As more and more rappers get into into using dance-centric production (think Vince Staples’ Big Fish Theory, Leikeli47’s Shape Up, or Drake’s Honestly, Nevermind), it was only a matter of time until the biggest names in EDM came recruiting hip-hop faves to appear on more straightforward electronic fare.
Tiësto is the latest to do so, tapping BIA and 21 Savage for his ravenous new single, “Both.” “As a fan of both 21 Savage and BIA, I’m super excited to have collaborated with them on this one,” he said in a press release. “BIA and I had been looking to work together, and after sharing my new track with her and then hearing her verse I instantly knew this would be the one. Before she could cut another verse, 21 Savage hopped on and brought a whole new energy to the project! I couldn’t have asked for a better collaboration for this song!”
Tiësto has been branching out a bunch lately, working with alt-pop songwriter Tate McRae on “10:35” last November after linking up with Charli XCX in June with “Hot In It.” Earlier this year, he even took a swing at remixing the fan-favorite theme song from The White Lotus. He’s bridging the gaps between multiple genres and his own, and his timing couldn’t be more perfect as tastes evolve, expand, and melt together more than ever.
Tiësto is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Superstar EDM producer, singer, and songwriter Tiësto is back with another dance-ready banger “BOTH.” This is a collaboration with BIA and it features 21 Savage. The track runs just over three minutes with Tiësto’s signature production style. This single comes off the heels of his 2023 record DRIVE back in April. He brought on artists such as A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, pop star Ava Max, Black Eyed Peas, and many more.
However, Tiësto is not known to slow down on making new material, as he consistently has put out music since the late 1990s. 21 Savage and BIA pen bars about it being hard to choose between options in their expensive and wild lifestyles. Because they have the money they decide to enjoy all of what life has to offer. For example, 21 raps, “Seen a Lamb’ and a ‘Rarri, couldn’t decide, so I bought both (On God, 21).” BIA is also in a similar dilemma, “This money and the love, I need both of them (Frrp, cash).”
Tiësto seems like he will be a timeless hitmaker until the day he decides to retire. Fans have so many hits from the Netherlands native. “The Business” is over one billion streams, while others like “The Motto” with Ava Max are well on their way to that mark with over 675 million plays. These are all recent songs but it shows that even as Tiësto ages, his songs do not and they continue to get people in the club on their feet every time.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand new track from Tiësto and BIA featuring 21 Savage, “BOTH?” Is this one of Tiësto’s best singles of the year? Who had the better verse, 21 or BIA? We want to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the hottest song releases and all of the latest breaking news around the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
This money and the love, I need both of them (Frrp, cash) In the back of the ‘Lac, gimme both my friеnds (Uh) I’m in London, L.A., like it’s both my ends All thesе Ms that I fend for, I’m supposed to spend (Skrrt)
Vevo has announced BIA as the next artist in their Ctrl. series with a performance of “FALLBACK” off her new album REALLY HER. “FALLBACK” follows BIA’s previous release Ctrl performance of “MILLIONS.”
Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of cutting-edge musicians making an impact in today’s music scene – both emerging and established. These artists demand attention and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight. BIA’s performance follows sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, A$AP Ferg and more.
Multi-platinum hitmaker BIA’s confident flows meet with detailed production, resulting in trap bangers with the occasional R&B hook. Raised in Boston, the rap femme fatale is known for music that possesses both biting wit and a boldly authentic swag. By the close of 2020, she dropped her For Certain EP, armed with the hit single “Whole Lotta Money”, a song with a central message that unlimited currency can be both mental and physical, and eventually landing a remix with Nicki Minaj. The EP reached the Top 10 of Billboard’s Heatseekers Album Charts, with the aforementioned single becoming a sleeper hit that would bring her uncharted success in the years following.
2023 saw BIA join forces with Tones Andi I and Diarra Sylla for “BRING IT ON,” which serves as the official walkout anthem for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and plays before all 64 games. In August 2023, she kept the momentum going with her critically-acclaimed new album, REALLY HER, that includes features from J. Cole, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz and Juicy J.
BIA is thriving in the current landscape of hip hop, where many women are dominating the space. She has carved out her own lane and is now incredibly successful. Hailing from Medford, Massachusetts, BIA started her career on the reality TV series Sisterhood of Hip Hop before signing to Pharrell’s label. Her first prominent feature on a song was alongside her label boss and J Balvin for the hit single “Safari” back in 2016. BIA has since increased her visibility, collaborating with her contemporaries and legends alike. She has worked with Russ for the Platinum-selling “Best on Earth” and reached mainstream success with “Whole Lotta Money” featuring Nicki Minaj on the remix. As she continues to ascend to greater heights in her career, BIA is capitalizing on her momentum with her latest EP, Really Her.
Further, BIA has established her sound in recent years. Her most successful songs utilize her signature nonchalant flow over a simple 808 pattern. Really Her sees BIA showcasing her versatility in a new way, utilizing a unique delivery over various beats and tempos.
She Showcases Her Versatility
Over some bass-heavy production, BIA starts the project strong on “Big Business,” rapping about leveling up in her career. Setting the tone, the project gets even better. BIA sounds tough yet composed on “Millions” and is playful on “Don’t Tell.” These songs fit within her sonic wheelhouse, but she keeps things more traditional on “Four Seasons.” In that song, she spits over a simple loop with a straightforward delivery. Arguably her best lyrical performance on the EP, BIA flexes her lyrical muscles, spitting clever bars like, “Athletes in my DM, wish they baby mama see ’em / That’s the type of money I pay in per diem.” BIA’s voice is more commanding on “Four Seasons” than on other songs. She displays a range that encompasses club-ready bangers and skillful tracks without hooks.
BIA’s voice and flow complement a variety of tempos on Really Her, but she makes an awkward attempt at a dancehall record on “Oh No.” Unfortunately, her flow just does not mesh well with that tempo, which is surprising considering how good she has sounded over similar beats before. The attempt is commendable but ultimately falls flat. There is also the song “I’m That B*tch,” which boldly flips Missy Elliott’s “She’s a B*tch.” With the help of Timbaland, BIA puts a drill spin on the ‘90s classic, floating over the production. She may sound good, but the song does not do its sample justice. Still, the homage to Missy Elliott’s song assisted by its original producer is respectable.
BIA Polishes Her Skills
BIA found her voice on 2020’s For Certain, which she has since continued to develop on her latest releases and guest features. Her rap style may be simplistic, but she shows she can hold her own with the best on “London” with J. Cole. Easily the best song on the EP, the previously-released single sees BIA at her best. She delivers tough bars with her signature flow while also being playful with the ad-libs. The knocking instrumental is menacing but not too overpowering, allowing BIA to step her game up. Weaving in references to London, she flexes, “Chrome Hearts socks in sandals / Mans outside in Crocs in shambles.”
What really encourages her to bring her best bars to the song is J. Cole’s jaw-dropping verse, which dazzles with clever punchlines and impressive rhyme schemes. He sticks to the concept, crafting witty bars with British slang. He raps, “Yummy, they got no more bread, they’re crummy.” Cole also seamlessly transitions into a British accent, twisting words ever so slightly so that it creates a double entendre. While J. Cole steals the show, his style contrasts significantly with BIA’s, making a well-balanced song. “London” is a prime example of how BIA polished her skills on Really Her.
Conclusion
Really Her is some of BIA’s most exciting material yet. Her latest EP is a step in the right direction compared to her previous works. This collection of songs may not be the most inventive, but the tracklist is varied, and she shines over the beats. Songs like “Millions,” “For Seasons,” and “London” include some of the best rapping from BIA yet. Overall, Really Her is an admirable effort from one of the most exciting stars to rise from Massachusetts. The EP’s short run-time adds replay value, with most songs barely exceeding the two-minute mark. BIA hones in on her style while trying others. She showcases her versatility and develops her skills, exciting listeners as she readies her proper debut album.
The music world is buzzing with excitement as some of the industry’s biggest names make headlines with their latest projects and achievements. Latto makes Billboard history, BIA features Nene Leakes in her new music video for “Millions,” Saweetie is back, and more! Latto Breaks Barriers & Makes History Latto secures her place in music’s hall […]
Bia has been on a roll since her 2021 viral hit “Whole Lotta Money.” Last fall, the rapper was enlisted to join Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl (Queen Mix)” alongside JT, Katie Got Bandz, Akbar V, and Malibu Miitch. Earlier this year, she shared her new song “16” and gave it a scorching performance at Rolling Loud California. However, she has a lot more in store.
Recently Bia announced her new EP Really Her would arrive this Friday, July 28. “New era loading…” she wrote in the hyped-up caption on Instagram. The project will feature the track “Millions,” which she has been teasing on social media.
In 2022, Bia discussed the ways collaborating with J. Cole for the track “London” impacted her own work ethic. “I learned I have to push my pen to maximum every single time because you never know when J. Cole’s going to get on your record,” she said. “Now, I’m pushing it 10 times harder. Every bar, ugh! Let me see how I can take that up a notch. Outside of that, too, I learned a lot about balance. Because the way he’s super punctual — he’s on time for everything. I’m never on time, but I’ll stay late. I need to get better at punctuality.”
Really Her is out on 7/28 on Sony Music Entertainment. Find more information here.
BIA has released her latest track, “Raised Me,” a captivating and heartfelt reinterpretation of Petey Pablo’s regional anthem, “Raise Up.” The song is part of the Pixel RePresents series, a collaboration between entertainment company Mass Appeal, Google Pixel, and Sony Music Entertainment’s Certified, which aims to elevate women in Hip Hop by reimagining iconic genre-defining tracks.
Leading up to the release of “Raised Me,” Lola Brooke and Flo Milli also contributed to the series with their versions of Clipse’s “Grindin” and Too $hort’s “Blow The Whistle,” respectively. Each track is accompanied by unique artwork captured with a Google Pixel 7 Pro featuring Real Tone technology to ensure an accurate representation of all skin tones.
To complement the release, Creator Labs artist Myesha Evon Gardner directed a behind-the-scenes video, interview series, and social campaign. The videos will be available on EBONY.com, the central hub for all Pixel RePresents content. “Raised Me” and the subsequent releases will culminate in the Pix Tape EP, set for release in August to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.
Pixel RePresents is part of Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50 initiative, a global celebration marking five decades of Hip Hop. Alongside Pixel RePresents, Mass Appeal has selected Google Pixel as the exclusive handset device for Hip Hop 50 and partnered with Certified to unveil 50 product releases in honor of the genre’s milestone birthday.
