State Champ Radio R&B/Hip-Hop
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BigXThaPlug has teamed up with Amazon Music for an acoustic rendition of his song “Holy Ground” featuring Jessie Murph. On Friday (May 2), Amazon Music dropped off the acoustic version of the track, which was originally included on the deluxe edition of BigX’s sophomore effort, Take Care. The acoustic version was released as part of […]
In the years since Young Dolph‘s untimely passing, Key Glock has quietly established himself as one of the biggest rap stars out of Memphis. Since emerging with Glock Season in 2017, each of Glock’s subsequent solo releases — all of which are featureless — have been unbelievably consistent. He’s built a loyal fanbase and carved out a unique space in hip-hop, thanks to his fierce independence. Blending raw street narratives with his commanding flow, Glock has remained a consummate workaholic, and this steady trajectory finally struck gold with 2023’s Glockoma 2.
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That project spawned the biggest hit of his career with “Let’s Go,” a motivational trap anthem laced with a hollering sample from Werchowyna’s “Zoriuska 1” that became a magnet for TikTokers. Despite the big success, Glock followed it up by doing something uncharacteristic of him: he took a break. He wouldn’t go into details about his time off, but he reminds Billboard it’s likely not gonna happen again.
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“After this tape, I don’t know,” Glock states plainly — referring to his 2Pac-referencing Glockaveli, out this Friday (May 2). “This tape is gonna have me busy.”
In an interview with Billboard below, Glock speaks on why he’s still not doing features on his albums, where the 2Pac influence comes from, and how the women in his life shaped his hustle.
At what point did 2Pac’s influence begin to make its way into this album?
It was intentional. Really, this was something me and Dolph planned in 2020, because I been got that chain made, but it was supposed to come out after Yellow Tape. You know, stuff happened, so it just wasn’t on my mind at the time. I took a little break last year away from music, just away from the world — I was like, “This is the perfect time to do Glockaveli.” Cause that’s what Macavelli was. Rebranding, rebirth.
Why did it feel like the right time?
I’ll say, it was more of a personal thing. It was more of a personal thing.
Tell me about the beats on this record. How did you go about choosing the samples on the project?
Most of ‘em I handpicked because I already knew the songs from when I was a young kid. My grandma and my uncles played it. So I was hip to certain blues and soul songs. So when there’s certain songs like that, I just ship it to my producer and tell them to put their own spin on it.
Being from Memphis, how did you first connect with 2Pac’s music? You sampled some stuff of his on this record.
I found out about Pac through my mom. When she told me about Pac, I was like eight years old.
There were a few lines on this project dedicated to your mom and your grandma. On “The Grinch” you say, “Mama ain’t raised no b—h.” What role did the women in your life play as you were growing up and deciding to become a rapper?
They did all they could do. Women can’t really raise a man, no matter what they do or how long they have been with ‘em. My grandmother and my great grandmother and my auntie they raised me good but they didn’t teach me how to be a man. I had to teach myself how to be a man.
What do you want people to know going into this album?
Don’t judge its by its cover.
Obviously, any sort of comparison to 2Pac is gonna have some pushback. What do you say to people who have called you out for Glockaveli.
They try to call it out for religious reasons more than 2Pac. They don’t really say nothing about it being a 2Pac reference. They say it on some more religious stuff, which it’s not. Its the super Christians. They come out the woodwork!
You said in a past interview that Pac was often perceived as a thug and put in this box despite his artistic brilliance. Do you feel any similarities in regards to being put in a box yourself?
I wouldn’t say put in a box, but I would say overlooked. That’s only because I’m not the friendliest artist, basically.
How so?
Not like as far as people or fans, but as far as other artists.
Why haven’t you at this point collaborated with other artists?
Once I said, “I don’t do features.” People took it as they can’t get a Key Glock feature. What I was saying was that I don’t feature people on my songs. So that’s where people got confused.
Why did you initially say that you didn’t collaborate with other artists?
It came from me getting somewhat rejected from a feature. I was supposed to remix “Russian Cream.” I don’t really know exactly what happened, but the communication wasn’t what it was at first. I don’t got no regrets cause everything I’m doing was done successfully.
How have you tried to bridge the gap and connect as time has gone on?
I really don’t, I use it as fuel. How people act and how people move. I use it as fuel and let it motivate me. By me getting turned down for the Russian Cream remix, that put a whole other fire in me. It put a whole other attitude in me, like, ‘I got this, let me show you.’
Is that ever lonely?
Nah, I don’t get lonely. Stuff like that don’t get me down. It charge me up in a good way.
On “3am in ToKEYo” you rap “I came in this world by myself.” You have established yourself as this independent force. How do you keep yourself from getting complacent since it’s just you out here?
I’m never satisfied, in a good way. I always wanna learn more and do more. I always wanna beat whatever was the last thing I did. I always wanna make it better. [My drive] comes from my auntie and my grandma. They was the same type of people. I truly be feeling like I ain’t done it yet. I’m not even at my peak yet. I’m not even in my prime.
So then what do you see for the future of Key Glock then?
Only God knows that one.
Quavo is always going to do what he can to keep TakeOff’s legacy alive. Huncho joined forces with his late nephew on Friday (May 2) for the posthumous collaboration “Dope Boy Phone.” Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The Migos frontman announced the single earlier this week with […]
If you haven’t heard about the 100 men versus a gorilla debate, than you might be living under a rock. The question was first posed by the No Funny Sh– podcast out of Harlem earlier this year and has since gone viral, so it was only right for fellow Harlem natives Cam’ron and Mase to […]
T-Pain and Wyclef Jean will perform at this year’s Preakness Stakes as part of the race day’s annual entertainment. On Thursday (May 1), Preakness 150 organizers announced that Jean and T-Pain would perform trackside at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course. The performances will go down on May 17 and will not be part of a wider […]
More news continues to come out of Ye’s recent stream with Sneako and Drake affiliate Top5. Toward the end of the stream, around the two-hour and 14-minute mark, the Chicago rapper talked about Drake’s unique sound and how he found himself borrowing the Toronto rapper’s style. “Another thing about Drake’s music,” Ye (formerly Kanye West) […]
Playing one-on-one with Kobe Bryant was a hooper’s dream while growing up, but that quickly turned into a nightmare for Bow Wow, who got shut out 10-0 when facing the Mamba Mentality.
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Bow Wow joined Club Shay Shay for an interview on Thursday (April 30), during which he reflected on having the chance to play Bryant one-on-one back in 2011 when Bow pulled up to the Lakers superstar’s day camp.
As far as the stakes, Bow had to pay $1,000 in cash if he lost, but if he could’ve just scored a single bucket on Bryant, the Hall of Famer would’ve gifted the Like Mike star a pair of floor seats to every home game for an entire season.
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“He took it for real. I left that gym and I said, ‘I will never play in the NBA, nor do I want to,’” Bow said before being pressed by Shannon Sharpe about how many points he scored. “None! He smothered me. He had his thumb in my waist. He was hand-checking.”
Bow continued: “He was telling me, ‘You’re gonna go wherever the f–k I want you to go.’ … What was so dope about the one-on-one was people got to see Kobe in a light that they never got to see Kobe in. You hear about the Mamba Mentality, but it’s tough to hear on TV. You hear ’em in the one-on-one … He talking to me crazy like I’m not Bow.”
Even though it’s been 14 years, Bow Wow still recalls the one chance he had to make an open jump shot, but Bryant’s 6’6″ frame closed quickly, and the glance at a clean basketball was gone within seconds. “By the time I raised up, it was no time. The way he closed out, that 6’6″ turned into 7’1,” he said.
Bryant ended up dishing out the $1,000 to his campers, and even with the loss, Bow has a memory he’ll cherish for a lifetime.
“That right there is like a bucket list [goal],” Bow Wow said. “Every kid would love to play Kobe Bryant one-on-one. And then for [his death] to tragically happen, that’s something I’m going to hold dearly to my heart.”
Bryant, his daughter Gigi and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020. Bow Wow paid tribute to Kobe shortly after his death by posting a photo with his own daughter along with the hashtag “Girl Dad,” which went viral as Bryant was a father to four girls himself.
Watch the full interview and one-on-one game with Bow Wow below.
Kid Cudi is teasing his return with a new song called “Neverland.” On Thursday (May 1), Cudi shared a cryptic teaser on social media that merely shows some amusement park rides before posting the link to the rapper’s website. “Pre save NEVERLAND, my first single from my new album, NOW!” Cudi wrote on X. The […]
Hailing from Mannings Hill in the Stony Hill area of Jamaica’s St. Andrew parish, Valiant has emerged as one of the leading voices of dancehall’s new generation – and his forthcoming new EP promises to cement his stardom and carry him into a notably more R&B-infused space.
In 2022, Valiant (born Raheem Bowes) broke through with a scorching string of singles — “Dunce Cheque,” “Siance,” “Speed Off,” “North Caolina,” and “C.A.L (Cut All Losses)” among them – that established his singular slang (“Kotch e hat a lie”) and his melodic approach to trap dancehall. The following year, he dropped his 20-song 4:14 mixtape, which he supported with performances across the Caribbean and the U.K. Although his breakthrough was fairly recent, Valiant, 26, has been recording music for over a decade; the young father was even a part of Popcaan’s Unruly Camp once upon a time.
After signing to Sony Music UK’s newly relaunched Epic Records in late 2023, Valiant dropped his A Gift from Me to You EP, which gave way to an even bigger 2024 — with hits like “Flava,” “Lumbah” and “Baddiedeh.” In 2024, Valiant won best Caribbean music act at the MOBO Awards and male dancehall artist of the year at the Caribbean Music Awards. This year, Valiant is looking to defend his title at the latter award show, which announces its victors on Aug. 28 at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y.
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Out on May 23 via Epic/Sony Records UK, Valiant’s forthcoming new EP, Prove Them Wrong, intends to do exactly as its title suggests. From detractors and doubters to those apprehensive of the longevity of dancehall or Valiant’s versatility, the international star is set to level up significantly from his mixtape days. The new set will feature several collaborations, including tracks with Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Fridayy and fellow Jamaican dancehall star 450, as well as a heavier R&B sound.
“For this project, I basically did one trap song,” Valiant tells Billboard. “I wanted to give them a different sound; I don’t want it to be [a case where] it sounds like every dancehall project. I wanted different feelings, so I infused my dancehall with a lot of R&B on the new project.”
Featuring cuts like “Selfish,” “Ugly” and “Whole Lotta,” Prove Them Wrong has already established an intriguing Spanish guitar-laced soundscape complemented by thought-provoking ruminations of masculinity and male beauty politics. With over 128 million official on-demand U.S. streams to his name already, according to Luminate, Valiant hopes to exponentially grow that number as he shares his new music with the world.
Speaking with Billboard, Valiant explains why he believes in trap dancehall’s longevity, the origins of his stage name, and why he’ll always bet on Drake.
What’s the first song you remember being stuck in your head?
“Next to You” by Chris Brown and Justin Bieber.
Who are the dancehall figures that you look up to as you navigate your career?
Some of the old legends dem like Shabba [Ranks], Yellowman, Vybz Kartel and Mavado. I look pon what they do inna di game, and try to [note] what to do and what not to do.
Why do you think younger listeners are so drawn to the sound of trap dancehall?
We, as young people, must believe in [ourselves]. As kids, we were rebellious against the bigger kids dem, so I think [younger listeners] like the rebellious behavior and the crazy, creative style we bring in trap dancehall.
Do you think this is a style of music that will have longevity?
Yeah. It’s not like it’s changing from dancehall. If dancehall is the father or the senior, then trap dancehall is the junior.
What’s your favorite song to perform live?
Recently, “Baddiedeh.” Before, it was “Cut All Losses.”
Where’s your favorite place to perform outside of Jamaica?
Mi love performing in the U.K.; mi like Bahamas and Trinidad, too. The U.K. loves dancehall, dem support dancehall. People really come out to the shows when dancehall artists visit. I remember one time I was in Manchester [Parish in Jamaica] and the parents came backstage like, “The kids won’t go home!” [Laughs.]
How do you think you’ve grown since putting out 4:14 in 2023?
4:14 was more of a mixtape I made with friends. It was a vibe. I want fans to hear more from me because there’s a lot of things I couldn’t get to do on [that project]. A lot of people still come to me and say that they listen to 4:14 up to now. Musically, I grow with every song because I always try fi do different things and different sounds. Even if I get criticized, I always try — because you nuh know which songs could cross over and change your life.
Which producers did you work with for Prove Them Wrong?
The producers for this project are DJ Mac, KVRIM, GI, Emoji Records and Crown Heights.
How many tracks should we expect?
Still unknown, but it’s gonna be the length of an album. It’s basically an album.
What was the studio session for “Whole Lotta” like?
I was in the studio with KVRIM and a few other writers, catching a vibe and chilling. I wanted a song that was not about the trap. We never want it to sound speaky-spokey, so we infused the patois with R&B melodies and the Spanish guitar in the riddim.
Do you prefer singing or rapping?
Mi love singing! Growing up, I was singing a lot, and I’ve learned to master my craft. I know when to deejay and when not to deejay, but I’m trying to branch out because I mostly just want to sing.
Who are some vocalists that you study?
I like Sam Smith’s vocals, and Alicia Keys, Adele and John Legend. That’s the type of music I like too.
Who are some of your favorite R&B artists right now?
I like Chris Brown. Partynextdoor and Fridayy too. The Weeknd.
Who’s the greatest rapper alive?
Eminem and then Drake. Drake is an all-around artist and a hitmaker. I’m not saying Kendrick [Lamar] is not a good artist – we need both of them – but if I had to book somebody, I’m booking Drake. If you carry Drake to Jamaica, everybody knows a song from Drake. If Kendrick comes out, they’ll know three or four songs max maybe. Mi sure of that, mi can bet money pon dat. But the crowd will still come out for Kendrick because he’s Kendrick.
Who are some of your dream collaborators?
Rihanna – [I want to do] a whole album with her.
You broke through in the TikTok era of the music industry. How do you think that platform has impacted dancehall specifically?
It’s a good marketing strategy to let people from all over the world hear your music. The younger generation, even the older generation, they’re on TikTok, right? It’s a platform where you can promote a business, your music, anything, and all you have to do is post a short video. It’s a different game.
How’d you come up with your stage name?
I got it from the title of [a 2005 animated film] about birds [fighting in World War II]. It was one of my favorite [movies] growing up, so I looked up the meaning and saw that “valiant” meant courage and brave and all that. Mi seh, “Yuh know? It fit meh.” At first, I was Raheem Melody, and then I changed it.
What excites you most about this generation of dancehall artists?
I like how competitive it is, everybody wanna be on top. I’m trying to cross over. I like to be consistent. I like that my name is always called when discussing the new generation. It’s competitive, but it’s all unity. The new generation is more cooperative and will link up and do things together.
Ye (formerly Kanye West) hasn’t let up when it comes to repeatedly taking shots at J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. During a livestream on Wednesday (April 30), West claimed he hates Cole’s music and disparaged the Compton rapper along with Lamar’s fans.
“I hate J. Cole. It can’t even be called music. I hate J. Cole,” Ye told Toronto rapper Top5. “And it’s something about both J. Cole and Kendrick that kinda, that leaves me sorta like — it reminds me of each other and s–t like that. It’s just not that sauce to me.”
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Ye continued that if anyone in the room with him at that moment was a J. Cole fan, he didn’t want them to tell him because otherwise, he’d devalue their opinion. The embattled rapper then turned his attention back to Lamar and took shots at any fan who would list the Pulitzer-winning rapper as their GOAT.
“Anybody that say Kendrick is one of their favorite rappers, don’t know about rap, doesn’t know about real rap,” he claimed.
Billboard has reached out to J. Cole and Lamar’s reps for comment.
Cole and Kendrick have been frequent targets for Ye when he’s been lashing out at his peers during recent rants on X.
“I DON’T LIKE KENDRICK LAMARS MUSIC,” he wrote in March. “HE RAPS VERY GOOD BUT I DIDNT NEED TO HEAR HIM ON CARTI ALBUM.”
While there’s plenty of history between Cole and West, the Chicago native — who has faced widespread criticism for his repeated hate speech — claimed in early April that Cole’s music was for “virgins” and he’s “hurting hip-hop.”
“I hate J Cole music so much,” West said matter-of-factly on X. “It’s like between Kendrick and J Cole I bet you industry plants asked J Cole to diss Drake then we would have been accosted with a J Cole Super Bowl commercial with no SZA song to save it… No one listens to J Cole after loosing [sic] their virginity.”
Kanye also dissed J. Cole last year with his “Like That” remix. “Play J. Cole get the p—y dry,” he raps on the track. Cole has jabbed at West on multiple occasions in the past. He previously checked him on 2016’s “False Prophets” and 2019’s “Middle Child,” saying he feels West hasn’t lived up to the billing of his legend status.
However, following the repeated shots, Cole took the high road and showed Ye love during his set at Dreamville Fest 2025 in April, where he saluted West for clearing samples for him throughout his decorated career.
“I know n—-s feel a way about him right now, but I got love for [Ye] and I really appreciate him. He cleared all these f—ing samples for me,” he said.
On the music front, Ye is staying busy. He uploaded his lost 2022 Donda 2 album to streaming services for the first time on Tuesday night (April 29).
