The summer of “Not Like Us” is in full swing. It's been less than a week since Kendrick Lamar broke the internet with his Pop Out concert — featuring Mustard, YG, 310babbii, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook and more — where he turned his victory lap in a historic moment of West Coast unification. After opening the show with his incredible 'Euphoria' diss, the superstar ripped through a set list of hits including 'DNA', 'King's Dead' and 'Alright'. To close out the show, Kendrick—along with friends from all over the West Coast—performed the Billboard Hot 100 hit “Not Like Us” five times in a row.
With major albums from Megan Thee Stallion, James Blake & Lil Yachty and Lucky Daye dropping later this week (June 28) and the BET Awards on Sunday (June 30), the world of hip-hop and R&B has plenty to wait. Meanwhile, there's still the weekly onslaught of new music to sort through—from GloRilla's highly anticipated “TGIF” to Brandy and Monica's gorgeous remix of Ariana Grande's “The Boy Is Mine.”
With fresh options,Advertising signaims to showcase some of the best and most interesting new sounds in R&B and hip-hop — from IDK and Gunna's new team-up to Snoh Aalegra's new '80s collaboration. Be sure to check out this week's fresh picks in the Spotify playlist below.
IDK & Gunna, “TIFFANY”
A viral clip that continues to live up to the hype is rare these days, but IDK and Gunna defied the odds with “TIFFANY,” their first group. Gunna is a guest on DMV's single, but feels right at home with his close friend Turbo handling the production. The chemistry is evident as they join forces for a silky chorus that leaves name brands filling their closets. With a luxurious visual shot in Paris, it matches the piece released in the middle of Paris Fashion Week. IDK discloses that he has been working for a decade to get to this point and refers to himself as a reliable children's cartoon character Bob the Builder. “TIFFANY” follows IDK's Joey Bada$$-assisted “Denim” and has drums on his album later this year.
Adrian Marcel, “Lovin Me”
Up-and-coming R&B singer Adrian Marcel delivers a delectable slice of warm, catchy R&B vibes on his new single, “Lovin Me.” With his soulful falsetto and pristine layering that colors the soundscape of Bay Area R&B with heavy jazz, Marcel creates a track that wrestles with the lingering feelings of fear that linger in even the longest relationships. “With all your sacrifice, you stood by my side/ Yet I can't help but wonder/ If you're still in love with me,” muses on the Sonny B-produced track, which he co-wrote with Ryn Nicole. Playing with the doe eyes of classic soul and R&B, “Lovin Me” is a sweet addition to the soundtrack for a hazy summer night.
2 Rare, “Congratulationz”
2Rare has a lot to be thankful for these days. He's sharing his love and the timing is perfect for his single “Congratulationz,” which serves as the celebratory anthem for every graduating class across the country. The triumphant tune is a refreshing change of pace from previous releases for the Philly native, as he toasts to leveling up in life and thanks his parents and God for being there every step of the way. “Give it up for us this once,” he urges listeners, aided by a children's choir to drive home the family aspect even more. It's not going to reach the heights of Quavo and Post Malone's Diamond single of the same name, but 2Rare's positivity is a welcome sound.
THEM., “Diamonds and Pearls”
“Be my addiction, material girl/ Wrapped around my finger like diamonds and pearls/ Hit all your buttons with no strings attached/ Make you wanna take it back,” sings Drew Love at the beginning of “Diamond And Pearls” , a Prince. -nod, City High name-check ode to the sensual heat of the chase. After previewing the track last year, the acclaimed R&B duo delivers a full song that draws on hip hop-soul and neo-soul influences while employing a sing-rap beat to lyrics that feel decidedly contemporary. Embracing all aspects of the pursuit — sex, booze, material wealth — “Diamonds And Pearls” is the kind of infectious R&B jam that makes even the subtlest of ideas feel enticing.
Bay Swag, “Worldwide Sniper”
It's a Slizzy Summer in New York and Bay Swag, along with his “Fisherrr” partner Cash Cobain, are the driving forces behind the sexy workout movement sweeping the Big Apple's rap scene. The Queens native delivers his take on DMX's 'What These B—–s Want' as Bay runs through various women in his lineup like an H-Town hottie who used to date the NBA star James Harden or with a nurse from Brooklyn. passed to Fivio Foreign. With Cash directing the ominous production, the 24-year-old crosses state lines to live up to his “Worldwide Sniper” reputation. If you let Bay Swag tell it, he says the track is “a shout out to all the badass worldwide who bring that energy wherever they go.”
The 80s & Snoh Aalegra, “Blue”
Last Friday (June 21), The 80s — comprised of James Fauntleroy & No ID and formerly known as Cocaine 80s — released their 2024 remaster Pursuit EP, the first in a series of seminal Blog Era projects. With three-time Grammy nominee Snoh Aalegra offering her first musical release of 2024 via a new verse on “Blue,” the moody album emerges as one of the most satisfying listens of the set. Her ethereal tone pairs beautifully with Fauntleroy's tender falsetto — built upon endless layers of backing harmonies — creating the perfect vocal complement to the dramatic piano line that anchors No ID's sparse production. “And all I wanted was your love/ Damn it, I'd drive the sun away/ Just because you're all I wanted,” they say.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rb-hip-hop-fresh-picks-idk-gunna-1235716167/
