R&B/Hip-Hop
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While Set It Off hit theaters before Latto and GloRilla were born, they’re still familiar with the ’90s classic. Big Glo and Big Mama teamed up on Tuesday (Feb. 4) to release their “Procedure” visual, which originally landed on Glo’s Glorious album this summer. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts […]
It’s an event anytime DJ Khaled is in album mode. The We the Best mogul brought out all of the stops to reveal the title of his upcoming 14th studio album, Aalam of God, which translates to “the word of God” in Arabic.
DJ Khaled released a blockbuster seven-minute album trailer — directed by Eif Rivera — on Tuesday (Feb. 4), which finds the Miami native in the middle of an intense heist scene. In it, Khaled is doing everything he can to protect the files for his upcoming album — which features a pair of Drake songs — as assailants attempt to extract the project from his briefcase throughout the cinematic clip.
The 49-year-old does his own stunts as he makes a great escape from Mark Wahlberg’s team of robbers. “Did you get it?” Wahlberg asks. “This guy’s two Drake songs on there. What if he’s got another 100-bar from Jay-Z and that thing gets out on the f–king street?”
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Khaled hops into the car with Anthony Ramos, who he believes is his friend, but Ramos ends up double-crossing the musician after lunch at a Jamaican spot while holding him at gunpoint and demanding he cough up the album.
“Look how far we came and you f–king worried about what they saying? You know our saying, ‘Win with us or watch us win,’” Khaled says to Ramos, who’s playing Tone. “One more thing, Tone, you a piece of s–t!”
An unreleased snippet soundtracks the final scene with a track seemingly titled “God Is on Our Side.” “Make sure you listen in order too — from the intro to the outro,” Khaled says as he walks off scot-free. He heads to the private jet and hints at a collaboration with Rihanna on the way. “Send Rihanna the record,” he adds. “Aalam of God.”
In announcing the project on social media, Khaled also told fans in his Instagram caption, “”DRAKES BACK TO WORK… SO AM I! THIS THE ONE WITH✌🏽DRAKES.” He also tagged producer Ayo Juan while teasing a potential Ri collab, saying, “matter of fact..send that record over to @badgalriri .. u know…I JUST WANNA BREATHE – THE AIR THAT RIHANNA BREATHES – yo RIH everyTING locked.”
Aalam of God is set to arrive later in 2025, and will serve as Khaled’s 14th studio album. “This is not my last album, it’s my Black album,” Khaled said in a press release while channeling his inner Jay-Z.
Watch the cinematic trailer below.
The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game has long been a staple of All-Star Weekend, and the NBA revealed the rosters and coaches on Tuesday (Feb. 4) for the 2025 game coming to The Bay set for next Friday (Feb. 14). 2 Chainz and San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice will run the sidelines as coaches […]
Chance the Rapper is tipping off NBA All-Star Weekend. The Chicago native is slated to headline the NBA on TNT American Express Road Show Fan Experience with a performance on Feb. 13 in San Francisco. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news It’s all going down at Pier […]

Drake launched the Anita Max Wynn Tour in Australia on Tuesday (Feb. 4), kicking off in Perth, and he left the audience with some choice words to close out the first show. The 6 God is always one to end a set with some inspiration for fans, and he’s typically very intentional with what he […]

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.