R&B/Hip-Hop
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Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member Krazyie Bone is giving fans an update on his health after being hospitalized for nearly two weeks. In a Tuesday (Oct. 3) Instagram post, Krazyie Bone shared a photo of himself from his hospital room. “Just fought for life Literally for 9 days straight,” he wrote in the caption. “And I only […]
Sexxy Red is the latest rapper to show support for former president Donald Trump. Her comments came during recent interview with comedian Theo Von on his This Past Weekend podcast, during which she praised the mercurial figure for freeing Black people from prison and giving out stimulus checks during his controversial four-year term. “I like Trump,” […]
SZA don’t miss no ex, don’t miss no text — especially when it’s Drake. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the “Good Days” singer opened up about the time she casually dated Drizzy back in 2009, when the two were “really young.” She admitted, “It wasn’t hot and heavy or anything. It was like […]
Usher‘s Rendez-Vous Á Paris residency at La Seine Musicale may be coming to a close on Oct. 5, but the “Confessions” singer is making sure to treat fans to some special surprises as he nears the end of his eight-date run — and that includes a surprise performance with Offset.
In a clip posted to Usher’s Instagram page on Sunday (Oct. 1), the Grammy-winner directed the packed crowd as they chanted “that s—t cray” at the top of their lungs — a nod to Kanye West’s verse in his Jay Z-assisted 2011 hit single “N—-s in Paris,” which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. After completing the chant, the “Good Good” singer then said, “OK, well that’s what it feels like when New York is in the house, but when the South run it, we Southern n—-s in Paris!”
Migos 2017 No. 1 hit “Bad and Boujee” then began to play as Offset joined Usher onnstage after entering through the crowd. In the caption for his Instagram post, Usher remixed a lyric from the song, writing “We from the SOUTH yeah THAT WAY 👉🏾👉🏾.”
Offset’s surprise performance comes just a little over a week before the arrival of his forthcoming sophomore studio album, Set It Off. The record — his first solo outing since 2019’s Grammy-nominated Father of 4 — is set to feature the Cardi B-featuring “Jealousy,” which peaked at No. 55 on the Hot 100 a few months ago, as well as “FAN,” which recently received a Michael Jackson-inspired music video complete with a Kai Cenat cameo.
Usher, on the other hand, is gearing up for months of live performances. When he returns from Paris, the iconic singer will resume his My Way Las Vega residency, which has shows lined up through October, November and the beginning of December. On Feb. 11, 2024, the R&B superstar will take the Super Bowl Halftime Show stage at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the first time the big game will be played in that city.
Last week (Sept. 26), Billboard exclusively reported that Usher is planning to launch a global tour following his Super Bowl performance, with tickets ready for purchase just after he finishes his final note. In addition to the tour, Usher has already confirmed the release of his ninth solo studio album, Coming Home, which is slated for a Feb. 11, 2024, release and includes the chart-topping single “Good Good” (with Summer Walker and 21 Savage).
Check out Usher and Offset’s surprise performance here:
With the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards slated to air next Tuesday (Oct. 10), a bevy of legends are slated to be honored that night, including VERZUZ co-founders Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, Marley Marl and Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Super producers Swizz and Timbo […]
On Sunday night, Beyoncé wrapped her historic Renaissance World Tour in Kansas City, Mo., and Cardi B was there to bear witness to the end of the record-breaking trek. In a series of Instagram Story posts, the “Bongos” rapper chronicled her experience during the show.
Cardi began her Instagram Story barrage with a quick video surveying her private jet. “And we out,” read the caption. With travel to Missouri secured, the Grammy winner then uploaded a clip of her in a car on the way to Arrowhead Stadium. In the video, she’s singing along to the BEAM-featuring Renaissance track “Energy” in anticipation of the viral “mute challenge.” (The challenge is a friendly competition to see which stadium can actually remain completely quiet when Beyoncé sings the song’s “Look around/ Everybody on mute” lyric.) In a clip taken during the concert, Cardi excitedly participates in the challenge, throwing some lethal side-eyes to a couple of attendees who couldn’t help but scream during the elongated pause.
In addition to “Energy,” Cardi also posted clips of Beyoncé performing “Dangeously in Love,” the show’s opening song and the title track from her debut solo studio album, which celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year. “Yaaass, bi—!” Cardi screams throughout the recording. The “WAP” rapper also posted videos vibing and singing along to “America Has a Problem,” which shot back to its No. 38 peak on the Billboard Hot 100 following the release of a remix with Kendrick Lamar earlier this year. Lamar made a surprise appearance at Beyoné’s birthday show in Los Angeles on Sept. 4.
Over a clip showing Beyoncé sinigng “Summer Renaissance” and flying above the crowd on a life-size version of the disco horse on the album’s cover — lovingly nicknamed “Reneigh” by fans — Cardi wrote, “It’s not a concert… it’s [an] experience,” an apt descriptor for the finale of a tour that has moved millions of people around the world.
The Renaissance World Tour was in support of Beyoncé’s Billboard 200-topping seventh solo studio album. The record — a love letter to Black queer folk and their contributions to the foundation of dance music — won four Grammys and spawned a pair of Hot 100 top 10 hits: “Break My Soul” (No. 1) and “Cuff It” (No. 6). Last week, Billboard reported that the tour’s global haul will blow past the $500 million mark, likely closer to $560 million — with 10 shows left to be reported. With those numbers, the tour will become one of the 10 highest-grossing tours in Boxscore history, making Beyoncé the only woman, only Black artist and only American solo act on the all-time leaderboard.
Although she documented a healthy chunk of her Renaissance experience, Cardi’s stories did not include a very special announcement Beyoncé made at the very end of the show. The music icon will bring a documentary concert film titled Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé to theaters on Dec. 1, and pre-sale tickets are currently available.
Click here to see Cardi B’s Renaissance Tour extravaganza before her Stories expire.
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.
Metro Boomin is Billboard‘s latest cover star, and in his wide ranging interview, the hip-hop producer opened up about his musical process and the creation of the Spider-Verse soundtrack and his 2022 album, Heroes & Villains. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news And while the album is […]
“Creepin’” by Metro Boomin with The Weeknd and 21 Savage — a remake of Mario Winans’ 2004 R&B smash “I Don’t Wanna Know” featuring Diddy and Enya — became the biggest hit off the superproducer’s latest solo album, Heroes & Villains. The song spent the entire first half of 2023 in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3.
But getting the green light from those credited on “I Don’t Wanna Know” proved to be quite the feat, Metro tells Billboard during his latest cover story interview that was published Monday (Oct. 2).
“[Amir ‘Cash’ Esmailian], one of my managers, [and I] were figuring out what songs Abel [Tesfaye] and I would do for Heroes. Cash had mentioned, ‘Yo, between me and you, [Abel] always wanted to do something with “I Don’t Wanna Know.”‘ One day, I just presented the idea to him and he was like, ‘Hell yeah, I been wanting to do that!’” Metro recalls. “We both f–k with Mario hard; he’s served like a mentor [to me]. So he did the background vocals. And it was always in my mind to put Savage on it, ‘cause I know [him and Abel] have never had a song before and he’s nonchalant, like how Puff’s verse was back in the day.”
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Diddy had no issue clearing “I Don’t Wanna Know,” which samples Enya’s 1987 track “Boadicea,” but the Irish singer did. She didn’t sign off on Metro’s original working title, which abbreviated the original hit to “IDWK.” “I tried to call it something else, and she wasn’t with that,” he says.
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“That’s one of them ones that almost didn’t make it just ’cause the process of trying to get it cleared was so much,” adds Ryan Ramsey, another one of Metro’s managers.
Since he was cutting it too close to his album release date, Metro suggested Enya send over a list of acceptable song titles that he could pick from. That list included “Undecided,” “Creepin’,” “Don’t Come Back to Me,” “Better Off That Way” and “Wanna Let You Know.”
“‘Creepin’’ was the one. I was like, ‘F–k, why didn’t I think of that?’” says Metro. “It ended up being a blessing because it’s the best name for it.”
Drake just gave one fan the chance to have their very own “rich flex.” At the hitmaker’s recent concert in Miami, Drake noticed that one man in the audience was holding a sign that read, “I spent all my savings buying tickets for me and my ex, but Honestly, Nevermind, it’s really Her Loss.” And […]