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Baka Not Nice recently sat down with Hot Freestyle’s Mic Check podcast and talked about being mentioned in Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us.”
When the subject came up, Baka revealed that he initially planned on immediately responding to Kendrick after the Compton MC rapped that he had a “weird case” and asked why Drake chose to continue to have him around. “My first initial thing was to respond and respond quickly, very efficiently and very to the point,” he said. “It started brewing in me because where I come from, that s—t doesn’t happen. You can’t just call out a man and not have paperwork to back up your talks. It’s ludicrous.”
He added that he couldn’t believe how big the song had gotten. “And then to see a whole nation behind it and celebrating it like it’s a true story is unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody has to understand: I have a kid, Drake has a kid, so, like, making accusations like that are ridiculous and out of this world.”
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He then revealed that he didn’t respond because Drake talked him out of it and asked him to ignore it. “I was building up a lot of anger but then I got a call,” he said. “And [Drake’s] like, ‘Yo, I know what you’re feeling, I know you as an individual, I know how you get down but I’m just letting you know, don’t listen to the noise ’cause it’s noise.’ If you go back and look at all these people that are saying things, they’re not even real people, they’re bots. Don’t let that s—t bother you, bro. And you know what? I mean, it’s not a good thing but they’re calling your name.”
Baka then asked fans to do their due diligence and look up the case Lamar was referring to because he felt like he was being accused of pedophilia. “And at the end of the day, they’re gonna get over this crap because they’re gonna realize that it’s crap, and then they’re gonna do their own research,” he said. “And when you do you’re own research, you’re gonna be like, ‘Wow, this guy made up a whole story about something that isn’t even true.’ It makes you look weird to me. I don’t know.”
He finally concluded his answer with a message to fans. “I wanna say one thing to America,” he began. Y’all need to get yourself together because, yo, making serious accusations like that, you need to have paperwork. That is the No. 1 rule.”
Baka Not Nice reveals he was going to respond to Kendrick Lamar, but Drake told him to ignore all the noiseHe also called Kendrick’s accusations “ridiculous” pic.twitter.com/3i5RE4GGXn— Hot Freestyle (@HotFreestyle) April 7, 2025
The “weird case” Kendrick mentioned stems from a 2014 incident when Baka — born Travis Savoury — was charged with procuring prostitution and human trafficking. Those charges were dropped after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a 22-year-old Toronto woman and was sentenced to six months in jail, according to the Toronto Sun.
Drake is currently embroiled in a high profile defamation lawsuit with his parent label, UMG, alleging it defamed him by promoting Lamar’s Drizzy diss track “Not Like Us,” which includes the lyric “certified pedophile.” UMG denied the allegations and later filed to dismiss the case.
Watch Baka Not Nice discuss “Not Like Us” below:
In celebration of Cypress Hill‘s seminal sophomore effort Black Sunday, the rap group announced it’ll be launching a new graphic novel titled CYPRESS Hill: BLACK SUNDAY. On Tuesday (April 8), the news broke that the band had been hard at working crafting the comic alongside Z2 Comics and writers Noah Callahan-Bever and Gabriel Alvarez. The […]
J. Cole did some reminiscing during his headlining set at his Dreamville Festival 2025 over the weekend, and he recalled a time when Jay-Z pulled up on him in the studio with Beyoncé to record for what became The Blueprint 3‘s “A Star Is Born.” Cole signed to Roc Nation in 2009, and he reflected […]
The San Francisco Giants have paid homage to their hometown’s vibrant music scene with a kaleidoscopic new jersey, melding orange and violet in celebration of the Bay Area’s diverse culture. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news On Tuesday (April 8), the Giants announced a new partnership with EMPIRE […]
From the final Dreamville Fest to a beautiful, memory lane-traversing headlining set from J. Cole, this weekend belonged to North Carolina. And after Duke’s devastating loss on Saturday (April 5), that’s the least the universe could do.
In addition to Cole, Dreamville Fest 2025 headliners included Lil Wayne (with Hot Boys and Big Tymers), 21 Savage and Erykah Badu. Tems, Coco Jones, Wale, and GloRilla all delivered stellar sets, while Dreamville stars Ari Lennox, JID, Earthgang, Omen, Cozz, Lute and Bas paid tribute to the label’s history and legacy with each of their performances. Although Cole did not drop new music from his highly anticipated The Fall Off album, two other stars confirmed forthcoming LPs. DJ Swamp Izzo revealed that Playboi Carti’s Baby Boi album is finished, and Ab-Soul spoke to Billboard about Soul Burger: The Odyssey, a separate project from his 2022 LP that continues his tribute to the late Doaeburger.
On the charts, Drake is up to No. 3 on the Hot 100 with “Nokia” following the release of its official IMAX music video. On the Billboard 200, Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead deluxe album returned to No. 1, besting Carti’s Music (No. 2) and Lil Durk’s newly released Deep Thoughts (No. 3).
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With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from a poignant gospel-infused duet to Jai’Len Josey’s bouncy new single. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Eric Roberson feat. BJ the Chicago Kid, “Where You Gonna Go”
Grammy-nominated crooners Eric Roberson and BJ the Chicago Kid for a gorgeous, soulful new single. Produced by Rodney Jones, the Detroit hip-hop-inflected and gospel-infused track explores moving with life when you’re supposed to instead of forcing harmony where there is only dissonance. “Sometimes you gotta go where love will find you/ I’m not saying leave what you love behind you/ But listen to life and move when it’s time to/ ‘Cause you don’t know nothing of who you were yesterday, but everything of who you are today,” he preaches in the first verse. Marking his first musical release of 2025, “Where You Gonna Go” is a promising start to Roberson’s year. — KYLE DENIS
Ray Vaughn, “DOLLAR Menu”
Ray Vaughn has boldly compared his upcoming album to being his version of good kid, m.A.A.d city, and Kendrick Lamar’s influence can be felt on gripping singles like “DOLLAR Menu.” The TDE rapper recalls the days of starving because “last night I had sleep for dinner.” Vaughn narrates his come-up and reflects on navigating the stresses of his relationships with his parents. He even uses a threatening voice note from his mom to close out the track as she urges her son to pay back some cash he owes. Look for the Long Beach native to paint a picture of his life’s story with The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu when it arrives on April 18. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Ab-Soul, “Untitled”
Produced by none other than Roc Marciano, Soulo couldn’t wait to share this song dedicated to his late friend Armon “Doeburger” Stringer that will more than likely be appearing on his upcoming project Soulburger: The Odyssey. It’s not available on streaming yet, so the only way to listen to it is on his Instagram account and YouTube for now. Soul’s fans like the track so much, they’re in the comments clamoring for an entire tape from the Carson wordsmith and the Long Island producer on some West meets East sh—t. RIP Doe Burger. — ANGEL DIAZ
Destin Conrad & Teezo Touchdown, “The Last Time”
Destin Conrad & Teezo Touchdown was an unexpected collaboration but based on this new track this won’t be “the last time” they link up. The duo lay their emotions bare with their slow-burning reflection on love that just won’t let go. Over a moody beat, they trace the highs and lows of a relationship stuck on repeat, where every ending feels like déjà vu. The chorus’ aching “D–n, d–n, d–n” says it all —frustration, regret and the weight of knowing things won’t change. Even as they acknowledge the cycle, the pull remains too strong to resist. Their voices glide effortlessly, blending pain with melody in a way that lingers long after the song fades — a sad effect of a relationship gone sour. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Jai’Len Josey, “New Girl”
To introduce her Tricky Stewart-helmed debut studio album, Serial Romantic, rising R&B star Jai’Len Josey has unleashed its lead single, “New Girl.” Produced by Josey, Herothaproducer, Madness & Michael Barney, “New Girl” blends the bouncy piano chords of ballroom and house with flashes of U.K. garage to decorate the track’s R&B foundation. “Don’t be afraid of my loving, boy/ Giving all of my might / You’re liking what you’re seeing/ So come on, baby, put the fire deep in,” she sings, expertly curating a vibe for the thrill of a new connection this summer. — K.D.
PinkPantheress, “Tonight”
PinkPantheress launches into her next era with an addictive bop. The singer’s first attempt at using a U.K. bassline is a successful one. She even takes a more mature approach while talking about her carnal desires and exploring more explicit themes surrounding romance. “Tonight” boasts a sly Panic at the Disco sample and PinkPantheress takes it back to Bridgerton for a royal party in the visual, which features everything from sweaty makeouts to pillow fights and more. Her upcoming Fancy That mixtape drops on May 9. — M.S.
Sauce Walka & That Mexican OT, “Samsung Screenz”
Produced by Big Duke, Sauce Walka and That Mexican OT deliver another great song that makes me wonder what a collab project from them would sound like. “Samsung Screenz” features that signature smooth Texas sound along with a catchy hook with Sauce and OT in rare form as they continue to show off their chemistry like they did on songs like “Now & Later” and “Check Please.” — A.D.
SAILORR, “Down Bad”
SAILORR dives deep into emotional uncertainty on “Down Bad,” a raw and intimate take on unreciprocated love. She paints a picture of late-night calls, fleeting intimacy, and the lingering ache of being someone’s second choice. The verses mix frustration with longing, capturing the push-and-pull of a relationship that never quite feels secure. All SAILORR wants is matching tattoos, stolen moments, and rides with no destination. Her list of “something that can last” adds weight to the heartbreak, making each lyric hit even harder. “Down Bad” is a bittersweet anthem for anyone caught between holding on and letting go. — C.C.
Joe Kay, Arin Ray & Blackway, “Frontin & Crushin”
Joe Kay, DJ and founder of Soulection, unveiled his debut EP — If Not Now, Then When? — last week (April 4), and it’s stacked with collaborations with several ascendant voices in R&B. Cincinnati singer Arin Ray and Ghanian-American rapper Blackway team up with Kay for “Frontin & Crushin,” a sonic encapsulation of the beginning stages of a crush. Not quite infatuation or obsession, the feeling these three artists sing of is something a bit more innocent, surprising and fleeting. “I saw you comin’/ She got an aura ’bout her something I respect/ We was frontin’, then crushin’ bad/ It was a feeling that I never would forget,” they sing in the intro over Kenzo Slice, Koko and UNKWN’s Afrobeats-indebted production. — K.D.
BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman, “All the Way”
In a time of division, BigXthaPlug wants to bring us all together. The Dallas native gives fans a taste of country trap with the arrival of his Bailey Zimmerman-assisted “All the Way” single. BigX and Zimmerman might seem like an unlikely duo, but it’s a clean mesh as they ruminate about fractured relationships over guitar strings and kicking drums. BigX has long teased his foray into country and the upcoming EP is set to feature some of his superstar friends, like Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Shaboozey and Luke Combs. — M.S.
SiR & Maeta, “Out of My Hands”
SiR and Maeta explore love, regret, and the weight of fate on “Out of My Hands,” a soulful duet about a relationship slipping through their fingers. SiR is wrestling with emotional uncertainty, admitting, “maybe one day or someday, [he] won’t wanna run.” Maeta’s perspective adds to the heartbreak, reflecting on love that once felt limitless but now feels out of reach. With dreamy production and emotionally rich vocals, “Out of My Hands” is a stirring ballad about the struggle to hold on when the relationship becomes just a series of chances, and love alone isn’t enough. — C.C.
Young Thug has reacted to a viral message on X of a fan with a large back tattoo that boasts the wrong lyrics to Thugger’s 2016 “Digits.” A post from Madrid tattoo artist Infrababy circulated on social media last week. It features a fan’s new ink with “Horses don’t stop, they keep going” written above […]
JT is tired of the stans. Over the weekend, the Miami rapper went on a rant directed at stan accounts on social media in now-deleted tweets after a Normani fan account called it “embarrassing” for JT to be celebrating her “Ran Out” music video “finally” hitting 1 million views. “Help me find the embarrassing part,” […]
Preme, one of Drake‘s oldest friends and collaborators, has weighed in on the recent success of the Toronto rapper’s song “Nokia.” He recently tweeted a screenshot of Apple’s Top 100: Global chart showing that “Nokia” has taken over the No. 1 spot, beating out Kendrick and SZA‘s “Luther,” and proclaimed that Drake is here to […]
50 Cent is welcoming Eminem into life as a grandpa. The G-Unit boss congratulated Em on becoming a grandpa on social media over the weekend after the Detroit legend’s daughter, Hailie Jade, revealed she gave birth to her son in March. “Congratulations This is the best WOW,” 50 wrote to X on April 5 alongside […]
While Ye (formerly Kanye West) has continued to badger J. Cole and his music, the North Carolina rapper took the high road during his set at Dreamville Festival 2025 on Sunday night (April 6). Cole saluted the embattled rapper ahead of performing “Work Out,” which samples Yeezy’s “The New Workout Plan” off his acclaimed The […]