R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Erick the Architect, ScarLip, NLE Choppa, UMI, V & more

And, we're back! As the industry redefines itself from the holiday rush, the worlds of hip-hop and R&B are slowly returning to the weekly tidal waves of new music. The options are a little thin this week, as January is usually a slow month for new releases, but there are still some differences. Even like Nicki Minaj Pink Friday 2“Lovin on Me” by Jack Harlow and Drake For all dogs continue to dominate the charts, there are a few new remixes and singles that could very well become the first big hits of 2024.

With fresh options, Advertising sign aims to showcase some of the best and most interesting new sounds in R&B and hip-hop — from Fivio Foreign's fiery new anthem to Megan Thee Stallion's swing at hip-hop musical theater. Be sure to check out this week's fresh picks in the Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Erick the Architect & George Clinton, “Ezekiel's Wheel”

Erick the Architect of Flatbush Zombie has a solo album on the way, and if “Ezekiel's Wheel” is anything to go by, we're in for an amazing album. Joined by the legendary George Clinton, Eric combines hints of 90s East Coast hip-hop, reggae, funk and soul for a song that recounts his experiences growing up in Brooklyn, New York and becoming the rapper he is today . Lyrically, the track is anchored by an allusion to the biblical story of Ezekiel's wheel. “Everybody keeps secrets about the oil / Are Ezekiel's wheels grinding?” Clinton asks in a dull voice. There's a gentleness to Clinton's delivery that nicely offsets the charming nature of Matt Zara's production, a wonderful study in sonic contrast.

ScarLip feat. NLE Choppa, “Blick (Remix)”

For the remix of her latest hit, up-and-coming Bronx rapper ScarLip tapped “Slut Me Out” hitmaker NLE Choppa. “Blick” has already gained traction on TikTok thanks to a viral dance and this new remix is ​​sure to give the track an extra boost. Much of the original track “Blick” remains unchanged, ScarLip's rough tone anchoring high-energy verses and a danceable hook, so NLE Choppa smartly adapts his style to his formula. “Shake a—a feather like booty and cheeks/ I'm Summer Walk came down,” Lil Meech yelled
Call it abuse how we hit the streets/ I jumped off the porch, you hit your meat,” he raps with his signature blend of sexual humor.

Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine & The Alchemist, “F–k & Get High”

Over a sumptuous, drum-heavy instrumental courtesy of The Alchemist, Westside Gunn & Conway the Machine trade verses that prioritize a certain kind of sultry braggadocio. In between their relatively heady proclamations of wealth and success, they use the hook (a particularly sparse “All I wantna do is f–k and get high/ That's all I wantna do”) to breathe. It's a light track, but the depth of Alchemist's production provides a solid foundation for their ruminations on some of the finer things in life.

Sdot Go, SweepersENT, Jay Hound, Sha Gz & Jay5ive, “I Like to Party”

This song went viral on TikTok for months as a clip and now it's finally here in all its glory. Sdot's opening lines — “I like to party but I need b–tches/ Clap-clap to the beat/ Up, tryin' to see if she gets it” — is something of a manifesto. His heavy semi-growl immediately marks the track as a drill anthem (as does the production, courtesy of Ajellz, Nxxre, Bullo Producer, and YoJelly) — but, more importantly, his tone is the track's entire center of gravity. There are many artists on 'I Like to Party', but none's voice is as commanding or as charismatic as Sdot's. And that's why he can get hits whether he's behind bars or not.

Ama Louise, “Send Your Loving”

Rising R&B singer Ama Louise delivers a sultry, soulful ode to the safety of true love with “Send Your Loving.” A calm storm of shimmering synths and keyboards soundtracks her pleas for a lover to send his “love” so she can create some sense of security for herself. “So send me your love tonight/ 'Cause only you can save me from my mind,” she croons in her honeyed lilt. From the production to Ama's vocal performance, “Send Your Loving” is an incredibly intimate affair. it's warm and inviting, but the pain and longing that runs through the backing vocals is what really pulls the song together.

BTS's UMI & V, “Wherever UR”

As the boys of BTS continue to fulfill their respective military duties and await their long-awaited comeback, fans have found solace in the solo efforts of each member of the group. Last year, Stand, V's debut solo studio album, reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 thanks to its tight blend of pop and R&B. Now, the BTS star kicks off 2024 by dropping an assist to UMI on the tender, guitar-driven “Wherever UR.” “Even on the days, I'm not by your side/ I keep my promise that/ I'll be wherever you are,” he sings. The duet is incredibly rich in the way UMI and V's vocals marry with the tasteful instrumental arrangement. Possibly V's last music release until he completes his military service, “Wherever UR” is a heartfelt “see you later” for his fans that doubles as a heartwarming commitment anthem for lovers.