R&B/Hip-Hop

Another week, another win for Kendrick Lamar. This weekend was all about the Compton MC’s explosive Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance on Sunday night (Feb. 9)
Lamar did not bring out Lil Wayne as a surprise guest, but he did tap Samuel L. Jackson to serve as a narrator as he ripped through classics like “Humble” and “DNA,” as well as GNX cuts like “Man at the Garden,” “Squabble Up,” “Peekaboo” and the SZA-assisted “Luther.” After cheekily teasing the beat several times throughout the show, Lamar did, in fact, treat the Super Dome to a remarkable rendition of his Drake-obliterating “Not Like Us,” which won five Grammys, including record and song of the year, last weekend (Feb. 2). Other notable appearances included Mustard, the Grammy-winning producer behind “Not Like Us” and “TV Off,” which closed the show.

The morning after the big game (Feb. 10), Eagles fans weren’t the only fandom with something worse celebrating. While Kendrick Lamar and SZA revealed the U.K. and European dates for the forthcoming joint Grand National stadium tour, Beyoncé also revealed several additional dates to her previously announced Cowboy Carter World Tour, which will host mini-residencies in stadiums across America, the U.K. and Europe.

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The Weeknd also scored a major win with the official Billboard 200 debut of Hurry Up Tomorrow. The set became his fifth to reach the top of the chart and also earned the biggest opening week total of his career (490,500 units).

With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Tyga and Shenseea’s steamy new collaboration to Giveon’s solo comeback. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Rory feat. Leon Thomas, “Who Are You Anyway?”

Across Rory’s sparse soundscape accented by mournful piano and echoing drum and bass percussion, Leon Thomas waxes poetic about his partner morphing into someone he can no longer recognize. “You’re too pretentious, self-conscious pride in driving Mercedes/ Always done up, but I doubt you looked in the mirror lately/ I know the mirror would say/ ‘Who are you anyway?’” he sings at the end of the first verse, employing a dirge-like quality to his vocal performance that intensifies the drama of the song’s lyrics. The mirror’s question is rhetorical, but the dread of hearing an answer that you don’t want to internalize drives the tension of Rory’s new single. — KYLE DENIS

Tyga & Shenseea, “Magnetic”

Tyga isn’t new to making hits, and adding Caribbean dancehall artist Shenseea almost guarantees the success of this track. “Magnetic” explores the intense push-and-pull of a relationship fueled by attraction, jealousy and emotional uncertainty. Tyga’s verses reveal his insecurities and frustration, questioning his partner’s feelings while admitting he can’t break free from their connection. Meanwhile, Shenseea asserts her confidence and loyalty, emphasizing their undeniable chemistry while questioning if passion is clouding their judgment. The song captures the cycle of being drawn together despite trust issues, with “Magnetic” perfectly describing how they keep coming back to each other, no matter how hard they try to resist. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON

Jordan Hawkins, “Emotions”

“Where did I put ’em?/ Where’d I misplace ’em?/ Where did I leave ’em?/ Where did you take ’em?” With a barrage of questions, rollicking rock&B single Jordan Hawkins kicks off his latest single in the throes of borderline histrionic emotional turmoil — as converted by a vocal performance that primarily trades in growls, rasp and impassioned falsetto. It’s been over a year since Hawkins’ last album, 2023’s 4Play, so hopefully “Emotions” leads to something more than just the continuation of his recent string of terrific standalone singles. — K.D.

GIVĒON, “Twenties”

GIVĒON is back with his first solo track since 2023, reflecting on the regrets of falling in love too soon. “Twenties” captures the heartbreak of investing years into a relationship that didn’t last, especially during the formative years of young adulthood. The song tells the story of a six-year relationship that ultimately falls apart, with the narrator realizing they sacrificed personal growth for love. Lyrics like “Thought I was learning myself/ I was just learning you” highlight the painful lesson of losing oneself in a relationship. “Twenties” is a bittersweet reflection on love, self-discovery, and the realization that some relationships, no matter how deep, aren’t meant to last. — C.C

TA Thomas, “Preach”

TA Thomas has been committed to making real R&B — rapid-fire riffs, bare chest and all — for some time now, and he’s doubling down with “Preach,” the new single from his forthcoming Southern Soul EP (via Def Jam). Co-penned by Lucky Daye and produced by Camper, the new track finds Thomas melding religious metaphors to croon of his woman’s allure and the temptation she brings. “How’d you get that body to preach?/ Let it speak to me, baby/ Like it does in my dreams/ Oh, I need a witness/ The choir’s with me,” he sings.

Nueve Lio & Karri, “Candles”

Nueve Lio and Karri team up for a smooth track celebrating the beautiful, confident women in their lives—women they’re not officially dating but are more than happy to spoil. Instead of just getting them a cake for their birthday, they’re ready to spend time, make memories, and enjoy the moment. The song captures a laid-back, feel-good vibe that many can relate to, offering a glimpse into the next generation of R&B and what it brings to the table. — C.C.