Between Drake touching down in Lodown for a three-night takeover at Wireless Festival and Clipse successfully restoring that classic hip-hop feeling with their excellent new Let God Sort Em Out album, hip-hop enjoyed quite a jam-packed weekend.
As Drizzy reacted to “F—k Kendrick” chants at Wireless, Kung Fu Kenny played “Not Like Us” just a three-hour drive away at the latest stop of his and SZA’s Grand National Tour at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. Across his three headlining Wireless sets, Drake brought out guests such as Vybz Kartel, Rema, Central Cee and Vanessa Carlton — and he also claimed that “nobody can out-rap London.” Notably, that claim came just days after Skepta made good on his promise to diss Joyner Lucas, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled for a U.S.-U.K. battle.
In more touring news, Jay-Z once again joined Beyoncé onstage at her Cowboy Carter Tour — this time, on her third consecutive sold-out night at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In addition to performing his classic “Crazy In Love” verse, the hip-hop legend also treated fans to a blazing performance of “Public Service Announcement” that once again stirred up whispers about him headlining next year’s Super Bowl halftime show.
On the R&B side of things, Grammy-winner Coco Jones announced her engagement to Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, yet another sports-R&B union following Normani’s engagement to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf earlier this year. Justin Bieber also returned, dropping a Journals-adjacent surprise album titled Swag featuring collaborations with Gunna, Sexyy Red and Cash Cobain.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Syd’s new banger to Cash Cobain’s song of the summer contender. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
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Cash Cobain, “Feeeeeeeeel”
After ushering in slizzy summer last year, Cash Cobain has been keeping the momentum going with follow-up 2025 releases like “Sick N Tired” (with OnlyHeaven) and “Tripping on a Yacht” (with Bay Swag and Rob49). But his latest single, “Feeeeeeeeel,” which features baile funk-meets-sexy drill beat and a vocal sample sourced from Tabita Duncan, is poised to be the track that runs summer ’25. Accompanied by a dance inspired by the “Pass the Courvoisier” scene from 2003’s Love Don’t Cost a Thing, Cash’s groovy new sound brings the hyperlocal energy of sexy drill to the global stage, with the Brazilian baile funk adding some verve to offset his generally atmospheric sound. — KYLE DENIS
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Nicholas Craven & Boldy James, “Marrero”
Boldy dropped another tape with Craven last week, and while the entire project is great, the electric guitar loop on this track had me running this track back. And then you have Blocks, all cool, calm, and collected as he raps lines like, “My plug from La Raza but my connect come from Marrero,” as that loop comes back around. Just a perfect rap track. — ANGEL DIAZ
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Lil Yachty, “Won’t Diss You”
With beef seemingly the flavor of the month in rap, Lil Yachty drops the anti-diss track with his mellow “Won’t Diss You.” It’s unclear if he’s talking about a female friend or a music peer, but the cozy tune works either way. “Nah, I won’t diss you/ Online I’m never go diss you/ If anything I’ll say I miss you,” Yachty softly raps. Boat quietly has been putting together a winning streak of singles in 2025, while he remains on tour opening for Tyler, the Creator across North America. We’ll see if this string of positivity leads to an album before the year expires. Keep being you, Yachty. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
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Syd, “Die for This”
Grammy-nominated R&B savant Syd unleashed a raw and heartfelt confession of deep, almost reckless love over the weekend. Across “Die for This,” she reflects on how easily things could’ve ended if she’d backed out, but instead, she dove in headfirst. Vulnerable yet fearless, Syd lays it all on the line, admitting she’d give up everything for the connection she’s found. The track blends soft vocals with emotionally charged lyrics, capturing the kind of love that feels like both salvation and surrender. Even in moments of chaos or second-guessing, she makes it clear: this love is worth the risk. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
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Jane Handcock feat. BJ the Chicago Kid, “You”
Jane Handcock, the first lady of Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records, has unleashed her new It’s Me, Not You album, and the BJ the Chicago Kid-assisted “You” is an easy standout. “See I could name, a lotta things/ That’s interesting but, none quite like you/ Authentic in everything that you do/ That’s why there’s only one,” they harmoniously croon in the outro of the Soopafly, Sir Dylan & WaveIQ-produced track, effortlessly striking a balance between acknowledging the most lovable and most annoying qualities their partners possesses. — K.D.
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Monaleo, “We on Dat”
Produced by Merion Krazy, Skrioo, and AvGotDrip, the Houston rapper’s latest single harkens back to that big and bold No Limit sound that dominated the late ’90s. Monaleo and her crew even sport pink military gear in the video while referencing the famous No Limit tank pendant on the single artwork. “We on Dat” comes just in time as the summer kicks into full gear, so expect to hear shorties singalong to the chorus when you’re outside from now until September. — A.D.
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Mahalia, “Instructions”
Mahalia is back with another confident, flirty, dancehall-inspired track that blends Caribbean vibes with pop-R&B swagger. She sings about taking control, making a move, and not wanting to hide her connection with someone any longer. With a bouncy rhythm and playful direction (“rock to the left, rock to the right”), it’s an invitation to let go, show out, and take the party (and the person) home. Dupes adds to the energy with a classic dancehall-style call-and-response, turning the song into a full-blown groove. It’s a feel-good anthem for claiming love out loud—and dancing while you do it. — C.C.
