Two of the biggest acts in today’s hip hop, Nardo Wick and The Kid Laroi, link up for the new visual “Burning Up,” which is the new collaboration from Wick’s debut album, Who Is Nardo Wick, out now via RCA Records. Watch the Lyrical Lemonade’s Cole Bennett-directed visual below.
The new video follows Wick’s latest visual, “Demon Time,” released last week. The Kid Laroi joins Wick’s debut album on the deluxe version along with new guests Latto and Lakeyah. Currently, Nardo is gearing up to hit the road again, this time as a guest on Lil Durk’s The 7220 Deluxe Tour kicking off September 17th.
In a little over a year and a half, Nardo Wick exploded onto the rap scene and has begun to make a name for himself. His hit single “Who Want Smoke?” officially dropped at the start of 2021 and since then, has been RIAA-certified 2x Platinum and has over 30 million views on YouTube. Following up the rise of “Who Want Smoke?”, Nardo’s released a slew of successful tracks including “Shhh”, “Pull Up” and “I Be Chillin” before releasing the alternative version of “Who Want Smoke??” featuring Lil Durk, 21 Savage and G Herbo. The new version of Nardo’s hit single debuted at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the video – currently at 138 million views and counting – trended on YouTube for weeks to follow and six months later is still sitting in the top 20 at #15. Ending the year on a high note, Nardo released his debut album Who Is Nardo Wick? in December 2021 and it landed in the top 20 (#19)on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the fifth largest debut of 2021.
Nardo Wick is having the best time in his career right now. This year alone, the Jacksonville native made the XXL’s Freshman Class and his debut album is certified gold by the RIAA.
This song is the property of Flawless Entertainment/RCA Records.
After dropping “Colors,” TDE’s Reason makes a quick follow-up with the release of the new music video for the latest single “Barely Miss.” The music video is directed by Jazz Carter and Carlos Acosta. “Barely Miss” is executive produced by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. Watch the “Barely Miss” video below.
This song is the property of Top Dawg Entertainment.
In honor of what would have been the 37th birthday of Young Dolph, Paper Route Empire has released the late rapper’s first posthumous single, “Hall of Fame.”
Dolph is in vintage form on the Bandplay-produced song, detailing his history, celebrating his accomplishments, and showing off his undeniable charm with uncommon flexes.
“Have you ever felt a V12 when the gears change?/Have you seen my new charm? It’s taller than Johnny Dang.”
As Paper Route Empire pays homage to Dolph’s legacy by working as hard as they can, Dolph’s first posthumous record continues a very busy year for the label he founded. The label compilation album Paper Route Empire Presents: Long Live Dolph, which includes heartfelt tributes to Dolph from practically every artist on the roster, from emerging stars like Key Glock to relatively rookies like Paper Route Woo, served as the beginning of the run. Listen to “Hall Of Fame” below.
Michael Santiago Render, known professionally as Killer Mike, is an American rapper/actor/activist from Atlanta, GA. He has released the albums “Monster” (2003), “I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind” (2006), “I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind 2” (2008), “PL3DGE” (2011) and “‘R.A.P. Music” (2012).
Issa Rae‘s record label Raedio has officially released “Seduce and Scheme,” the fictional freestyle by Shawna and Mia from her new HBO Max series Rap Sh!t, as the lead single from theseason 1 soundtrack, Billboard has exclusively learned Thursday (July
The first two episodes of Rap Sh!t — which follows two high school friends Shawna (played by Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion) who reunite to form a female rap group in Miami — finds the duo serendipitously recording a track together that originated from a viral car freestyle over Khia’s “K-Wang” they filmed on Instagram Live one drunken evening. And today, “Seduce and Scheme” for real arrives on all digital and streaming platforms.
“We knew we wanted to do a song that represented Shawna and Mia’s friendship. They’ll be some things that come up as the season goes along about seducing and scheming,” Raedio president Benoni Tagoe tells Billboard. “Girl, you really came up with that off the top of your head like that?” Mia asks Shawna in shock at the end of the pilot episode. But Tagoe breaks down the lead single’s true backstory and how “Seduce and Scheme” was actually conceived at Camp Raedio, a series of writing camps held in the series’ Miami location for up-and-coming singers, songwriters and producers to work on music specifically for Rap Sh!t. While the two main actresses will contribute a few more songs to the official soundtrack, the remainder of the project will consist of original music from the writing camps. “We knew we wanted to sample a Southern song from a female artist, but we couldn’t clear it at the time. We got to a point where we found Khia’s ‘K-Wang,’” says Tagoe of “Seduce and Scheme.” “It was a team effort: We had a couple of writers, one of the writers being pineappleCITI, who originally started the song. And then we brought in Dreezy, because we knew that we wanted Dreezy to represent the voice of Shawna throughout the season.” Adds Dreezy in a statement to Billboard: “Before I write, I put myself in the character’s shoes. I pictured them as if they were the City Girls! All about a bag, confident, and slick at the mouth so I made sure the lyrics came with that energy.” While Dreezy acted as Shawna’s proxy by writing the bars Osman’s character would eventually spit on screen, the Raedio team also had writers come up with verses for KaMillion’s character — despite her being a rapper in real life — as to create “separation between her real life artistry and the character that she performs,” explains Tagoe.
Watching Shawna and Mia film an Instagram video of themselves freestyling over a Khia beat while parked in the car feels reminiscent of Saweetie’s real-life come-up in the music industry. Although the series is loosely based off the rise of its co-executive producers City Girls, who have a 2018 track called “Rap Shit,” Tagoe says Rap Sh!t also takes inspiration from Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim — and taps real-life hitmakers. Earl on the Beat — who’s worked on Billboard Hot 100 hits like City Girls’ “Act Up” and Lil Yachty’s “Oprah’s Bank Account,” featuring Drake and DaBaby — was later recruited to produce “Seduce and Scheme” as well as Danja, who’s won Grammys for his work with Justin Timberlake. “Danja was our local producer that we used in Miami. And most of the stuff that you see on camera, Danja was the person who brought the characters to the studio and helped them put together the songs,” Tagoe adds. “This show is a great example of what being an ‘audio everywhere’ company is about,” he says of Raedio’s various branches, which not only includes a record label joint venture with Atlantic Records but also a music library, music supervision division, publishing and live events. “We were able to come in and say, ‘We want to cover wherever there’s audio, wherever there’s music being played, Raedio wants to be the conduit for it. And to be able to have music that plays in the background and for that music to be curated by us, but then to also be a part of helping create the music that the characters are performing on the show, is the full Raedio effect.”
Watching Shawna and Mia film an Instagram video of themselves freestyling over a Khia beat while parked in the car feels reminiscent of Saweetie’s real-life come-up in the music industry. Although the series is loosely based off the rise of its co-executive producers City Girls, who have a 2018 track called “Rap Shit,” Tagoe says Rap Sh!t also takes inspiration from Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim — and taps real-life hitmakers. Earl on the Beat — who’s worked on Billboard Hot 100 hits like City Girls’ “Act Up” and Lil Yachty’s “Oprah’s Bank Account,” featuring Drake and DaBaby — was later recruited to produce “Seduce and Scheme” as well as Danja, who’s won Grammys for his work with Justin Timberlake. “Danja was our local producer that we used in Miami. And most of the stuff that you see on camera, Danja was the person who brought the characters to the studio and helped them put together the songs,” Tagoe adds. “This show is a great example of what being an ‘audio everywhere’ company is about,” he says of Raedio’s various branches, which not only includes a record label joint venture with Atlantic Records but also a music library, music supervision division, publishing and live events. “We were able to come in and say, ‘We want to cover wherever there’s audio, wherever there’s music being played, Raedio wants to be the conduit for it. And to be able to have music that plays in the background and for that music to be curated by us, but then to also be a part of helping create the music that the characters are performing on the show, is the full Raedio effect.”
Watching Shawna and Mia film an Instagram video of themselves freestyling over a Khia beat while parked in the car feels reminiscent of Saweetie’s real-life come-up in the music industry. Although the series is loosely based off the rise of its co-executive producers City Girls, who have a 2018 track called “Rap Shit,” Tagoe says Rap Sh!t also takes inspiration from Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim — and taps real-life hitmakers. Earl on the Beat — who’s worked on Billboard Hot 100 hits like City Girls’ “Act Up” and Lil Yachty’s “Oprah’s Bank Account,” featuring Drake and DaBaby — was later recruited to produce “Seduce and Scheme” as well as Danja, who’s won Grammys for his work with Justin Timberlake. “Danja was our local producer that we used in Miami. And most of the stuff that you see on camera, Danja was the person who brought the characters to the studio and helped them put together the songs,” Tagoe adds. “This show is a great example of what being an ‘audio everywhere’ company is about,” he says of Raedio’s various branches, which not only includes a record label joint venture with Atlantic Records but also a music library, music supervision division, publishing and live events. “We were able to come in and say, ‘We want to cover wherever there’s audio, wherever there’s music being played, Raedio wants to be the conduit for it. And to be able to have music that plays in the background and for that music to be curated by us, but then to also be a part of helping create the music that the characters are performing on the show, is the full Raedio effect.”
Another week, another round of new releases from emerging R&B and hip hop artists. The list below is bound to have a track suitable for every mood for the next seven days. Enjoy.
Montell Fish, “Last Dance”
On his latest album, Jamie, singer-songwriter Montell Fish laments the loss of a lover, floating through sorrowful guitar and piano instrumentals, reciting poignant poetry that has captured the hearts of nearly four million fans across genres on Spotify alone. On “Last Dance,” Fish evokes what may be a funeral wake, with he and a love interest wrapped in black ensembles, as his fingers rush across a piano to the simple lyrics, “If this is my last dance, I want it to be with you.” The track is lonely and somber, reflecting back Fish’s post-break-up longing and hopelessness.
Kirby, “Pineapple Cognac”
Mega-singer-songwriter Kirby brings all the summer energy with “Pineapple Cognac.” The single is stacked with quotable lyrics, as the Rihanna collaborator starts off strong with the blunt line: “You gotta stop f–king with these basic hoes.” Other notable moments include “if you want to try ’em all get a buffet/ If you want a bad bitch get a puppy,” the rising Tennessee artist proving her pen with effortless swagger, over a soul-drenched beat.
Doechii feat. SZA, “Persuasive (Remix)”
We were probably all just as astonished as Doechii herself was, when we heard SZA’s verse on the remix of her house-infused single, “Persuasive.” The fellow TDE signee delivered a memorable verse that gave new life to the March single, making it the perfect “last hurrah” soundtrack for summer 2022.
Flo Milli feat. Babyface Ray, “Hottie”
In the collaboration we neither saw coming nor knew we needed, Flo Milli and Babyface Ray join forces for the ultimate feel-good jam. The track’s rapid percussion and ethereal synths combined with Milli and Ray’s earworm verses set the track up perfectly for TikTok virality — all that’s missing is the trending dance.
Ron Suno, Dusty Locane & Rah Swish, “SHOES”
Ah, summer in New York City. Here, Ron Suno, Dusty Locane and Rah Swish team up to show us what it’s all about, the Bronx and Brooklyn natives galavanting around the city to a hard rock-infused drill beat. “I feel like Nike ’cause I keep a TEC,” Suno raps, the trio of rappers moving between NYC subways, interspersed with West Coast landscapes of palm trees and In-N-Out in the background.
Kate Stewart, “The Game”
On her new single “The Game,” Kate Stewart is taking back her power. Stretching her vocals for the powerful track, the London singer asserts that she is playing by her own rules. “‘The Game’ symbolizes not letting anything or anyone get in the way of you or what you’re trying to do,” she explains in a press release. “You just have to look forward and enjoy the ride, looking back will only hinder all the progress you’ve made. Don’t let anyone dull your shine, the games the game!”
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Central Cee, “Doja”
Central Cee expresses his admiration for Doja Cat on his new song “Doja.” Sampling Eve and Gwen Stefani’s 2001 hit “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” the West London rapper fuses that with drill beats as he delivers amusing bars. “Somebody tell Doja Cat, I’m tryna indulge in that,” he raps for the chorus.
Kyle Dion, “Dance For Me”
Sometimes you need to dance the pain away, and this week Kyle Dion dropped the perfect anthem for doing just that. “Dance For Me” finds the singer urging his lover to dance for him, yet the upbeat, lighthearted track can apply to anyone.
Noah, “S–t Shaker”
CXR rapper Noah dropped a two-pack to start off the week. “S–t Shaker” is the standout, with its menacing reverb and 808s, as Noah raps about being a “hit maker, s–t shaker, b—h taker” and everything else that’s boastful and rhymes.
Will Hill, “Tangerine”
Will Hill is unbothered on his new single “Tangerine.” The track’s cover art features the Atlanta rapper nonchalantly drinking champagne on a tangerine pool float, yet the tangerine he is rapping about is totally different. “What you need I can put you on the team/ I’m drinking water but the weed is tangerine/ I’m everything I say, I’m saying what I mean/ I’m going up in price increasing all the fees,” he raps.
GORDO, formerly known as Carnage, has set his eyes on Pershing Square in Los Angeles for a solo gig on Saturday, August 20. The show is in collaboration with Framework, one of America’s top underground house music event producers.
GORDO continues to rule the West Coast after last week’s TARAKA San Francisco announcement, which sold out in less than two hours. He has plans to turn Los Angeles’ Pershing Square into a tech-house mecca. GORDO will lead attendees on a five-hour dance journey during the event that will be infused with musical influences from his recent European Summer Tour, which saw him perform in cities including Ibiza, Tel Aviv, Athens, Mallorca, Mykonos, Helsinki, Berlin, and Vienna. As GORDO makes his way to Los Angeles with a jam-packed discography of tech-heavy sounds, Pershing Square will add to its illustrious lineup of performances, which has previously included bands like Hot Since 82, Solomun, Four Tet, and Floating Points.
The park, which is in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, will be transformed into the best outdoor sanctuary for dance music. Before Pershing Square closes to undergo renovation, GORDO has the distinction of performing the last show there.
Three months after ending his run as Carnage with a sold-out “Thank You” tour that began at the Avalon Hollywood, moved on to take over New York City, and finished in Houston, Texas, Diamanté Blackmon returns to the city with new vitality, a new sound, a new name, and an entirely different musical experience. GORDO is ready to deliver a legendary and unforgettable performance as he now fuses his ever-expanding enthusiasm for house music with some of Europe’s finest musical inspirations. He just returned from his European Summer Tour.
Pre-sale starts this Thursday, July 28th, at 10 AM PST followed by the General On Sale. Tickets will be available here on Thursday.
