Tag: billboard

Categories
FM News

Keri Hilson Returns to the Spotlight with “Bae” Leading the Charge for New Album We Need to Talk

Keri Hilson

Photo by Rebecca Orlov | Epic Playdate on Unsplash

After several years of anticipation, Keri Hilson is finally making her return to the music scene. The singer-songwriter from Decatur, Georgia, is gearing up for the release of her much-awaited album We Need to Talk, which is set to drop on April 18. Fans have eagerly been awaiting Hilson’s musical comeback, and with the release of her first single “Bae” on March 27, it’s clear that the wait was worth it.
Known for her captivating vocals and undeniable songwriting talent, Hilson initially made waves with her debut album In a Perfect World…, which featured the iconic hits “Knock You Down” and “Turnin Me On.” Her follow-up album No Boys Allowed cemented her place in the R&B world, with timeless tracks like “Pretty Girl Rock” and her collaboration with Chris Brown, “One Night Stand.” However, after her second album in 2010, Hilson took a step back from the limelight, leaving fans wondering if she would ever return to music.
Now, after years of silence, she’s ready to reintroduce herself with We Need to Talk, and the journey is about to get personal.

The Skit Series: Keri Hilson Opens Up About Her Hiatus

In preparation for her album’s release, Hilson has unveiled a six-part skit series that dives deep into her personal journey during her time away from the music industry. In these episodes, she offers a vulnerable, behind-the-scenes look at her decision to step back from music and the emotional obstacles she faced. Through these skits, Hilson opens up about the insecurities and fears that held her back, but also about her determination to return stronger than ever.
“I wanted to be honest and authentic with my fans,” Hilson explained. “I think it was important to not just drop the music but to let people understand my thoughts, my emotions, and my struggles during this time.” The skit series provides an intimate glimpse into Hilson’s inner world, helping fans connect with her on a deeper level before they even hear the first note of her new music.
As she moves forward with We Need to Talk, Hilson promises to explore themes of love, growth, and redemption, which will resonate deeply with her fans.

“Bae”: A Sensual Return to R&B

The first single from the album, “Bae,” is a seductive and sensual track that perfectly sets the stage for what’s to come. Produced by Melvin Hough, the song captures the intensity and excitement of falling in love. With its smooth rhythm and Hilson’s sultry vocals, “Bae” transports listeners into a world of intoxicating emotions and passion.
The track opens with Hilson singing about the undeniable chemistry she feels with someone special:
“Maybe it’s your fragrance/ Wanna kiss you every mornin’ when you wake up/ It’s a vibration/ I don’t know what to call it right now/ But this s**t feelin’ amazin’/ Makes me wanna pull over the car, get acquainted.”
As the song builds, it’s clear that Hilson is relishing in the thrill of a love that feels electrifying and all-consuming. The chorus drives home the feeling of being completely swept off her feet:
“D**n, I feel so lucky/ Love it when you call me bae/ Love it when you love me, hold me, touch me/ Come here, bae/ I’m gon’ always be your one and only.”
With “Bae,” Hilson offers a fresh, yet familiar, sound, reconnecting with fans and showing that she still has the magic that made her a standout artist in the past.

What’s Next for Keri Hilson: A Flood of New Music

Hilson has made it clear that her return is only the beginning. “I have so much music to release,” she said in an interview. “I’ve got a lot of material to work with, and I want to flood the market.” With We Need to Talk as the first of several upcoming projects, Hilson is determined to make up for lost time, bringing her creativity to the forefront and sharing her voice with the world once again.
Fans can expect even more music from her in the near future, as she plans to release multiple projects, each one exploring different aspects of her artistic journey. “I’m inspired by so many things, and I have a lot to say,” she added.
As one of the most successful songwriters in the industry, with credits for hits by artists like Ciara, Usher, and Ludacris, Hilson has a proven track record of crafting songs that stand the test of time. We Need to Talk promises to continue her legacy of creating music that resonates with listeners and cements her place as a key figure in the music world.

Keri Hilson’s Legacy: A Dynamic Artist Who Continues to Evolve

While Hilson’s musical journey has had its ups and downs, one thing has remained constant: her undeniable talent. As a songwriter and performer, she has left an indelible mark on the music industry, contributing to some of the biggest hits of the 2000s and early 2010s. Her ability to blend catchy hooks with emotionally resonant lyrics has made her a standout artist and an influential figure in R&B.
With her return to the scene, Hilson is not just looking to relive her past successes but to forge a new path that reflects her growth as an artist. We Need to Talk is her opportunity to explore new musical territory while staying true to the sound that made her famous. It’s a new chapter, and fans can’t wait to see what comes next.

Looking Ahead: Keri Hilson’s Bright Future in Music

For Hilson, the future is filled with promise. She’s ready to make her mark once again, sharing her truth with the world through her music. We Need to Talk is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new era in her career, and fans are already buzzing with excitement for what’s to come.
As Hilson embarks on this new phase, one thing is clear: she’s not just back—she’s here to stay. With fresh music, a deepened sense of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to her artistry, Keri Hilson is set to make a lasting impact on the music industry once again.

Categories
FM Feature Trending

Zeddy Will Named One of Billboard’s 15 Hip-Hop, African & R&B Artists to Watch in 2025!

Big news for Zeddy Will! Billboard has named him one of the 15 Hip-Hop, African & R&B Artists to Watch in 2025.

Zeddy Will is more than a viral TikTok star. He’s now a respected force in the music industry, blending sharp wit, infectious energy, and undeniable talent. Billboard highlights his journey and his latest hit, “Twerkin With Your Friends,” which has caught the attention of Kai Cenat and NFL star Carrington Valentine.

Meanwhile, “Twerkin With Your Friends” and Sturdyyoungin’s “Trippin’,” featuring Zeddy Will and Ohthatsmizz, continue to climb radio charts across the country while maintaining their viral momentum.

Zeddy, a Queens, NY native, first grabbed attention with tracks like “Cha Cha” and “Freak You.” Both songs made it to Billboard’s “Trending Up” column in 2024. His growth has been impressive. Since October, Zeddy’s Instagram following has jumped from 544K to 1.2 million. On TikTok, he now reaches over 10 million fans.

His catchy hooks, natural charisma, and rapidly growing fanbase set the stage for a massive 2025. As Zeddy Will continues to drop bangers and expand his influence, it’s clear he’s ready to take over the year.

 

With a rapidly growing fanbase, a knack for catchy hooks, and a natural ability to entertain, Zeddy Will is poised for a massive breakout year, especially on Billboard’s charts.

Categories
FM Culture Trending

OutKast The Greatest Rap Group-Enter The Debate

OutKast
OutKast's Stankonia album cover

Billboard, the renowned music publication, recently sparked a heated debate on social media. Naming OutKast the greatest rap group of all time. There’s no denying the contributions OutKast has made to the world of hip-hop. However, opinions varied among social media users as to whether they truly deserved the number one slot.

 

Enter The Debate-Is OutKast The Greatest?

As soon as the news broke, Instagram exploded with comments from rap enthusiasts eager to voice their disapproval. “You can’t be serious right now,” one user wrote. “They’re legends, but number one of all time? LMFAOO ain’t no way bruh.” A supporter of Wu-Tang Clan argued, “Wu Tang is the greatest rap group of all time.” Another user entered the chat saying, “Wu-Tang the greatest GROUP. OutKast the greatest duo.”

Although criticism of OutKast’s top ranking was loud, fans quickly came to their defense. “Billboard finally got it right,” one fan wrote. Another boldly claimed, “If you disagree with this, you have no music taste.” Another injected a touch of humor, saying, “Only people disagreeing with this are 2000’s babies.”

While some social media users respected Billboard’s decision, even if they personally disagreed. Others argued that OutKast’s creativity alone launched them above the competition. On the other side, skeptics believe that OutKast hadn’t influenced the rap genre enough to warrant the coveted number one position.

The heart of the debate centered around the fact that OutKast is a duo, unlike many other groups on the list. This caused some users to suggest that they should have been considered in a separate category altogether. Others fell somewhere in the middle, acknowledging OutKast’s undeniable status as one of the greatest rap groups while still believing another group should have seized the top spot.

Ultimately, social media is split. Reflecting the ongoing discussion and subjective nature of ranking musical acts. While OutKast’s unique style and undeniable impact on the rap scene cannot be understated, fans and critics alike continue to debate the rankings.

In the ever-evolving landscape of rap, it’s clear that the argument for the greatest rap group of all time will remain subjective, fiercely debated, and endlessly intriguing. Whether you agree or disagree with Billboard’s choice, one thing is certain. OutKast’s legacy as innovators and pioneers in the rap world is firmly etched in history.

For more insight, check out FMHipHop

Brittany Belizor | Instagram @britteb_ | Twitter @bbelizor

Categories
FM Community FM Culture FM News Trending

DJ Cassidy Announcement Preludes To One Lit Summer

DJ Cassidy
DJ Cassidy. Image Source: Billboard/Courtesy Photo

Summer is hot, but it is about to get much hotter for hip-hop fans, and DJ Cassidy is the cause.

Two days ago, DJ Cassidy made an insane announcement that would put fans’ heads on a swivel. According to Cassidy, he is bringing 25 hip-hop legends together for a special Pass the Mic. Fans will hear top-tier trailblazers do what they do in one space and time, and it doesn’t get any better. To say such is less than historical would be a lie.

Who’s on the Docket

Everybody has their favorite pioneer, but only some have heard them in full effect live. According to Cassidy, some of the featured artists include Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane Kid n Play, and Roxanne Shante, to name a few. The list is spectacular. And July 21 at Radio City Music Hall in New York is the time and place.

Cassidy and Pass the Mic

This event is significant for many reasons. The roster alone is proof of its significance. It is also a special segment of Pass the Mic. Those who know, know that Cassidy’s show was officially retired in October 2022, two years after its inception. Cassidy premiered Pass the Mic when people needed to be uplifted the most. In July 2020, during uncertain times, Pass the Mic made its premiere, and it was everything many people needed in their lives. It’s been said that music has healing power, and Cassidy set up a platform to bring healing to the masses right in the comfort of their homes. Legend Rakim was one of those who fully got down with what it was Cassidy was bringing. According to Rakim,

‘When Cassidy called me about his ‘Pass The Mic’ project in the middle of lockdown, I immediately saw it as a way to reach out to my peers and my fans … to bring some light to dark times,” Billboard notes.

Light Cassidy and his guests delivered in spades.

Monumental Significant In Many Manners

This comes when globally hip-hop is being recognized for its half-century impact. And according to Cassidy, this is not only to honor hip-hop and the legends, but it’s also a gift to him. In the words of Cassidy.

“Uniting 25 native New York icons of hip-hop’s golden age on one stage for one night in the birthplace of hip-hop, also my hometown, will be the greatest honor of my life.

Mark your Calendars

This summer in a once in a lifetime event inspired by a DJ with a heart of gold and made possible by Martell Cognac and Black Promoters Collective (BPC), fans will experience the magic. They will have the unique opportunity to witness those who put themselves and their skills on the line to breathe life into the art form that has moved a nation, hip hop. According to Billboard, tickets for the event will be available to the broader public starting April 14 at 10 am.

Written by: Renae Richardson

Categories
FM Global Trending

J-Hope And J. Cole Score Billboard No. 1 With “On The Street”

J-Hope And J. Cole Score Billboard No. 1 With "On The Street"
J-Hope and J. Cole. Image source: @uarmyhope, Instagram.

“All hail the mighty survivor of hell,” raps J. Cole in “On the Street,” a collaboration with rapper J-Hope of BTS. In early March, it was announced J. Cole and J-Hope would be collaborating, causing commotion amongst fans of both artists.

Since its release, “On the Street” has steadily climbed the Billboard charts. The track earned the no. 1 spot on the R&B/ Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales and the Rap Digital Songs Sales charts. Hope is now the second member of BTS to earn two no. 1 song on the latter chart, tying with bandmate and fellow rapper Suga. According to Billboard, this also marks J. Cole’s best charting song since 2021.

The song is a sentimental reminder of why both artists picked this genre. J-Hope laments that it’s the fans that have carried him to the top. In his verse, Cole explains that his talent is god-given and raps a vaguely existential verse about his future and whether or not he will continue rapping. The track ends with both artists harmonizing, and the video features a sweet moment between the two, meeting up on a rooftop in New York, overlooking the Manhattan Bridge.

An Idol Meets His Muse

As a rapper and K-pop idol in one of the biggest bands in the world, BTS, J-Hope is no stranger to praise or the Billboard charts for that matter. However, Hope saw this as an opportunity to pay homage to perhaps his greatest hip-hop influence, J. Cole. The pair met backstage when Hope headlined Lollapalooza. After J-Hope’s set, In a behind-the-scenes look at the music video, J-Hope expressed his feelings about making music with someone he respects so much.

“When I started listening to music, the first artist I listened to was J. Cole. Being able to work with J. Cole after 10 years as a fan, I’m so happy. It’s just all new, and I still can’t believe it.”

And the feeling is apparently mutual, as J. Cole was the one to reach out to the rapper after their initial meeting. Cole described working with Hope as a “blessing,” pleasing fans of both artists.

J-Hope chats it up with longtime inspiration, J. Cole at Lollapalooza 2022. Image source: @uarmyhope, Instagram.

It’s A Bittersweet Moment For Army

For those who may not know, South Korean men must serve mandatory military time. This is J-Hope’s, or Hobi as fans lovingly call him, way of saying goodbye for now before he returns as part of the pop sensation BTS in 2025.

Last year, the group’s oldest member Kim Seokjin began his service despite fans, or the army, half-joking about taking his place. And it’s likely when the other members go, they will be met with similar jokes, tears, and well wishes. Getting another Billboard hit for both artists not only further cements them as rap stars but is a full-circle moment for these artists to come together after years of mutual admiration.

You can also check out the video for the track below.

Written by Kimberly Stelly | Letterboxd | Instagram | Twitter

Follow and like FMHipHop on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Spotify!

Categories
Trending

Chris Brown Tops The Weeknd and Elvis’ R&B Records With “Breezy”

chris brown
Photo via Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET

Chris Brown set a new record with the release of his latest Album, Breezy. On July 8, Billboard announced that Brown captured the record for most hits on the Hot R&B charts. With the new record, Brown displaces The Weeknd, who previously held the top spot.

Brown now holds a total of 79 songs on the Hot R&B charts, while The Weeknd sits at 71. The pair are far removed from the rest of the heat, with Drake taking third place at 56 hits. Khalid is set at #4 with 43 hits and Bryson Tiller takes home 41 hit songs to round out the list.

In addition, Brown also overcame Elvis Presley’s record for most Hot 100 songs. He becomes the most decorated male artist in the category, with a whopping 112 entries on the charts. The achievement is all the more impressive when taking into consideration that the release of Breezy was on the same day as Baz Luhrmann’s new Elvis biopic.

Hit Singles on “Breezy”

Breezy earned immediate success upon release, with 72,000 units sold in the opening week. The album features a whopping 24 tracks, with nine tracks landing on the top charts.

“Psychic,” featuring Jack Harlow, was the most successful track from the new album, with 6.41 million streams in the first week. “Call Me Everyday,” featuring WizKid, narrowly missed the top spot with 6.39 million streams.

“Addicted” featuring Lil Baby, “Possessive” featuring Lil Wayne and BLEU, and “Closure” featuring H.E.R. also made an immediate impact with their release.

The other songs making the Hot R&B charts include:

“C.A.B (Catch A Body)” feat. Fivio Foreign

“Till the Wheels Fall Off” feat. Lil Durk & Capella Gray

“Sex Memories” feat. Ella Mai

“Need You Right Here” feat. Bryson Tiller

Expect Brown to extend the leads of his records with the release of the Breezy deluxe edition. He also kicks off the “One of Them Ones” tour on July 15 in North Carolina. Featuring Atlanta rapper Lil Baby, the tour will close out on August 27th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Stay tuned to FMHipHop for more R&B and rap news, and give us a follow on Instagram and Twitter!

Written by Evan Montgomery

Categories
New Music Trending

Did Lil Durk Predict The Success Of Cardi B Collab ‘Hot Sh*t’

Did Lil Durk Predict the Success of Hot Sh*t?

Cardi B’s anticipated single “Hot Sh*t,” a collaboration with Lil Durk and Ye, dropped today. However, ahead of the drop, Durk claimed it would be “song of the year.” The song has only been out since midnight, but already Billboard and XXL Magazine has it down as some of the hottest releases of the week.

In the song, Cardi bragged about her success. “All this jewelry at the grocery store, I’m obnoxious/bought a home and closin’ on another, I know I’m blessed,” she rapped. Durk hopped on and mirrored Cardi’s verse, bragging about the cars and woman he has access to. Meanwhile, Ye used the time to talk about he and his family constantly being in the news. He furthermore referenced his  relationship with Jay-Z and the death of designer Virgil Abloh. This is Cardi’s first single since last year’s “Up.” The song has already amassed 1.1 million streams on YouTube.

Do The Fans Agree With Durk?

Fans of all three artists are loving the song. Twitter is usually cutthroat about hip-hop tracks, but people have a lot of praise for “Hot Sh*t.” Quite a few people think the hip-hop trio have another hit on their hands. In addition to the Twitter hype, there are quite a few reaction videos on YouTube praising the song as well. Though there are always people who feel the opposite, way, the consensus on social media, is that the song is solid. And though it might be too soon to tell how high it will chart, it’s certain to follow a path to success. After all, Cardi, Durk, and Ye are Billboard gold.

Related articles:

Cardi B Reveals Collab ‘Hot Sh*T’ Will Be Different With No Music Video

Cardi B Teases Mixtape and Album on The Angie Martinez Show

Written by Kimberly Stelly | Instagram | Twitter

Follow and like FMHipHop on Twitter and Instagram!

Categories
FM News Trending

Saweetie Announces “Pretty B*tch Music” Will Be Delayed “Not An Album- It’s A Movement”

saweetie
Saweetie. Photo Source: Champion/ List23.

One thing Saweetie is going to do is show off! The rapper keeps her icy family up to date with new music, fashion, and the latest trends. However, the “Tap In” artist has yet to give us an entire album in quite some time. As Saweetie’s been teasing her new album, “Pretty B*tch Music,” she recently announced a delay in the project, realizing her God-given purpose.

Saweetie dropped her last album, “ICY,” in 2019 and is currently working on “Pretty B*tch Music,” which has been in the oven “baking.”

The Icy Queen recently took to Instagram to then express her decision to delay her upcoming album.

“These past couple of years have been a growing experience for me as an artist, human, but most importantly a WOMAN. I have realized my purpose with the platform God have given me which is why I have taken my time with releasing music this time around. Through hours of self-reflection, I have realized that Pretty B*TCH music is not an album- it’s a movement.” She continues to say, “It’s a culture. It’s a language. It’s a lifestyle. We not rushing art, we taking our time! This ain’t no microwave sh*t It’s baking & it will definitely be worth the taste.”

Saweetie Pretty B*tch Music
Saweetie announces the arrival of Pretty B*tch Music will be delayed. Image source: Instagram.

All HipHop reports back in November of 2021, the “Back To The Streets” rapper revealed she would be dropping the project soon. In February, she then stated that “Pretty B*tch Music” would be available to stream “definitely before the summer.” 

Complex also previously reported that Saweetie sat down in a June 2021 interview with Big Tigger from BET. She said her goal “is for people to really feel something with every song.”

“Just Know That I’m A Perfectionist And It’s On The Way.”

In the meantime, while we wait for the album, The Icy girl was honored as the first Global Culture Consultant of Champion and made the worldwide face of the sports brand.

Stephanie Kinberg

Twitter @waviii_S

Instagram @waviii_S

TikTok @waviii_S

Categories
Trending

Cardi B Sprays Whipshots at Fans During Pride Parade

Cardi B
Cardi B at West Hollywood Pride 2022.

Cardi B joins West Hollywood in celebrating Pride month. The rapper spent the beginning of summer shooting her famous vodka-infused Whipshots into the mouths of fans while enjoying the three-day event.

https://twitter.com/TheFemaleMC/status/1533899699526242311

In a video released online, Cardi sprayed a bunch of Whipshot all over one woman’s face. The accidental yet hilarious incident happened during the parade on Santa Monica Boulevard. In the video, Cardi is heard yelling, “Damn I got sh*t all over your face, sorry ma’am, sorry, sorry, sorry!”

Cardi Shows Support for LGBTQ Community Despite Past Homophobic Accusations.

During the event, Cardi flaunts a vibrant rainbow jumpsuit to show her support for Pride. Although haters would say the star has no sense of class, everyone seemed to be having fun and the fan didn’t seem to mind being sprayed.

Back in 2020, Twitter had claimed Cardi B “canceled” and accused her of being homophobic which she clapped back to say, “How the fuck am I homophobic or transphobic?” She continued, “have you been to a Caribbean island where you really see homophobia? Have you dealt with a parent that can’t accept you for your sexuality? I said some ignorant things b4 that apologized for & educated myself on it don’t mean I’m homo.” While the star has many family, friends and fans in the community, she opens up about her sexual experience as well saying she had questioned her interest in women and that she felt her cousin’s pain and confusion when he came out.

Other than the artist’s famous sister, Hennessy Carolina, who is also part of the LGBTQ community with her partner Michelle Diaz, Cardi has also shown love to her good friend Raven-Symoné over the years. The That’s So Raven actress has been married to her wife, Miranda Maday since June of 2020. The two even helped a same-sex couple officially tie the knot on their wedding day. Check out the video below!

 

Stephanie Kinberg

Twitter @Waviii_S

Instagram @Waviii_S

TikTok @Waviii_S

Categories
Trending

Doja Cat Expected To Take Over BET Awards

Doja Cat
Christopher Polk/NBC/Getty

The Billboard-winning superstar, Doja Cat is so good at turning heads and catching the public’s attention! The star continues to shine in each award show. Doja leads the BET Award nominations with six nods.

Other than topping this year’s Billboard Music Awards, the 26-year-old achieved her first Grammy in April, where she won Best Pop Duo/Performance for “Kiss Me More” feat. SZA. Taraji P. Henson will host for a second time at the BET Awards. The collab was not only nominated for Best Collaboration but also Video of the Year. “Planet Her,” is also up for Album of the Year, and the artist is also a contender for Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and BET Her for “Woman.”

Although Doja Cat seems to have an abundance of support from her millions of fans, there has been some controversy about what genre of music she resides in.

Since Doja Cats rise to success, many have been curious as to what kind of music the star releases. Many believe Doja should be called a rapper, others say her style is more Pop or Hip-Hop. While Wale praised her for being one of the best female rappers, Remy Ma doesn’t seem to agree.

According to an interview with Elle Magazine, The “Get Into It” artist considers herself Hip-Hop at heart. Someone who was raised listening to 90’s legends such as Busta Rhymes and Lauryn Hill, Doja says, “I’ve rapped since the beginning, and I really couldn’t even sing that well to begin with—I got a lot better,” she states. “I use my voice as a tool to create these worlds, and it’s fine if people think that I can’t rap.”

Doja Cat faces criticism all the time will continue to face competition in the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist category at the BET Awards as Cardi B, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Saweetie are all nominated as well. She also recently announced her new music video arriving this week! Check out a clip of “Vegas” (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS) below, which drops Friday, June 3rd.

https://twitter.com/DojaCat/status/1532156179861733376

 

Stephanie Kinberg

Twitter @Waviii_S

Instagram @Waviii_S

TikTok @Waviii_S