R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week (April 14, 2025): Emerging Sounds to Watch

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Festival Scene: Coachella's Impact on New Talent
4. Spotlight on Emerging Talent
5. Implications for the Future of R&B/Hip-Hop
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Festival Season: Coachella kicked off its first weekend, featuring performances from major artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Missy Elliott.
• New Releases: This week’s fresh picks spotlight new music from emerging R&B and hip-hop artists, including kwn, Sabrina Claudio, and Annie Tracy.
• Notable Performances: Mary J. Blige and Vybz Kartel garnered attention for their notable live performances in New York City, showing the strength of the genre during live events.

Introduction

With a vibrant blast of color and sound, the first weekend of Coachella 2025 offered a dazzling array of performances, igniting excitement across the music industry and setting the tone for what promises to be a remarkable festival season. As iconic acts like Megan Thee Stallion and Missy Elliott commanded the stage, the conversation naturally shifted towards the emerging talents that are beginning to carve their places in the R&B and hip-hop landscapes. As we look ahead, this week's Fresh Picks from Billboard bring attention to a collection of standout tracks, showcasing the dynamic creativity fueling this cultural phenomenon.

In this article, we'll delve into the latest releases, offering insights into the artists and their inspirations while reflecting on the broader implications of R&B and hip-hop as they flourish in 2025.

The Festival Scene: Coachella's Impact on New Talent

Coachella, the golden standard in music festivals, has long served as a launching pad for emerging artists, propelling them into the mainstream. The 2025 edition, held from April 11-13, delivered electrifying performances that captivated audiences, thus solidifying the festival's role in shaping musical trends.

Major Performances:

• Megan Thee Stallion brought her high-energy performance that featured hits from her extensive catalog.
• Missy Elliott, a pioneer in the industry, proved her timeless appeal with a set that blended nostalgia and innovation.
• Travis Scott headlined on the last night, delivering a visually stunning experience that included elaborate stage setups and remixing his hits in a collaborative mash-up with Drake.

As crowds celebrated their favorite artists, the festival also acted as a backdrop for notable new releases from fresh music prodigies, such as kwn, who has recently caught the attention of listeners.

Spotlight on Emerging Talent

This week, Billboard highlights some of the most promising sounds in R&B and hip-hop from a variety of rising artists. Here's a closer look at this week's featured songs:

1. kwn – "Do What I Say"

After winning the title of Billboard’s R&B Rookie of the Month for March, kwn has made waves with her first solo single of 2025, "Do What I Say." Co-written and produced by kwn herself, the track dives into the realm of sensuality and assertiveness—a theme consistent in her earlier works. The lyrics invite listeners into an intimate space where she exerts her influence, cleverly blending her glossy vocals with entrancing hip-hop beats and guitar riffs.

2. Lihtz – "Margaritas"

Philly’s own Lihtz showcases his versatility with his latest release “Margaritas,” diverging from his previous comedic pop flirtations. On this track, he exhibits an ability to seamlessly switch flows while traversing genres, suggesting he may become a pivotal figure in the music scene this summer as he captures the attention of new fans.

3. Jastin Martin – "Again – '24 (Extended)"

In an emotional exploration, Jastin Martin unpacks the exhaustion that accompanies a toxic relationship in the extended version of "Again." The moody, guitar-laden backgrounds amplify the feelings of heartbreak and resilience, culminating in a powerful anthem of self-empowerment as she claims her strength and sets firm boundaries.

4. Sabrina Claudio – "Before It’s Too Late"

In her latest track, "Before It’s Too Late," Sabrina Claudio blends dreamy vocals with poignant lyrics about the fleeting nature of time and relationships. The accompanying music video captures a romantic escape, echoing her sentiment that we must cherish our connections before they slip away.

5. 4batz – "n da morning"

With "n da morning," 4batz crafts a hazy love anthem that encapsulates devotion and intimacy. His soothing vocals glide over a soft production, making for a perfect lullaby for couples to share in quiet moments.

6. YL & Subjxct 5 – "Bobyahead2dis"

In "Bobyahead2dis," YL delivers gritty, urban storytelling about perseverance in New York City, welcomed by gritty yet innovative beats from producer Subjxct 5. This collaboration suggests a fresh perspective that could catch fire this summer.

7. Lizzen & Saint Lamaar – "Sweet Thing (Work It Out) [Remix]"

Saint Lamaar joins Lizzen on the remix of "Sweet Thing," creating a enchanting duet that recalls the harmonious duos of early 2000s hip-hop and R&B. Their natural vocal blend enhances the original’s lovey-dovey energy, making it a timely must-listen.

8. Annie Tracy – "To Love and Be Loved"

Annie Tracy’s "To Love and Be Loved" scintillates as an auditory depiction of euphoric love. The track evolves from quiet vulnerability to vibrant celebration, capturing the crescendo of emotions that comes with shared experiences and mutual understanding.

Implications for the Future of R&B/Hip-Hop

The rising popularity of these emerging artists signifies a broader shift within the music landscape, guiding the genre into uncharted territories while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage. The infusion of personal narratives and various musical influences reflects the evolution of a genre originally born from the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.

Moreover, as platforms like Coachella provide visibility to rising artists, we can anticipate a continued blending of genres, with hip-hop and R&B artists increasingly influencing one another. This cross-pollination fosters creativity and diversity, indicating a promising future for both genres.

Conclusion

As we witness the ongoing evolution of R&B and hip-hop, it becomes essential to pay attention to emerging artists who continue to redefine the soundscape. This week’s Fresh Picks not only serve as a celebration of new music but also highlight the ongoing significance of festivals like Coachella in showcasing musical innovations. As the 2025 festival season ramps up, expect even greater collaborations and a surge in exploratory sounds that both pay homage to tradition and push boundaries.

FAQ

What is the significance of Coachella for new artists?

Coachella is one of the largest and most iconic music festivals that offers emerging artists the exposure necessary to launch their careers. It connects established artists with new audiences and creates opportunities for collaborations and networking.

Who are the featured artists in this week's Fresh Picks?

This week, featured artists include kwn, Lihtz, Jastin Martin, Sabrina Claudio, 4batz, YL & Subjxct 5, Lizzen & Saint Lamaar, and Annie Tracy.

What themes are prevalent in the new releases highlighted in this article?

Common themes include sensuality, empowerment, love, heartbreak, and personal growth—reflecting both the struggles and joys of contemporary relationships.

How does festival season impact the music industry?

Festival season revives the live music experience, creating a renewed interest in music and often resulting in a spike in song streams and concert attendance. It also brings together diverse genres, thus encouraging cross-genre collaborations.

What can we expect in the future of R&B and hip-hop?

The future promises to be vibrant with experimental sounds and diverse narratives as emerging artists continue to innovate while honoring the rich traditions of the genres. The blending of R&B and hip-hop will likely drive further creative collaborations and broaden audience engagement.