State Champ Radio R&B/Hip-Hop
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Will Smith dropped off some new bars for Lyrical Lemonade, where he claimed to be the rap equivalent of legendary footballer Lionel Messi.
On Monday (March 31), Smith stopped by Lyrical Lemonade’s “Lunch Break Freestyle” as part of the continued roll out for his new album Based on a True Story. During his time on the show, the Oscar winner spit some braggadocious bars claiming that he is hip-hop’s G.O.A.T.
“Hip Hop’s Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo/ Goal, scored on these boys/ I’ve won damn near every award on these boys,” he spit over a thumping trap beat. “Sold-out movie theaters and even tours on these boys/ Feelin’ like a mop, wipe the floor with these boys.”
Earlier in the song, Will also boasted about the adversities he’s pushed through both in his career and in his personal life. “I be overcoming s—t that y’all be having trouble with/ Let ’em run they mouths, I mean really, that’s what come with this,” he rapped during the freestyle’s opening bars. “They built a wall but I’m jumping it and loving it/ They want me to be done with it, but I’m still havin’ fun with it.”
Will Smith dropped his new album Based on a True Story on March 28, and while his upcoming summer tour remains his main focus, he said on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast he might squeeze in another Men in Black movie during that time, too.
“I told myself I was done with sequels. I was like, ‘I’ve made enough sequels. I got some new things I want to make,’” he said. “Literally this morning, an hour before I came down here, they just threw the bag for another Men in Black. I was like, ‘Ah, I’m supposed to be going on tour this summer.’”
Smith said he’d likely shoot the film once he’s done with his European tour, which kicks off on June 25.
Watch Smith’s full freestyle above.
Kevin Hart a.k.a. Chocolate Droppa’s Tiny Desk concert debut supplied the April Fools’ Day entertainment, but don’t think this rap s–t is a joke to the comedic legend. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Hart pulled up in a hoodie and a backwards red fitted cap ready […]
Cardi B had the internet fooled when she posted a video of her moisturizing with a Raising Cane’s sauce, which seems to have been part of an elaborate April Fools’ Day prank.
On Tuesday (April 1), Cardi B shared a video on Instagram announcing that she had just purchased Raising Cane’s new Moisturizing Sauce.
“Everybody always asks me, how does my skin look so beautiful, so shiny, so amazing at the age of 32, three kids, job stressin’ me out and sleepless nights?” the Bronx-bred rapper said. “Well, I’ve been using this new cream. It’s the Cane’s Moisturizing Sauce Cream. Oh my gosh.”
Cardi then proceeds to lather herself up with the tan-colored goop, rubbing it all over her face and chest before licking some residue off her fingers.
“Sorry, I’m just so hungry and the moisturizer just tastes so good,” she says.
The Cane’s sauce, in collaboration with Ipsy, was actually done as an elaborate April Fools’ prank, and fans let out sighs of relief in the comments.
“Happy April 1st, she won,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Lmao bye Cardi! Took me a sec but dang it, I ain’t no APRIL FOOL!”
The lighthearted post comes just a few days after Cardi hopped on Instagram for a more disheartening reason. Much to her dismay, Cardi showed fans on her Instagram Story that her daughter, Kulture Kiari Cephus, had scribbled all over the raper’s crocodile skin Hermés Kelly bag.
“We spent $60,000 on this purse,” Cardi said. “Look what my daughter did to my purse. Look what my daughter did to my purse. Look what my daughter did to my f–king purse… mmmmm.”
Watch Cardi B’s prank below.
Kendrick Lamar’s movie with the creators of South Park has been pushed back into 2026, according to Variety. Paramount’s comedy debut for Lamar with Trey Parker and Matt Stone is now slated to arrive on March 20, 2026. The flick was scheduled to arrive on July 4 of this year. Explore Explore See latest videos, […]
Where the f–k the function? Drake released the highly-anticipated music video to his $ome $exy $ongs 4 U hit “NOKIA” on Monday (March 31). Directed by Theo Skudra and shot in IMAX, the black-and-white clip finds Drake hosting a couple of different parties, which he orchestrates from his clunky flip phone. First, he invites a […]
It looks like Will Smith is making a return to wearing a black suit. The West Philly rapper and actor sat down with fellow Philadelphians Gillie & Wallo for their Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast and the subject of how he decides on which movies to take came up. He said that he wants […]
The main suspect in the Sauce Walka shooting that killed rapper Sayso P (real name Letorian Hunt) has been found dead, according to Memphis Police.
The Memphis Police Department announced Monday (March 31) that 21-year-old Jayden Dandridge was found deceased in Houston. However, a second suspect, 22-year-old Kevin Brown, remains at large, and an investigation is ongoing.
A warrant was issued for Brown, charging him with first-degree murder, attempted murder, employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and theft of property. Dandridge’s warrant is no longer active.
Sauce Walka was the victim of a shooting outside the Westin Hotel near the FedEx Forum in Memphis on March 22. Walka was transported to a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg while his artist, Sayso P, was pronounced dead at the scene. He’s expected to make a full recovery.
TMZ obtained footage that appeared to show Dandridge in the stolen 2021 Dodge Challenger that was used in the drive-by shooting of Walka and Sayso P.
TMZ also reported that Dandridge was found executed with multiple gunshot wounds in an abandoned Houston warehouse on March 27. No arrests have been made.
Last week, Sauce Walka said he didn’t have any plans of avenging Sayso P’s murder.
“If I wanted to, I could have mother—-ing four or 500 different men — good men — down here from different cities and states, including mine, around here ready to do whatever by snapping my finger in retaliation to what happened to me and my little brother,” he told Wikid Films.
Walka continued: “But as much as it hurts my soul, and it really break me down — I’m damn near getting emotional about the sh– — I can’t retaliate because that’s not righteous. My brother had his own dealings as a man that a n—a got to respect and a mother—-er had an opportunity to make me 100 percent accountable for the same thing… and took my life for no reason.”
Sauce Walka posted a heartfelt tribute to Sayso P to social media in the days after his murder while reflecting on some of the good times they enjoyed together. “Words or tears can’t explain the loss I feel!” he began.
Ye — formerly known as Kanye West — sat down (actually stood up) for an explosive interview with DJ Akademiks earlier this March. After making about “eight edits” at the request of West’s team, Ak premiered the interview during a live stream on Sunday (March 30). The Chicago native controlled the pace of the interview […]
For the first time in what feels like a century, the temperature in NYC broke 80 degrees — time to break out Amerie’s “Why Don’t We Fall In Love”! Funnily enough, the Grammy-nominated singer is back this week with her first new song in seven years. But before we get into that track, let’s recount the past week in hip-hop and R&B — one filled with several controversy-streaked MCs making major moves.
The evening before Lyrical Lemonade announced that Young Thug would be headlining the third night of their forthcoming Summer Smash Festival (June 22) — marking his first live performance since his release from jail last fall — the NFL sent out a memo banning the “nose wipe” gesture in touchdown celebrations. Thugger, alongside rappers like Future, popularized the gesture and its accompanying slang, further cementing how central to the culture Young Thug continues to be. The “Digits” rapper has yet to comment on the ban, but maybe he’ll allude to it at Summer Smash.
Last Friday (March 28), Academy Award-winning actor and Grammy-winning rapper Will Smith dropped his first LP in 20 years, on which he addressed his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and, yes, the infamous Oscars slap. On the other end of the hip-hop spectrum, Lil Durk dropped a 17-track set as he remains behind bars awaiting trial for murder-for-hire charges related to the 2022 killing of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson. As Chicago and Philly enjoyed marquee releases from hometown stars, ATL mourned yet another pillar of their iconic 2010s trap scene: According to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and details from Atlanta Police, Scooter died after sustaining injuries while attempting to flee police.
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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 Amerie’s comeback to YG’s silence-breaking triumph. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: YG feat. Buddy & The Gang, “2004”
“When I was young, I got raped by a b–ch twice my age/ Picked me up from school to meet at hers and got laid/ Ever since that day, I never looked at s–t the same/ F—-d up in the brain, p—y what I blame,” spits YG over a jazzy beat built by DJ Swish, Ya Boy N.O.I.S. & SmokeyBeatz. It may only be the tail-end of March, but you’ll likely be hard-pressed to find such a hard-hitting pair of couplets to open a rap song this year. Assisted by Compton rapper-singer Buddy, YG holds ample space for one of the most complicated and nuanced discussions when it comes to Black men, masculinity and hip-hop: the sexual abuse of young boys by older women.
Expertly weaving through the double consciousness that comes with existing as a survivor within a culture that, at times, celebrates the early sexual development of young boys as proof of their manhood, “2004” further cracks open a conversation that’s taken several turns recently — from the backlash Boosie Badazz got for promising to gift his underage son time with sex workers for his birthday to Phonte’s heartbreakingly revelatory verse on Black Milk’s 2023 LP. — KYLE DENIS
NAV feat. Playboi Carti, “Unlimited”
The Opium-XO bond strengthens. Carti pops up to power OMW2 Rexdale’s headlining track as he teams up with NAV for “Unlimited.” The Atlanta native mixes up his deep-voiced flows over the uplifting melody before passing the baton to NAV, who brags about making $10 million from VLONE and jokes he could “go deep-voice just like I’m Carti.” Carti fans might be familiar with the “Unlimited” beat as it was previously Offset’s track, but was missing from the Migos rapper’s last project and somehow ended up in NAV’s hands. The Weeknd pops up to deliver a grand finale, lending his croon to the cinematic outro. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Coco Jones, “You”
Coco Jones is back with another single from her highly anticipated album Why Not More? “You” is a heartfelt celebration of love that feels like fate. She reflects on finding someone who restores her faith in love, describing the connection as effortless and healing. With poetic lyrics and soulful vocals, she compares their bond to rare and perfect pairings, like “a drink in the Sahara,” emphasizing how refreshing and necessary this love feels. More than just romance, “You” is about gratitude, trust and the joy of feeling truly seen. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
Crimeapple, “Sabado Gigante”
The lead single off Crimeapple’s latest tape Jaguar on Palisade 3, “Sabodo Gigante” highlights why the Jersey rapper remains one of the game’s most underrated artists. Produced by Loman, the song has an infectious hook and features Crime spitting lines like, “Sous chef, I used to prep the onion,” which could make it into the next season of The Bear. Stop sleeping on Rap Game Don Francisco. — ANGEL DIAZ
Mahalia feat. Masicka, “Different Type of Love”
Between her recent collaborations with Lila Iké and Bayka, Mahalia is prepping what’s sure to be the year’s sultriest dancehall-R&B project — and her new single, “Different Type of Love,” is further proof that she has something excellent in store for the summer. Assisted by Jamaican dancehall star Masicka — who’s enjoying a massive hit of his own right now with “Whites” — Mahalia’s flirtatious tone floats across a beat that blends steady dancehall drums with a synth line that recalls the harp on Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine.” With two verses from Masicka, “Different” feels more like a true collaboration than the scores of rent-a-rapper moments that inundate the mainstream scene; the two artists perfectly match each other fly and capture the energy of a frisky night out. — K.D.
Mynameisntjmack, “Lemon/Ginger”
It’s easy to get lost in the haziness of Mynameisntjmack’s music. The Virginia native returned with his Bookmark 2 project on Friday, which finds him recounting his turbulent journey from the East Coast to Los Angeles while looking to cash in on his music dreams. “Lemon/Ginger” finds him introspectively reflecting on his travels and the pressures of trying to make it from friends and family while stretching a dollar. There’s a certain discipline needed to never get too high from the wins but not too low from the losses along the way. Now on tour with Tommy Richman, it’s all starting to pay dividends for the L.A.-based rhymer. — M.S.
Ivory Scott & Tink, “Control it”
Ivory Scott has been shaping the sound of today’s music, writing for superstars like Beyoncé, Latto and Fabolous. Now, he’s stepping out on his own with his debut album, Mud. A standout track from the project is Ivory Scott and Tink’s “Control It,” a seductive anthem about confidence, power and fiery connection. The repeated line “control it” underscores the track’s theme of dominance and desire, with Scott and Tink asserting their authority in the relationship. Lyrics like “You a boss, you so cold, you a cough” reflect deep admiration and respect for their partner. The track blends sensuality with confidence, capturing an irresistible chemistry that’s impossible to ignore. — C.C.
Amerie, “Mine”
Where there’s springtime, you’ll find Amerie. The DMV crooner is back with her first new music since her 2018 double-single “4AM Mulholland”/”After 4AM,” and it’s a winner. Co-written with Troy Taylor, who also produced the track, “Mine” is a soaring ballad accented by her trademark upper register, twinkling harp-like strings, and subtle bassline peppered with syncopated finger-snaps. “The way your lips fill in tonight, the way they pressed against mine/ The way you pulled me closer, closer, under the moonlight/ This is how it could always be, you and me/ More than friends, we could be everything,” she delicately coos in the intro. — K.D.
Naomi Sharon, “Can We Do This Over”
Naomi Sharon returns with her first single of 2025 to kick off her anticipated follow-up era to Obisidian. Dealing with an emotionally unavailable partner is a tireless obstacle to climb — and the First Lady of OVO vulnerably opens up about her own experience, as her stirring vocals capture what can be a helpless feeling. Still, Sharon remains direct and steadfast in not playing these games and running in a circle, as her silky flow ventilates the warm acoustic production. Even though our hopes of a guest appearance on Drake and PND’s $$$4U didn’t materialize, her sophomore album’s arrival should be marked on every R&B fan’s calendar. — M.S.
Ari Lennox, “Soft Girl Era”
Ari Lennox is fully embracing her Soft Girl Era, and to celebrate her birthday, she dropped her new single, “Soft Girl Era.” The track serves as a celebration of luxury, self-care and embracing a carefree, feminine energy. Produced by hitmakers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox, The track embodies the idea of prioritizing your own comfort and well-being while indulging in the finer things in life. With playful confidence, Ari declares that she’s here for the “soft girl” lifestyle — pampered, relaxed, and loving every minute of it. Lyrics like “a million dollars in the mirror” and “Ain’t tryna do nothing but look pretty in here” capture the essence of self-worth, while the track’s carefree vibe encourages women to revel in their worth and enjoy the luxury of being unapologetically themselves. — C.C.
Xowié, “Nobody’s Fool”
Recently named Apple Music’s Up Next in South Africa artist for April, rising star Xowié has unleashed the lead single from her forthcoming EP ALLO (A Little Long Overdue). “Nobody’s Fool” finds Xowié using a neo-soul-steeped soundscape to pick up the pieces and build herself up after allowing a disappointing romance to “waster her time.” Frank and vulnerable, her restrained vocal performance is the perfect pairing for Sundae Beats’ lush, ethereal soundscape. — K.D.
Drake is back with another earworm, and we have the producer Elkan to thank for it. This week, Drizzy’s latest hit “Nokia” sneaks back into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 — reaching a new peak of No. 7 — as fans are waiting with baited breath for the arrival of the song’s IMAX music video, dropping later today (March 31). Appearing on Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR‘s joint album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, “Nokia” emerged as the leader of the pack amongst three other chart-topping songs off the project: “Die Trying,” “Gimme a Hug” and “Somebody Loves Me.”
While “Nokia” is littered amongst 20-other lusty heartbroken R&B slowburns, the song commands listeners to dry their tears and hit the dance floor. Drake’s “Who’s calling my phone?” catchphrase is already breaking the internet, and will undoubtedly crash every karaoke bar this summer, as soundtracked by Elkan’s bouncy beat. The producer, who’s from Sierra Leone and is based out of the United Kingdom, graces Drake with a disorienting backdrop, which disintegrates from a sweaty and pummeling Atlanta bass beat into a slithering synth-driven funk groove.
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So who is Elkan, and how long has he been honing this unique style? Here’s everything Billboard knows about the buzzing producer behind The Boy’s latest hit.
When Did Elkan Start Producing?
The 21-year-old producer began his production journey back when he was between the ages of eight and ten. His uncle, an artist based out of Sierra Leone at the time, introduced him to FL Studio. Elkan admitted in an interview with wavs.com that he wasn’t interested in the software at first, but eventually began tinkering around in FL’s demo version. He then fully locked in with producing after taking a class led by a professional producer named Eli Brown.
“I saw Eli Brown post a sample on Twitter and it blew me away,” he said in an interview with the Spill Your Sauce podcast in 2023. “I reached out to him about his class and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from him. It completely changed my perspective on what could be achieved with samples.”
From there, Elkan became obsessed with making samples, with his first official release being a sample from Tory Lanez’ “Joke’s on Me” when he was 17. After getting some praise online, Elkan decided to pursue production full time.
How Did Elkan Break Out?
His claim to fame became meshing nursery rhymes within his samples, and he got his official start producing as part of a well-established group called the Rucker Collective. One of Elkan’s samples from 2020, titled “Dead or Alive,” caught the attention of Lil Baby, who was seen on TikTok rapping over the beat in the studio. The sample eventually made its way to Metro Boomin, who added drums and tinkered with it a bit more to make his Heroes & Villains cut “Metro Spider” with Young Thug in 2022.
The rest was history, as Elkan continued to produce for well-known rappers including Russ, Nemzzz and Lecrae, the latter collaboration of which led to his first Grammy win in 2024, for his work on Church Clothes 4.
What Inspired “Nokia?”
While working on the beat for “Nokia,” Elkan said on Instagram in February the instrumental was just inspired by real-life events.
“NOKIA” came from people I love ringing my line asking if I was okay inviting me out to karaoke, clubbing, going to crazy food spots and just enjoying the finer things in life!” he wrote on IG. Elkan added that knew the result would be a smash hit.
“When Drake puts pen to pad onna elken ting you know it’s a special one!” he concluded.
