Take heed to new must-hear songs from rising R&B/hip-hop artists like Khalil and Spencer Diamond.
Ski Masks The Droop God “Catch Me Outdoors 2”
Courtesy Photograph
Final week housed each the midpoint of 2025 and Independence Day — so, naturally, the celebrities have been out.
On July 4, Beyoncé graced Maryland’s Northwest Stadium together with her blockbuster Cowboy Carter Tour, that includes a flashy new American flag fur coat and the continued absence of “16 Carriages” and its flying car. The identical day, Drake kicked off his Iceman album era together with his scene-surveying new single, “What Did I Miss?”
The day earlier than the vacation (July 3), nonetheless, featured an admirable show of class solidarity from Grammy winners LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan. Each artists have been scheduled to look finally Friday’s Wawa Welcome American Pageant in Philadelphia, however they pulled out of their performances in assist of a strike by almost 10,000 metropolis employees. “There’s completely no method that I can carry out, cross a picket line and decide up cash after I know that individuals are on the market preventing for a dwelling wage,” LL Cool J mentioned in a video posted to his official Instagram web page.
In fact, this weekend occurred within the shadow of the verdict in the Diddy trial, which was delivered on July 2. The disgraced mogul was discovered not responsible on the 2 most critical prices (intercourse trafficking and racketeering), however was convicted on two prices of transportation to have interaction in prostitution. Decide Arun Subramanian has but to set a agency date for sentencing.
With Recent Picks, Billboard goals to spotlight a number of the finest and most fascinating new sounds throughout R&B and hip-hop — from Ski Masks the Droop God’s new sequel to Benny the Butcher’s summer season anthem. Remember to take a look at this week’s Recent Picks in our Spotify playlist under.
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Khalil feat. Alice Aera, “Insecure”
After linking for final 12 months’s “Emotionally Unavailable,” R&B rising stars Khalil and Alice Aera be a part of forces as soon as once more for “Insecure,” a dry, acoustic guitar-based observe that finds the 2 crooners buying and selling verses concerning the push-and-pull between lastly accepting the love you desperately crave, however secretly really feel you don’t deserve. The smoky undertones of Alice’s timbre play effectively in opposition to Khalil’s falsetto, as they go for a conversational construction over conventional duet harmonies. “Feeling insecure, I by no means want you extra/ Then you definitely give some extra, and now I want you gone,” he croons within the refrain. “Inform me, ‘put you on,’ and now I really feel like I confirmed you an excessive amount of/ Inform me what you need, ’trigger now I don’t suppose it’s gon’ be sufficient.” — KYLE DENIS
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Tommy Genesis, “Loops”
Tommy Genesis confronted backlash surrounding the spiritual symbolism in her “True Blue” video, and she or he addresses the critics head-on, digging into her ancestral trauma with the poignant “Loops” as a South Indian whose household transformed from Hinduism to Christianity. “How can I clarify?/ Blood in my veins Like liquid ache, ancestral disgrace/ How ladies have been tamed, how males behaved/ My lineage, cyclical rage,” she intones on the refrain over stripped-down guitars. TG will proceed to traverse this susceptible journey when her Genesis album arrives on July 25. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
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Benny the Butcher, “Summer time ’25”
There are solely a handful of rappers that may stack as much as Butch when he’s rappin’ like this. The Buffalo rapper’s final couple solo initiatives have acquired combined critiques, however this proper right here is him setting off the summer season proper. Hopefully, we get extra of this high-level s—t talkin’ on no matter he’s planning on dropping subsequent, as a result of the streets want it. I really feel like the brand new Clipse album will set the bar, and can encourage everybody to speak that speak — with raps sponsored by Pyrex. — ANGEL DIAZ
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Kota the Pal feat. Samara Cyn, “It’s a Good Life”
Kota the Pal and Samara Cyn’s “It’s A Good Life” is a heat, introspective observe that celebrates gratitude, progress and dwelling life with objective. Kota displays on the enjoyment of straightforward pleasures resembling his backyard, good meals and genuine friendships, whereas staying grounded regardless of success. Samara Cyn brings sharp, assured bars, embracing her self-worth and pushing previous faux associates and negativity. Collectively, they encourage listeners to understand life, embrace the onerous days and maintain shifting ahead. The music reminds us to seek out peace outdoors of the rat race and keep centered on what actually issues. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
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Mello Buckzz, “Tremendous P”
Sadly, Chi-City MC Mello Buckzz’s Hollyhood launch social gathering was overshadowed by a drive-by shooting that left 4 useless and one other 14 injured in Chicago’s River North neighborhood (July 2). If there’s such a factor as a silver lining in a second so clearly tragic, it’s that Hollyhood is a really sturdy challenge. Among the many set’s standouts is “Tremendous P,” a Hitkidd-helmed joint that finds Mello stressing how actual and the way “P” she’ll at all times be, no matter what fame and success come her method. “I by no means change on a recreation for the peso/ Too actual, I ain’t nothin’ such as you faux h—s/ I be tremendous P on a b—h, like a urinal,” she spits with a tone laced with disgust at those that betray their morals for a little bit of clout. — Okay.D.
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BabyChiefDoIt, “Went West”
Recent off being highlighted on the 2025 XXL Freshman Class cowl, BabyChiefDoIt additionally carried out at Lyrical Lemonade’s SummerSmash not too long ago, and took the chance to movie the video to this absolute banger as he ran round backstage and linked up with Nardwuar, in a visible that’s virtually paying homage to Wayne’s “A Milli” video — all of which have been good strikes. Then there’s additionally the truth that he produced the beat, and he makes positive we find out about it when he raps, “They gon’ be shocked once they see I made this beat/ BabyChief went Kanye West.” Listen, as a result of BabyChiefDoIt is subsequent up out of Chicago. — A.D.
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Spencer Diamond, “My Want”
Packing on the nostalgia for ’90s R&B with a contemporary twist, Spencer Diamond is a needle in a Kentucky haystack. Diamond delivered his soothing “My Want” single final week forward of the vacation, because the Bluegrass State native showcases his D’Angelo inspiration whereas crooning via his romantic stresses. “If I name your identify, will you match my want?” he repeatedly asks over a punchy beat that seems like one thing Timbaland might’ve produced for Aaliyah. — M.S.
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Ski Masks the Droop God, “Catch Me Outdoors 2”
A high-energy sequel to his 2017 breakout hit, “Catch Me Outdoors 2” as soon as once more finds Ski Masks flipping Missy Elliott’s “She’s a B—ch” right into a rapid-fire, playful showcase of punchlines and popular culture references. His wordplay is sharp and unpredictable, evaluating himself to every little thing from Darth Vader to the Loch Ness Monster whereas flexing his originality and success. He leans into his signature chaotic movement, balancing humor with braggadocio as he raps about cash, copycats and his untouchable model. The music is filled with anime, cartoon and gaming nods, making a vivid listening expertise that additional cements Ski Masks’s one-of-one artistry. — C.C.