Listen to new must-hear songs from emerging R&B/hip-hop artists like The Cool Kids and Kairo Keyz.
Joe Leone, “Over Under”
Courtesy Photo
Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl announcement took over the world last week; still, the pop queen’s new album announcement didn’t completely overshadow another hectic week in the worlds of hip-hop and R&B.
Last Tuesday (Aug. 12) and Wednesday (Aug. 13), Chris Brown took his career-commemorating Breezy Bowl XX World Tour to East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, treating two packed crowds to hours of R&B greatness with some help from Bryson Tiller and Summer Walker. By Thursday (Aug. 14), Lil Yachty took Breezy’s place in the headlines thanks to his appearance on Plaqueboymax’s live stream, in which he played an unreleased track containing a disgustingly disrespectful lyric about the late George Floyd. After publicly pressing him for an apology, former NBA star Stephen Jackson confirmed that he, a close friend of Floyd’s, and Lil Boat had a private conversation to clear the air.
Meanwhile, several major stars unleashed highly anticipated new projects. Cardi B kept her Am I the Drama? rollout with “Imaginary Playerz,” a flip of Jay-Z’s iconic “Imaginary Players” that’s garnered mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Chance the Rapper ended his six-year wait for his Star Line sophomore studio album, which featured a familiar cast of collaborators, including Jamila Woods, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Vic Mensa. Of course, there was also Chlöe and Moliy’s Diaspora-uniting remix of Yung Bredda’s Full Blown-produced global soca smash hit, “The Greatest Bend Over.”
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Armani White and Samara Cyn’s new link-up to Ne-Yo’s spin on Joe Leone’s rising hit. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
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Joe Leone & Ne-Yo, “Over Under (Remix)”
Just a few days after “Over Under” made its Adult R&B Airplay debut (No. 30), ascendant R&B crooner Joe Leone has shared the song’s Ne-Yo-assisted remix alongside his debut studio album, Invited. “I think you’re bluffin’ babe/ I see it on your face/ And how your legs keep shaking/ Girl I’m glad you came,” Ne-Yo croons in his sultry new first, delivering incredibly crisp harmonies alongside Leone, whose suave tone lays the foundation for the mood of the Curtis “Sauce” Wilson-produced track. — KYLE DENIS
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The Cool Kids, “Foil Bass”
It’s looking like The Cool Kids are gearing up to follow up the triple CD they dropped back in 2022. “Foil Bass” is the second single they’ve released in the past month, and just like “Banana in the Tailpipe,” this track has that signature Cool Kids knock to it to go along with the duo’s undeniable chemistry. It’s no wonder that they’re one of the most important rap duos of the past 15 years. — ANGEL DIAZ
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Armani White & Samara Cyn, “Ghost”
Blanco season is on the horizon: Armani White has joined forces with rising star Samara Cyn, and is looking to close out the summer with a bop in “Ghost.” Every listener will have their shoulders grooving as the West Philly native leaves his girl in the dust behind a catchy chorus, on a song built around a familiar Pharrell Williams loop. White passes the rock to Cyn, who dunks the alley-oop, letting the ladies know their boyfriends are watching her every move. “Think you got a church n—a ’til he see Cyn/ Gave that boy the spirit, good God, that’s a smooth b—h,” she flaunts. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
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K CAMP & Ari Lennox, “Floating”
K CAMP and Ari Lennox’s sultry, intimate new track explores the euphoria of infatuation through a grounding metaphor (“floating”) of levity and dopamine-aided uplift. They mix seduction and vulnerability, crooning, “Soft kisses got me feeling like you like me,” and “Pretty brown skin, I can’t wait to dip it in,” emphasizing both sensual chemistry and the joy of being desired. Their conversational dynamic captures a mutual fascination, with each expressing excitement and admiration while navigating the thrill of stolen moments. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
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Kairo Keyz, “New Jazz”
A few months after earning a MOBO Award nomination for best drill act, South London rapper Kairo Keyz has officially shared his New Jazz EP. In 2023, the wonky, whirring, video game-esque synths of new jazz added streaks of personality and verve to the New York drill scene, and Kairo explores that sound further on his new project. Standing as both the album’s titular and introductory track, “New Jazz” finds Kairo spitting braggadocious bars over syncopated snares, complete with a self-assured tone that aims to announce the arrival of a new EP from one of drill’s most promising rising stars. — K.D.
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Laila! feat. Jay Red, “Out There Freestyle”
Earlier this year, Brooklyn’s Baby Genius was showing mad love to Project Pat on social media. I interviewed her during this phase, and she told me she liked to listen to the Memphis rapper while she trains in Muay Thai — and that she had an unreleased song inspired by Pat. What she didn’t tell me is that she would get her mom to rap on it with her. Now we need a Laila! and Project Pat to link up. — A.D.
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Mudbaby Ru, “Love With a YN”
Mudbaby Ru ended his hiatus when he returned with his first single of 2025, “Love With a YN,” which finds the Arkansas rapper depicting a relationship going through turbulent trials and tribulations but emerging even stronger. Ru doesn’t want to fully commit until he knows she’s deserving of his loyalty: “She a real-a— b—h she keep it 100,” he raps before later pleading his allegiance, “I’m ready to die for her.” Watch the sensual visual showing off a date night for Ru at home. — M.S.
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TAVE feat. Kenyon Dixon & Stacy Barthe, “Into You”
“Into You” finds the sensual trio of TAVE, Kenyon Dixon and Stacy Barthe exploring the value of loving their partner despite their emotional unavailability. Both Dixon and Barthe admit to noticing red flags and challenges in the relationship, yet they choose to embrace imperfections rather than turn away. The song celebrates the push-and-pull of desire and intimacy, highlighting how love can persist even when it’s complicated. — C.C.
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Crimeapple & V Don, “Victor Charlie”
One of my favorite producers is linking up with one of my favorite rappers for a collab tape: while we’re not sure when Bulletproof Chicken is dropping, if this lead single is a sign of things to come, then I think we got something to look forward to. “We can even face off on camera for bigger guap/ Flip you on tape, you don’t gotta go to Diddy’s spot,” Crime spits over a menacing piano sample, provided by one of the best beat makers in the game. — A.D.