influenced “Pressure Points,” exploring the complexities of a passionate yet tumultuous relationship. The song blends intense love, longing, frustration, and emotional strain. The opening establishes a desire for balance, with Mahalia’s chorus using “pressure points” to describe the emotional and physical areas where her partner can reach her, urging them to act on their deep connection. Lila Iké’s verse shifts the tone, expressing frustration with the inconsistency of the relationship and calling for more honesty and commitment. Mahalia’s second verse highlights the emotional push and pull, feeling desired when together but cold and uncertain when apart. The bridge, where both artists unite, demands that actions match words, emphasizing that promises are empty without tangible effort. “Pressure Points” captures the emotional complexity of a love that’s both passionate and challenged by mixed signals, emotional distance, and the need for deeper commitment. — C.C.
Ye — formerly Kanye West — hosted a Grammy Awards afterparty in Los Angeles on Sunday (Feb. 2), where he premiered his upcoming The Download interview with Justin Laboy. The rapper reflected on competing with Drake over the years, and while he recognized the 6 God was down following his battle with Kendrick Lamar, West […]
Drake and PartyNextDoor are looking to spice up your Valentine’s Day playlist, as Drizzy announced on Monday (Feb. 3) that their $ome $exy $ongs 4 U joint project is set to arrive on Feb. 14. While down in Australia gearing up for the Anita Max Wynn Tour, the 6 God unleashed an album trailer for […]
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has long blended the worlds of fashion and sports. A 12-year pro, D-Hop’s Avante-garde fashion sense mixing elements of streetwear with chic formal pieces and eccentric hats made him a pioneer in the “tunnel fits” era of athletics.
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NFL and NBA players have been turning their strolls from the stadium hallways to the locker room into fashion show catwalks, which has opened them up to different avenues of opportunities, while showcasing more personality under the helmet and allowing them to be defined by more than just their athletic abilities.
“When people think of football players, they think tough or mean, and guys that tackle,” Hopkins tells Billboard. “Then they see a different perspective of us wearing cool things, and I think it gives us a certain light that allows the audience to appreciate us more as people.”
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Hopkins parlayed that reputation into a deal with IMG Models, walking in fashion shows for Vetements and Fear of God, and being named to Nashville’s 25 Most People People list while playing for the Tennessee Titans.
He checked another box off on Friday (Jan. 31) with the release of his 60-piece Boohooman capsule collection. Filled with tonal palettes splattered across t-shirts, bomber jackets, elevated trousers, silk sets and more, Hopkins and Boohooman made sure to keep the collection affordable with every piece under $60.
“All the pieces are easily wearable. Nothing crazy — very versatile,” he says. “I got some matching tonal silk sets in there. I got a little bomber jacket, which I feel like is the hero piece. I wanted to make things affordable because growing up I couldn’t afford the craziest things.”
Next up: the biggest game of Hopkins’ life. With Super Bowl LIX on deck in New Orleans, the future Hall-of-Famer will look to add the only thing missing from his decorated resume — a championship ring.
“It would mean everything,” he says of lifting the Lombardi Trophy. “I think it would kind of put my legacy in a good place of hopefully being one of the best to play the game.”
Check out the rest of our chat with the 32-year-old wideout as he touches on his new music publishing company, friendships with Shaboozey and Travis Scott as well as what’s buzzing on his pre-game playlist. Shop Hopkins’ Boohooman collection here.
How did the partnership with Boohooman come together and how involved were you in the collection?
I’m about to play in the Super Bowl, baby… It started a couple of months ago. Me being a fan of Boohooman, I was looking to collab with someone. I feel like Boohooman is a brand that’s respected everywhere. My little sister, my brothers — we’ve all been supporters of it. I wanted to make something happen and they agreed.
As far as being hands-on with the collection, it was an understanding of who I am and who they are. It was something that was easy because I didn’t have to do much and they didn’t either. The pieces they chose and I chose it worked and it was very effortless because they know who I am from studying me and I knew who they were. We made it work. I’m a clean guy kind of guy. I want it to be clean, but very easy. The color palette is very tonal which is my vibe. All the pieces are easily wearable. Nothing crazy — very versatile. I got some matching tonal silk sets in there. I got a little bomber jacket, which I feel like is the hero piece. I wanted to make things affordable because growing up I couldn’t afford the craziest things. The pieces I did have I appreciated. I wanted to stay under $100, which I’m happy we made happen.
What do you think about the tunnel fits aesthetic that’s taken over the NFL from when you came in, in the early 2010s, to now — with social media booming and how big fashion’s become?
I think tunnel pieces for football players have changed some people’s perspective on football players. See us as equal. Some of us are funny and we wear cool, funny stuff. Like, Mack Hollins wore a costume. People see that and are like, “Okay, these guys are cool and have a personality other than tackling each other.” I think the walk-through has opened up a different audience to the fans appreciating us and waiting for certain guys’ outfits and seeing what they’re doing. It’s opened a lot of doors in the fashion world and for fashion brands to see the football players — we can be runway models, and design and collab. It’s just getting started.
You’ve walked in the Vetements and Fear of God shows in the past — if you could talk about connecting with those brands.
That was a blessing. I signed to IMG Models about six or seven years ago and I think part of the reason they signed me was the tunnel fits. How I put certain pieces on and that led to other things. I walked in Jerry Lorenzo’s show in the Hollywood Bowl. I went to Paris and walked in Vetements which was a dream come true. I seen more guys — even ex-NFL players — getting into the fashion scene. Everything I would say started with the tunnel walk-ins. I would say I was one of the early pioneer guys who kind of led the way and was a unicorn at the time of wearing things at the time that people would say is borderline “this is a little crazy.” I did it, and I’m happy guys like [Russell Westbrook] in the NBA did it as well. Not a lot of people were really wearing or trying to make that the expressive fashion sense that some guys do.
Who would you say has the best style on the Chiefs?
Outside of myself, I would say JuJu Smith-Schuster. JuJu has good style. He’s not scared to be himself or wear something unique. That’s the reason I would say JuJu.
What are you thinking for the Super Bowl Sunday gameday style?
I’m still deciding, but I’m thinking I want to have some balance to whatever I wear. I don’t want to go too crazy because it is a big game. It has its moment itself. I might wear something to balance it and tone it down a bit.
Who are some of your go-to’s for the pre-game playlist for the Super Bowl?
I’m very balanced in my music taste. I gotta go Montell Fish, Sauce Walka, Chris Stapleton and Marcus King. That’s my vibe right now. I’ll throw a little H-Town in there.
How did your friendship with Shaboozey come about? I saw you in the “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” video.
I would say just appreciation for my craft. A mutual appreciation. I’ve been listening to Shaboozey for a while. I was in L.A. and I have some friends that know him. I’ve been a supporter of his since day one. It came about because of a mutual friendship. We hung out in Nashville when I was living there because he had a show. We’ve been [cool] for a couple of years now. We’re pushing each other. We’re each other’s biggest fans and biggest critics. I started a publishing company in Nashville. A joint pub company.
Tell me more about the publishing company.
There’s a group called Spirit Music Group from Nashville and they have a lot of big country artists. It’s a joint venture with myself and them. It’s called Lasa (Love All Serve All). We’re working on a big artist who averages three million monthly listeners on Spotify his name is Lecade. We just finalized it. It hasn’t even been six months now. We got a lot of artists who want to get on and I’m trying to keep it versatile. Def looking for pop, country and a little bit of everything.
When you were in Houston, were you cool with Travis Scott? I saw you playing in the Cactus Jack softball game.
Oh yeah. Trav’s my guy, man. I was listening to Trav in early 2013 and of course I was like, “This dude is gonna blow up.” Obviously, he did. Trav and I, we definitely hung out especially being in Houston.
Tay Keith is another person you’re cool with out there.
Tay Keith is one of my good friends. The thing I love about Tay Keith is Tay Keith is a businessman. He’s got a tequila company called Shadow Tequila based in Nashville and it’s doing really well. I’m a big supporter of my friends and what he’s doing. A lot of people know him as Tay Keith the producer, but he’s a businessman, and I think that’s why we get a long so well. Tay Keith is one of my best friends back there.
What’s your album or song of the year for 2024?
I would have to go with Marcus King’s “F–k My Life Up Again” and the album’s Mood Swings. That whole album is pretty good.
What would it mean to win a ring and finish off this season right?
I’ve played 12 years, and I think I’ve played with 19 or 20 quarterbacks. I think, for me, to get this Super Bowl — it would be a [testament] to my patience and my faith and still trusting God and trusting myself. I think it would kind of put my legacy where it needs to be.
Beyoncé notched a number of firsts on Sunday night (Feb. 2) at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Not only did she become the first Black woman to take home the album of the year award as the lead artist this century when Cowboy Carter took the top prize, but she also finally scored her long-sought first win in the AOTY category after four previous nominations and losses.
Asked what the award means to her by ET after the show, Beyoncé said, “It’s very surreal and it’s been 25 years of working really had and trying me best to keep growing and keep opening up doors… so I’m just very honored.” In accepting the award, Bey shouted out the members of the Los Angeles Fire Department who presented it to her, thanking them for keeping Angelenos safe during the recent deadly wildfires that were acknowledged frequently during Sunday’s fundraising broadcast.
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“I’d like to thank and acknowledge and praise all of the firefighters for keeping us safe,” she said during the show. “I just feel very full and very honored. It’s been many, many years.”
A reporter for the Recording Academy also caught up with the singer backstage and got a similarly jubilant answer. “I feel overwhelmed, so full, thank you so much. This is a beautiful night,” she said, adding with some sass and a wrist roll, “the Beyhive is buzzin‘!”
In her chat with ET, Bey also said she was glad that her and Jay-Z’s eldest daughter, Blue Ivy, was on hand to see her mom triumph and join her on stage for the big moment. “Taller than me, and I don’t like it at all,” the singer joked about the 13-year-old, noting that their youngest daughter, four-year-old Rumi — who is also on Cowboy Carter — was “at home watching and I forgot to thank her so I get to thank her now: Thank you, Rumi.”
Beyoncé also took time to acknowledge that the Carter album was a means to introduce many more people to the deep history of Black country artists while showcasing such contemporary players as Rhiannon Giddens, whose hot banjo licks on the “Texas Hold ‘Em” single likely put a lot more eyes on her long career in country/bluegrass music.
“The banjo has a deep history and I just feel honored to reintroduce some of that history that I think has been lost and very, very honored that I got the response and the open heart and that people welcomed the album,” Beyoncé said, appearing to get a little teary-eyed when the interviewer mentioned how touched Giddens said she was in an chat last year about her prominent spot on the album.
“The love I got from the country community tonight really made me feel so seen and I’m very grateful,” Beyoncé said. “Hopefully they continue to open up the world for people that just love and respect the genre, no matter where they come from, everybody should be invited.”
In addition to AOTY, the 11-times nominated Cowboy Carter also won best country album, making Bey the first Black woman to ever take home the prize; she also won best country duo/group performance thanks to her Miley Cyrus team-up on “II Most Wanted.”
Watch Beyoncé talk AOTY Grammy win below.
Doechii isn’t wasting any time celebrating her big night at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Fresh off winning Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, the Tampa rapper surprised fans with a brand-new single, “Nosebleeds,” just hours after her emotional victory.
The track, released via Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records, was written and recorded specifically for the occasion with producer Jonas Jeberg. Executive produced by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and Anthony “Moosa” Tiffith, “Nosebleeds” finds Doechii at her sharpest—balancing confidence, humor, and raw storytelling as she addresses her rise, her doubters, and the whirlwind of speculation surrounding her Grammy nominations.
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Her Best Rap Album win made history, as Doechii became only the third female artist to take home the award since its introduction in 1989.
In her acceptance speech, she reflected on the significance of the moment. “This category was introduced in 1989, and two women have won,” she started, before correcting herself: “three women have won — Lauryn Hill, Cardi B and Doechii.”
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She then took the opportunity to introduce herself to a wider audience and shine a light on her city’s talent. “There’s so many people out there who probably don’t know who I am. I call myself the Swamp Princess because I’m from Tampa, Florida. Tampa has so much talent… labels, go to Tampa.”
She ended her speech by shouting out the kids watching who might see themselves in her: “I know there is some Black girl out there [watching] and I want to tell you that you can do it. Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes onto you… you are exactly who you need to be to where you are, and I am a testimony [to that].”
In addition to her Best Rap Album win, Doechii was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance for “Nissan Altima.”
Her 2024 mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, earned critical acclaim, and the project was supported by a sold-out tour across the U.S., Europe, and the U.K., along with high-profile performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.
Stream “Nosebleeds” below.