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 to 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’sGreatest 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.
kwn feat. FLO, “Talk You Through It”
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
Rexx Life Raj, “Dim My Light”
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
Fred again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax, “Victory Lap”
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
Samara Cyn, “Hardheaded”
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
Khamari, “Sycamore Tree”
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, “Get Off”
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.
$ilkMoney, “The Jury Duty Seafood Boil Bag From the Lyfe Jennings Paperwork Party”
$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.
Tyler Watts & Jacquess “Prettiest Girl”
“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.
AL99 (pronounced “Al nine-nine”) is an artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist on a mission to do more than just make music for people to listen to.
In the opening frame of the music video for ML Underwood’s “Still I Rise,” the camera pans across the facade of the historic ruins of City Church in Gary, Indiana. Soon, a pristine white Rolls Royce pulls up in front.
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A multi-instrumentalist, she brings her songs to life through vocals as well as harp, piano, guitar, and more, creating rich, layered compositions that reflect her diverse influences.
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