Latest news with #kwn
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: kwn, Khamari, $ilkMoney, AzSwaye, Rexx Life Raj & More
Amid Cardi B finally coming back 'Outside' and Jay-Z surprising attendees Beyoncé's final Cowboy Carter Tour show at Paris' Stade de France with spirited renditions of 'Crazy In Love' and 'N—as in Paris,' there was one news item that dominated the week of Juneteenth — Billboard staff's much buzzed-about ranking of the 75 Best R&B Singers of All Time. More from Billboard Wu-Tang Clan's Masta Killa Explains Why You Should Go Vegan in PETA Spot: 'There's Really No Excuse' Ice Spice Raves About Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's Sense of Humor: 'They're Really, Really Funny' Lil Tecca Explains Why He Changed Creative Direction and How 'Grand Theft Auto' Influenced His New Album Released in four parts, Billboard's latest list quickly dominated both Internet and real-life conversations, as R&B lovers debated the vocal ability, longevity, catalogs, and careers of soul pioneers like Stevie Wonder and new-class leaders like Frank Ocean. Five-time Grammy nominee Tank, who landed at No. 67, took his Instagram Story, writing, 'I see these kinds of things and refuse to get [emotional]… lol I'm really a monster and I'll leave it at that.' On the other hand, Tamar Braxton, a four-time Grammy nominee who did not make the list, wrote on X: '… And [Billboard] got that best singers of all times list wrong if Kelly ain't on there… everyone have a blessed day,' later clarifying she meant Kelly Clarkson, who earned an honorable mention for Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century ranking last year. While debates rocked the R&B world, hip-hop enjoyed the beginnings of what could be a battle between Pusha T and Travis Scott after the former directed the following lines at the latter on Clipse's new 'So Be It' single: 'You cried in front of me, you died in front of me/ Calabasas took your b—h and your pride in front of me/ Her utopia had moved right up the street/ And her lip gloss was poppin', she ain't need you to eat.' With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Khamari's new D'Angelo-sampling single to kwn and FLO's X-rated link-up. Be sure to check out this week's Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below. After breaking through earlier this year with the Kehlani-assisted 'Worst Behaviour' and following up that momentum with the saucy 'Do What I Say,' UK R&B rising star kwn has unleashed her latest EP, With All Due Respect. One of the project's instant standouts is 'Talk You Through It,' an X-rated nod to the sensuality of slow jams past that marks the union of kwn and FLO, both of whom opened for Kehlani's Crash World Tour last year. 'Take me back to third base, lemme have a taste/ Know you love it when them tears roll down my leg/ You can spit it in my mouth, know that you allowed,' the girl group harmonizes over sexy electric guitars and immersive synth arrangements. — KYLE DENIS In the same week, Rexx Life Raj led Oracle Park in a rendition of 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' for the San Francisco Giants and also released his introspective 'Dim My Light' single. Even after suffering excruciating losses in his personal life, Raj continues to trek on through the heartbreak. Don't be fooled by his million-dollar smile on the outside, as Rexx Life Raj isn't going to let anyone take his kindness for weakness and downplay his artistry. He's continued to elevate and put in the work at a feverish pace, so anyone still sleeping on Raj's shine, that's their loss. — MICHAEL SAPONARA The beat was originally made by Fred again.. live on PlaqueBoyMax's stream when the popular streamer took a trip to London — and it samples Doechii and Rico Nasty's 'Swamp Bitches,' with Big Smoke doing what he does best by merging elements of grime, garage, EDM and rap as he gives us lines like, 'Me, I'm like Wallo and Gillie with the game.' And with that, I would like to respectfully demand an album from these two — or maybe have Fred and Sammy Virji link up for a mad ting, with Skep handling MC duties. — ANGEL DIAZ On 'Hardheaded,' Samara Cyn paints a picture of moving through chaotic, unforgiving environments — whether it's brushing off street hustlers, dealing with family tension, or navigating personal struggles — with a steady toughness that borders on emotional detachment. The hook ('Let's be delusional') hints at using self-made narratives and confidence as a form of survival, even when reality bites. Samara flexes her ability to push through noise and pressure with sharp lines like, 'All the weight out in the world can't get over me,' but she also reveals the cost: her hardened shell and growing distance from vulnerability. The song captures the tension between resilience and emotional isolation, where being 'hardheaded' is both her armor and her obstacle. It's a track about grit, ego and the fight to stay grounded in a world that constantly tries to knock you off balance. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON After reclaiming his buzz with last month's 'Head in a Jar,' Boston R&B singer-songwriter Khamari rummaged through D'Angelo's storied catalog to flip a 200 classic into a rumination on the challenges of committing to the fullness of a magnetic romantic connection. 'Sycamore tree/ Your branches hang over me/ So hauntingly,' he croons as D'Angelo's 'Untitled' chords get new accompaniment in a beautifully morose horn section. — K.D. AzSwaye wants to have everyone dancing across Los Angeles this summer. The AzCult rapper returns with a smooth addition to your summer cookout and block party playlists with the Mike Free-produced 'Get Off.' Built around a catchy chorus and braggadocios bars, Swaye mixes in shrewd references to L.A. athletes with ease, ranging from Shaquille O'Neal to LeBron James and Mookie Betts. 'Up a Luka plus LeBron, that's a hundred ball/ Hundred days and a hundred nights I seen bodies fall,' he raps, while sneering at his detractors. — M.S. $ilk has been relatively active since he branched off from Divine Council around 2017, but has flown under the radar for the most part, even with a tape fully produced by Tyler, The Creator in I Hate My Life and I Really Wish People Would Stop Telling Me Not To. He now plans to drop his first project since 2022, as Virginia rap looks to have a solid year with the Clipse also making their triumphant return. The rapper out of Richmond sets off this cosmic slop of wordplay by spittin', 'You died and decomposed, fertilized my feet in which made me to grow/ No need for heat, I'll eat this pizza cold/ A n—a reachin' old but still young enough to freak Keyshia Cole/ And for the feature, I'ma need at least an elitist's soul.' Yeah, $ilk hasn't lost a step. — A.D. 'Prettiest Girl' is a confident, feel-good track about shooting your shot and going after who you want. Tyler openly admires a girl he's instantly drawn to, calling her the prettiest he's ever seen and making it clear he's serious about getting to know her. His verses mix charm with ambition, as he talks about building a real connection and future plans. Jacquees brings a smooth, grown vibe, highlighting that her natural beauty and confidence already set her apart. Both artists emphasize exclusivity, shutting out outside noise and focusing on what could grow between them. The song captures the excitement of a new attraction with a playful and intentional energy. — C.C. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaé Universe, THEY., kwn, Kehlani And More New R&B For Your Worst Behavior
This week in R&B, the serial lovers kicked everyone else out of the way because they all collectively had something to say. Whether they're on their worst behavior, living in the heat of the moment, vying for one's affection and attention or simply want to cut up, slow grind, and sip champagne at The Louvre, R&B is oozing with themes of love and lust. Shaé Universe released her scorchingly passionate visual for her single, 'OOTW,' while THEY. sing of a love jones that's all-consuming. Kehlani and kwn are making the girls, gays, and theys feel everything. Meanwhile, Jagged Edge return to the spotlight with their new album as does Seal with his first single in over a decade. With other new music offerings from Muni Long, Dende, SAILORR, LÉA THE LEOX, Seal, Cautious Clay, Kyle Dion, Mereba, and more, R&B is beyond stacked this week. Check out our top favorites below. British songbird Shaé Universe isn't playing around when it comes to the long-awaited visual for her sultry ballad, 'OOTW.' Meaning 'order on the way,' the record itself is for the real yearners who are unapologetic about romance and submission—basically a recipe for a perfect Valentine's Day. As far as the visual goes, it's spicy; viewer discretion is advised. Shaé told VIBE, 'This music video is by far the sexiest version of Shaé I've ever been. It's a new but adventurous time for me and I found myself feeling so empowered whilst filming this video. I got to put my acting skills to work and delve deeper into the intimate art of storytelling through my music. I hope this Valentine's day, everyone who watches this video feels just as liberated and powerful as I did shooting it.' After spending the past decade honing in on their distinct sound, THEY. —comprised of songwriter Drew Love and producer Dante Jones— released their newest album, LOVE. JONES. Forgoing the need for collaborations and ridding themselves of label expectations, the men trusted their talent and collaborative efforts to create a masterpiece. 'Forget the features, forget bringing in the big producers and writers. It's really just a return to our original dynamic,' Jones noted of the LP that likens itself to the 'straight-fire, love-making' soundtrack of the 1997 film that inspired their own project. 'I just keep movies on while we're working and 'Love Jones' kind of sparked something and had me thinking about our very, very early days,' Jones shared while reflecting on the time when they were strangers, but still experiencing a parallel in their respective lives. With LOVE. JONES, you get a bit of jazz, neo-soul, and their spin on Hip-Hop soul. 'We really just wanted it to feel like from the moment that you press play like you're entering into something new,' Jones stated and we can agree. kwn and Kehlani are on their 'worst behaviour' and we're so here for it. The seductive remix of kwn's record is a match-made in heaven as Keh's dreamy vocals merge with kwn's steamy nature. 'What's mad about all of this is, we didn't even plan a remix like that…Kehlani was the one who said, 'we should do a remix' and I said, 'ok do you wanna be on it?' and that's how it happened,' kwn noted of the duet. Coming off the heels of their other collab, 'Clothes Off' from Kehlani's While We Wait 2, this is a chilling setup for what kwn has up her sleeve. Jagged Edge's 11th album, All Original Parts Volume 1, is finally here. It's the first installment of a trilogy and is their celebration of love, life, and their almost 30-year journey. '[This] is more than an album— the title of the album plays off of our group history with having all original members and staying together for almost 30 years. We are one of the rare finds in R&B music,' the quartet shared regarding the LP. As you may recall, the album promo began with the arrival of the lead single, 'Just Might Get It,' and not long after, the group announced their upcoming anniversary tour. From the moment we pressed play on LÉA THE LEOX's 'IFY,' it was an instant yes. Standing for 'I found you,' the sensual single effortlessly captures the thrill and butterflies that pop up when you know you met the right person. It paints a picture in mind of what those enticing moments are like, remind you that romance is about the possibility, and those possibilities are endless. We're still not over SAILORR's 'POOKIE'S REQUIEM' remix with Summer Walker, but the hits keep coming. 'CUT UP' serves as both a witty warning and a confessional for a potential lover as she sings, 'Loving usually make me sick/ But, bae, I think I'll make you mine/ I'm cutting up real bad though/ Might cut up all these photos of us.' Her unique vocals paired with infectious melodies keep us coming back for more all while teasing her debut, full-length project that's set for release later this year. Dende's first release under Def Jam is a soulful ode to his lover and his desire to immortalize her as art in the Louvre. 'You're a masterpiece/ Basquiat would try to make you from a dream/ Finally came along and changed the scene,' he sings in the chorus. He considers the record to be one of his favorites and noted, 'A muse is a word used to describe someone who brings inspiration to an artist. Our single 'The Louvre' is about feeling like you don't have any inspiration at all, creativity, or just going through your day happily and then finding that in someone else.' Dedicate this one to the masterpiece in your life. Valentine's Day were longer than a day, it'd be known as Muni Long season. The illustrious Grammy winner is back with her new ballad, 'Slow Grind,' and it's as enchanting and sexy as it implies. 'This song may lead to unforgettable nights. Listen accordingly,' she warns about the single. With 'Slow Grind,' she makes her desires known and confidently lays out the path for a night you'll want to remember. Seal's 'All I Know Is Now' is his first single in over a decade. The bold anthem is one that spotlights the strength found in life's uncertainty. 'If our time is spent focused on a hypothetical future, then by definition we cannot be present. The only thing we know is now. Right now!,' the crooner explained in a statement. Welcome back, Seal! You've been missed. Cautious Clay's first single of 2025 marks a new chapter in the singer-songwriter's life. Produced by himself and Valley Girl, 'No Champagne (6am)' is described as a 'heartfelt meditation on love's quiet intensity.' We'd like to add that it's also soul-stirring and relatable. As he defines the difference between expectation and reality, he also explores the juxtaposition of what someone wants from a relationship versus what they actually get. If you were looking for the soundtrack to help heal your inner child, you now have Mereba to thank. Her new album, The Breeze Grew a Fire, was written entirely by her and almost produced in a similar manner, but she had some help from Sam Hoffman and Kibrom Birhan. 'For this [album], it went back to me being on my own for the creation of a lot of the songs, and it was really important for me at this time of life because I was a little disconnected from the world, and from who I was. So I was trying to find my way back to myself first. What do I like? What do I want to hear? What do I want to say to people now?,' she questioned. Mereba went back to her fundamental experiences from life in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and beyond to find the answers to her introspective questions. What she uncovered was nothing short of mesmerizing music and a honest reflection of one's self. Kyle Dion's second release of the year is a hypnotizing fusion of romance and energy. 'Astro Afterglow' embraces themes of confidence and sensuality while also highlighting the intense connection between kindred souls. ''Astro Afterglow' is all about that electric connection— the kind of love that feels effortless and magnetic, where you and someone special are moving in perfect sync. Releasing this song on Valentine's Day makes it even more meaningful because it embodies passion, intimacy, and the thrill of being lost in the moment. With this track, I'm diving back into my R&B roots, blending sensuality with confidence, and giving fans a taste of the emotional journey my upcoming album explores,' he noted of the record. There's more to come from the beloved crooner and trust us, you don't want to miss out. More from Jazmine Sullivan, Normani Set To Perform At EmpowHER Music Fest GloRilla, Tyla, Muni Long, Erykah Badu Announced As Billboard Women In Music 2025 Honorees Jagged Edge Announces Anniversary Tour To Commemorate 25 Years Of 'J.E. Heartbreak'
