2025 is only three weeks old and the rap world is in full-swing. Outside of the headlines, album and single releases are starting to pick up once again while the United States heads into a new era with Donald Trump back in the Oval Office.
As Diddy remains behind bars awaiting the start of his trial, Hollywood has already started peeling back the layers on his downfall. Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy shook up Peacock with the documentary’s arrival last week.
LiAngelo Ball’s “Tweaker” gave hip-hop its first breakout hit of 2025 (debuting at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100) while Lil Baby’s WHAM album beat out Bad Bunny for the top slot on last week’s Billboard 200.
All eyes will be on the Grammy Awards and Kendrick Lamar’s anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show this February, as fans are particularly counting down the days until Lamar hits the stage in New Orleans.
With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Joey Bada$$’s continued shots at the West Coast to Jorjiana’s spin on elevator trap. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Jorjiana, “Elevator Spaghetti”
Jorjiana is an acquired taste, but buy stock now before it’s too late. She carves out her own niche sub-genre of trap elevator music with the smooth “Elevator Spaghetti.” This is what we need playing in our office elevators going forward. The Indiana native’s flow has a Midwest drawl, but her style leans more toward elements of the DMV scene. While Jorjiana’s freestyles have caught fire on social media, her bars are still as direct as they come. “I’m bubbly as hell but I don’t drink pop,” she boasts over the samba jazz instrumental. As someone on YouTube crowned her, Atlanta Del Rey is here. – MICHAEL SAPONARA
Joey Bada$$, “Sorry Not Sorry”
Joey Bada$$ and Conductor Williams are 2/2 in 2025. The Brooklyn titan continues to represent for the East Coast while poking at the West. “N—-s Wit Attitude mad I’m bigging up my city, that’s something I had to do,” he spews. JB even delivers a possible swipe at J. Cole for exiting stage right from the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud while he’s ready to stand 10 toes down with more heat on the way. ”Might Deletе Later, I know damn sure that Joey won’t,” Joey raps. He even compares himself to being a combination of Biggie and 2Pac. If “The Ruler’s Back” was a warning shot, the sequel should have the alarms blaring. — M.S.
Jagged Edge, “Just Might Get It”
It’s 2025 and Jagged Edge is still doing the damn thing. Before hitting the road in March to celebrate 25 years of the R&B legends’ 1999 J.E. Heartbreak album, the Atlanta crew sets the stage for their upcoming 11th studio LP with the soulful “Just Might Get It.” Penned by founding member Brandon Casey, the moral of the song is essentially saying to be careful what you ask for, because you “Just Might Get It.” While the sultry track showcases the group’s evolution and maturity, the single doesn’t stray far from their signature R&B sound. Fans can purchase Jagged Edge’s All Original Parts Vol. 1 directly on Jan. 31 before it heads to streaming services. – M.S.
NLE Choppa & Imagine Dragons, “Dare U”
Nobody has NLE Choppa and Imagine Dragons joining forces for an explosive collaboration on their 2025 bingo card. Well, LiAngelo Ball delivered rap’s first hit of the year, so it seems to be another unpredictable campaign. Choppa called teaming up with the band a “dream come true” as they pushed him to tap into another side of his artistry. “Who got the most heart? I’ma show something,” he promises before passing the baton back to Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds. – M.S.
4Fargo & Eric Bellinger, “Your Love Is Gold”
4Fargo kicks off 2025 with his new single “Your Love Is Gold,” a heartfelt collaboration with none other than R&B powerhouse Eric Bellinger. The track dives into themes of deep appreciation, commitment, and the priceless value of a genuine relationship. Comparing love to gold — a symbol of beauty and lasting worth — 4Fargo and Bellinger express their devotion and admiration for a love they see as rare and irreplaceable. Lines like “You’re the prize, you don’t need no contestants” and “She authentic, I don’t need to see no proof” highlight unwavering trust, while “I’ll put you up somewhere safe” conveys a desire to protect their bond from outside influences. With smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics, “Your Love Is Gold” is a soulful celebration of love’s enduring value. – C.C.
Bryant Barnes, “Why Can’t You”
19-year-old rising singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Bryant Barnes is proving unstoppable with the release of his deeply personal track, “Why Can’t You.” The heartfelt song dives into themes of unrequited love, longing, and emotional vulnerability. Barnes explores the painful reality of loving someone who doesn’t feel the same, with the repeated plea “Why can’t you be in love?” echoing his frustration and confusion. The track touches on feelings of loneliness and the fear of a future without love, expressed in the line “I don’t wanna be alone for the rest of my life.” Balancing hope and heartbreak, “Why Can’t You” captures the universal struggle of holding on to a love that may never be returned. – C.C.
THEY., “Choosin’”
R&B duo THEY. seems to be having a hard time with love. The pair dives into the complexities of love and success in latest track “Choosin’.” The song delves into themes of superficial relationships, trust issues, and the fast-paced lifestyle that often comes with fame. Through lyrics like “She don’t really love me, she just want the money,” the duo captures the frustration of feeling desired for status rather than true connection. The recurring term “choosin’” reflects a culture of opportunism, where love is secondary to material gain. Despite recognizing the transactional nature of their relationships, the protagonist finds themselves caught in a cycle of luxury, nightlife, and fleeting romance — painted vividly through references to flashy cars, champagne and the allure of the fast life. – C.C.
2025 is off to a roaring start in the world of rap, with new album and single releases gaining momentum. As the United States enters a new era with Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, the music industry is buzzing with excitement.
Exploring the Latest Releases
While Diddy awaits trial behind bars, Hollywood is already unraveling the story of his downfall in the documentary “Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy,” which recently premiered on Peacock.
Hip-hop saw its first breakout hit of 2025 with LiAngelo Ball’s “Tweaker,” debuting at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, Lil Baby’s album “WHAM” claimed the top spot on last week’s Billboard 200, beating out Bad Bunny.
Upcoming Events to Watch
The Grammy Awards and Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show in February are hotly anticipated by fans, who are eagerly counting down the days until Lamar takes the stage in New Orleans.
Fresh Picks in R&B and Hip-Hop
With “Fresh Picks,” Billboard showcases the best new sounds in R&B and hip-hop, from Joey Bada$$’s take on the West Coast to Jorjiana’s unique spin on elevator trap. Don’t miss out on this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Jorjiana, “Elevator Spaghetti”
Jorjiana’s “Elevator Spaghetti” offers a fresh take on trap elevator music. With a unique style blending elements of the Midwest and DMV scenes, Jorjiana’s direct bars and infectious flow have caught the attention of music lovers. Be sure to add this track to your playlist.
Joey Bada$$, “Sorry Not Sorry”
Joey Bada$$ continues to make waves in 2025 with his latest track “Sorry Not Sorry.” The Brooklyn artist pays homage to the East Coast while teasing the West, delivering fiery lyrics and setting the stage for more hits to come. Fans can expect a powerful sequel to this track in the near future.
Featured Artists and Releases
Jagged Edge, “Just Might Get It”
Jagged Edge is back in 2025 with “Just Might Get It,” a soulful track that teases their upcoming 11th studio album. As the R&B legends celebrate 25 years since their iconic album “J.E. Heartbreak,” fans can expect more timeless music from the Atlanta group.
NLE Choppa & Imagine Dragons, “Dare U”
NLE Choppa and Imagine Dragons join forces for the unexpected collaboration “Dare U.” This dynamic track showcases the versatility of both artists and promises a unique listening experience for fans of both genres.
Exploring Themes of Love and Relationships
4Fargo & Eric Bellinger, “Your Love Is Gold”
4Fargo and Eric Bellinger team up for “Your Love Is Gold,” a heartfelt track that celebrates the beauty and value of genuine relationships. With soulful vocals and touching lyrics, this song is a testament to the enduring power of love.
Bryant Barnes, “Why Can’t You”
Bryant Barnes’s “Why Can’t You” delves into the complexities of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability. Through poignant lyrics and heartfelt melodies, Barnes captures the universal struggle of holding on to a love that may never be returned.
THEY., “Choosin'”
R&B duo THEY. explores themes of love and success in their latest track “Choosin’.” The song delves into the challenges of superficial relationships and the allure of a fast-paced lifestyle, offering a raw and honest reflection on modern romance.
FAQs
Q: What can fans expect from the upcoming Grammy Awards and Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show?
A: Fans are eagerly anticipating both events, with high expectations for stellar performances and memorable moments from some of the biggest names in music.
Q: Who are some of the standout artists in the R&B and hip-hop scenes in 2025?
A: Artists like Joey Bada$$, Jorjiana, and Jagged Edge are making waves with their fresh sounds and captivating music, offering listeners a diverse range of tracks to enjoy.
Q: What themes do artists like Bryant Barnes and THEY. explore in their music?
A: Bryant Barnes delves into the complexities of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability, while THEY. tackle themes of love, success, and the challenges of modern relationships in their music.
Credit: www.billboard.com
