We’re formally in awards season, people! On Sunday evening (Nov. 19), Billboard introduced the winners of the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, with Beyoncé, Drake, The Weeknd, SZA, 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj and Metro Boomin reigning victorious within the rap and R&B classes. The 2023 Soul Prepare Music Awards have been additionally taped final evening; Keke Palmer will host the R&B-centric awards ceremony, which is ready to air on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her. SZA, Summer season Walker and Usher lead the nominations with 9 nods every.
Within the midst of the entire celebratory extravaganzas, New Music Friday (Nov. 17) proceeded with enterprise as normal, dumping a plethora of recent tracks to hearken to over the vacation break. With Recent Picks, Billboard goals to focus on a number of the greatest and most fascinating new sounds throughout R&B and hip-hop — from ScarLip’s fast-rising new hit to Inayah’s tender, Fantasia-nodding R&B jam.
Make sure to take a look at this week’s Recent Picks in our Spotify playlist beneath.
Freshest Discover: Inayah, “For The Streets”
Since its launch again in 2007, Fantasia’s “Once I See U” has grow to be a licensed R&B traditional — the form of tune everybody covers for enjoyable however nobody would dare attempt to actually make their very own. Enter Inayah, a rising R&B star who flips an interpolation of the tune’s lyrics and instrumental right into a no-holds-barred takedown of ain’t s–t males. “I had your image on my mirror/ I took that s–t down/ Lastly see that you just been a clown/ Been holding us down when you f–king ’spherical,” she opens the tune. Inayah well delivers every line with a sneaky wink, nodding to the elegant amalgam of the unmistakably iconic aura of Fantasia’s unique and the tongue-in-cheek gems of truths sprinkled all through her personal observe.
41 & Jenn Carter, “Issues”
One of many new tracks from 41’s “11-track EP” 41 World: Not the Album, “Issues” is a Jenn Carter solo minimize that’s yet one more reminder that she’s one of the crucial charming voices popping out of the Brooklyn drill scene proper now. The Touchamill-produced tracks discover her getting a bit introspective as she waxes poetic a couple of relationship in turmoil. Sonically in a lane most just like probably the most lovelorn snap-laden ballads of A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Lil Tjay, “Issues” proves simply how versatile Jenn is. “Takin’ all my еnergy, tryna’ maintain you subsequent to me / Wе been by means of the worst, however I do know you need the most effective for me/ Why you retain on testing me?/ Like, these bitches texting me?” she spits.
Jay Rock feat. Bongo ByTheWay, “Nonetheless That Approach”
It’s been 5 years since Redemption, however Jay Rock has been making up for the prolonged wait between studio albums with a gradual stream of recent music this yr. His newest providing is the Bongo ByTheWay-helmed “Nonetheless That Approach,” a booming anthem that treads the acquainted floor of celebrating success whereas nonetheless sustaining the grounding and authenticity of your roots. Triumphant brass and skittering hi-hats present a lot of the instrumental’s background whereas Jay Rock’s commanding voice provides the momentum.
ScarLip, “Blick”
Since changing into considered one of this yr’s greatest new stars along with her rousing late-summer anthem “This Is New York.” ScarLip has maintained a constant musical and on-line presence. Final week (Nov. 15), the Bronx rapper unleashed “Blick,” her catchy new single that mixes the uncooked depth of her DMX-nodding breakout hit with the dance-facing rhythmic qualities of Jersey club-inflected drill. Already soundtracking a TikTok dance problem, “Blick” is seeking to grow to be a large hit — one which well reveals the completely different shades of her creative ethos.
Mannywellz, “Be Alright”
Showing on his new Mr. Oúlala EP, Mannywellz’s “Be Alright” is a no-frills guitar ballad heralding peace and safety within the information that every little thing will ultimately work out because it must. With a sweeping melody so as to add some weight to the straightforward lyrics within the refrain (“It’s gonna be alright”), Manny depends on the heat of his tone and the idiosyncrasies of his enunciation and phrasing so as to add some dynamics to the tune.
Terrace Martin & Gallant, “Tandem”
On this subtly funky sluggish jam, Terrace and Gallant use an prolonged metaphor of a tandem bike to croon about how they and their respective lovers match completely collectively. “We’re in tandem like bikes, why don’t you sit?/ You’ll be driving all evening, I’ll be rocking in sync/ We’d fuss, we could battle, by no means lose chemistry/ We’re in tandem like bikes, why don’t you sit?” Gallant sings. Terrace’s lush manufacturing, which options notes of funk and doo-wop, supplies a sensual backdrop for Gallant’s come-hither coos, but it surely’s the restraint in his vocal efficiency that’s most spectacular.
No Guidnce, “Lengthy Stroll”
Rising British R&B boy group No Guidnce continues their ascension with a reflective new minimize titled “Lengthy Stroll.” Sitting on the other finish of the hip-hop-inflected R&B spectrum from “Spicy,” the quarter opts for a soulful drum-heavy beat courtesy of Ben Billions and Terrence Rolle. It’s a easy story about assembly somebody new for the primary time, however the distinction of the chugging drums with their craving harmonies makes for a very immersive listening expertise.
