R&B/Hip-Hop

It’s always a busy week in the hip-hop and R&B worlds. Much of the chatter remains surrounding Diddy’s bombshell arrest on federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. As part of the fallout from Sean Combs’ crumbling empire, 50 Cent announced that his upcoming documentary surrounding the allegations against Diddy will be coming to Netflix. 

“This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far,” 50 relayed in a joint statement to Variety last week. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives.”

On the music side, Future continued his historic run with his third consecutive No. 1 album thanks to Mixtape Pluto. It’s his eighth Billboard 200 leader in a row as the Atlanta star etches another chapter into a Hall of Fame career. 

The Weeknd reunited with Playboi Carti for “Timeless,” which will land on the Canadian singer’s upcoming Hurry Up Tomorrow album. It’s the second single headed for Abel’s third and final installment of his After Hours/Dawn FM trilogy. “Dancing in the Flames” initially debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Sept. 28.

Tommy Richmond capitalized on his breakout summer with the release of his debut album, Coyote. To the surprise of many around the industry, the Virginia native didn’t include hits like “Million Dollar Baby” and “Devil is a Lie” on the LP. 

With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop – from BIA’s frustrations on wax to Doodie Lo and Mozzy linking up for a gritty street anthem. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Tia Wood, “Sky High”

The Indigenous R&B singer-songwriter makes a statement with her Pretty Red Bird EP, but Tia Wood’s coo is also more soothing than any chirping birds in the morning. A funky bassline and some pop-leaning soul provide the canvas for Woods on the project standout “Sky High.” The Amy Winehouse-inspired artist looks inward to heal rather than for outside support: “Who needs a savior? Got myself on retainer,” she sings. But if you’re gonna snap a picture to capture the Alberta native’s gaze, just don’t forget about her good side. 

Ray Emmanuel, “#NEEDTHAT”

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. After exploring a couple of laps across the globe, Ray Emmanuel wants to come home. On “#NEEDTHAT,” the North Carolina wordsmith taps into his romantic side as he pens a love letter to a former flame he wants back. This go around, a decisive Ray knows the timing’s right. “And I know I’ma see you again/ Don’t give up on me because this the way it ain’t gotta end,” he pleads over the dreamy production. “I don’t really care that I ain’t your first, I’ll be your last.” Emmanuel is ready to do whatever it takes to win her over. The 19-year-old has shown plenty of dexterity with his artistry throughout the four singles he’s delivered in 2024.

Montell Fish, “It’s Gonna’ Cost You”

The second installment in the JCM Trilogy, Montell Fish brings the chaos with his “sonic evolution” of Charlotte. The Christian artist rumbles through the grunginess of “It’s Gonna’ Cost You.” Fish lets the rage fuel him as he’s beaming with confidence on the rock-tinged track. “Greatest that you’ve ever seen/ And I don’t want nothing/ These flows is all I need,” his falsetto vocals pierce the rowdy disarray. Fish explained that with the project his “goal was to make an art piece inspired by theological Ideas through the lens of a breakup with a slight to psychological concepts for answers.”

BIA & Lil Yachty, “Pissed Off”

Even while traveling the country opening for one of her rap heroes in Nicki Minaj on tour, somebody managed to piss BIA off. “Somebody gon’ die today, this sound like Jeff in the ride today,” she raps to open her verse with an homage to Young Thug’s “Die Today.” BIA runs through a questionnaire trying to find who’s real around her. Lil Yachty has proven time and time again to be a versatile collaborator and Boat’s malleability shines here. He compares his Chanel watch to a glass of milk and defends his CEO ability as Yachty made all his homies millionaires. 

Doodie Lo & Mozzy, “Glock’D In”

A gritty street anthem connecting the Illinois upstart to Sacramento’s veteran soldier. Doodie Lo narrates his rags to riches story while flexing his AP but remembering the days of hoisting his G-Shock like a Rolex. “That n—a been a b—h, you could ask Siri,” he raps in a cheeky jab that cuts deeper than the surface. Mozzy invades the show with his raspy flow that doubles as a natural instrument. He’s been around the block once or twice and demands his respect for trailblazing a path for others to follow. “I bled the block and paved the way,” the CMG rhymer spews. 

Monaleo & Sauce Walka, “Er-er”

The Houston rap princess meets one of the city’s well-respected sargeants. “Er-er” goes the sound of the bed as 2 Chainz collectively taught us on 2012’s “I’m Different.” Monaleo shows off her shrewd wordplay prowess while also paying homage to the talk show legend Jerry Springer, who passed away last year. The raunchy collab could be taken to the next level if another Houston native joins the party, with Megan Thee Stallion hopping on a potential remix. The thumping piano-driven production is where Meg makes her living, and her appearance would extend the track’s shelf life. Either way, the 23-year-old is undoubtedly going to be heard from in the years to come as she looks to shake up the rap hierarchy. 

Chino XL — born Derek Barbosa — died on July 28 at the age of 50, but no cause of death was given at the time. His family confirmed to People on Monday (Sept. 30) that the rapper-actor died by suicide.

“It’s been the most painful and personal experience of our lives, but in honor of Suicide Awareness Month, we decided to share this truth,” Chino’s children relayed in a statement, which also noted that the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office had listed his cause of death as asphyxia due to ligature hanging.

“Our father was our rock and our best friend. Papa Bear loved us and taught us so much. Hundreds of emails, texts, chats and beautiful posts and comments on social media, have shown us that Dad was a fountain of strength to so many,” his children continued. “He encouraged and comforted pretty much everyone in his path and left this dimension with an untouchable creative legacy. We are grateful beyond words for our time with Dad and are overwhelmed by the immeasurable global outpouring of love from around the world.”

The statement also noted that the rapper was diagnosed with congenital heart failure in 2020 along with stage 4 prostate cancer earlier in 2024. He also struggled with bouts of depression throughout his life.

Chino XL is survived by his five kids, five grandchildren, his mother Carole and former longtime partner Stephanie. His niece Lady London was among those in the hip-hop community to pay tribute to the New Jersey-bred star.

Over the weekend, the late rapper-actor’s estate cleared up that there is no October release date for Chino XL’s upcoming posthumous album that’s in the works.

“It is with frustration, anger and pain that we renounce the ‘October release’ date for Chino XL’s posthumous album,” they wrote to Instagram. “The family and estate of Derek Barbosa own all rights, copyright and trademarks of the Chino XL name; his voice and likeness.”

Chino XL was born in the Bronx and raised in East Orange, N.J. He formed the Art of Origin duo with Kerri Chandler, and they signed to Def Jam Recordings via Warner in 1991.

His Here to Save You All debut album arrived in 1996 and reached No. 56 on the Top R&B Albums chart. Chino XL also notched collaborations over the years with the likes of Kool G Rap, Proof, J. Dilla and B-Real. He even headed to give Hollywood a try as an actor where he starred in movies such as Alex & Emma, while appearing in television shows such as CSI: Miami, The Young and the Restless and Reno 911!

If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or visiting the website for free, confidential support that is available 24/7, 365 days a year.