female artists

Chlöe’s “In Pieces” First-Week Sales Come In At 10K, Social Media Reacts

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It’s no secret that internet trolls love to throw shade at artists based on their first-week sales numbers – particularly women in the industry. In the past, names like Saweetie and Doja Cat have been clowned for selling less than 10K or failing to chart. Now, it’s Chlöe who’s feeling the heat. After teasing her fans for over a year, the R&B darling finally unveiled her In Pieces album back in March. It boasts impressive solo efforts, as well as features from the likes of Chris Brown, Missy Elliott, and Future.

The Atlanta-born artist poured plenty of hard work and dedication into the 14-track effort. Ultimately, however, she seems to have missed the mark with most of her audience. After an impressive rollout, Chlöe’s In Pieces moved just 10K units in its first week out, charting at #119 on the weekly Billboard 200 update. In comparison, she and little sister Halle Bailey sold 24K units with their joint project, Ungodly Hour, which charted much higher at #16.

Chlöe’s First Solo Album Debuts at #119

@chartdata shared the numbers via Twitter early on Monday (April 10) morning. Since then, users have had plenty to say about In Pieces. “Who cares where it charted? It was an amazing project,” one person insisted. In response, someone else chimed in, “It seemed rushed, I didn’t like it.” Elsewhere, some blamed Beyoncé’s lack of support as a reason for Chlöe’s flop, while others accused her fans of not showing out for her in the way that they should. “If her fanbase wouldn’t compare her to artists 30x bigger than her and actually bought her music this wouldn’t have happened,” they wrote alongside a GIF of an exasperated Bad Bunny pouring himself a drink.

Further down in the replies, another fan reminded us that Doja Cat’s Hot Pink project sold just 7.9K units following its debut, ultimately landing at #93 on Billboard‘s ranking. Even with such low initial numbers, the Planet Her hitmaker has still gone on to have a successful career, in the same way that the “Surprise” songstress is bound to as well. Keep scrolling to read more Twitter reactions to Chlöe’s first-week sales. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on her In Pieces album in the comments.

Social Media Reacts

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Kiana Ledé & Ella Mai Link Up For “Jealous” Single

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If you’ve ever found yourself feeling some type of way over another person, Kiana Ledé and Ella Mai’s new collaboration is for you. The R&B darlings finally unleashed “Jealous” on Monday (April 3), via The Heavy Group/Republic Records. As it turns out, today is also the Phoenix-raised artist’s birthday, marking the perfect occasion for her to share another must-hear single.

As the VRon-produced effort begins, we hear from Ledé, who admits that she’s “never been good at sharing,” though the man in her life now is pushing her to “practice patience.” Her melodic voice rings out, “And I let you do your thing ’cause I’m doing mine / I was actin’ like I’m good when I know I’m lyin’.” When the chorus finally rolls around, she initially resists her feelings of jealousy but eventually admits to struggling over the “other bitches” in her love interest’s life.

Kiana Ledé and Ella Mai’s “Jealous” Collab is Here

On her verse, Mai markedly sings, “Don’t make me pull up on you just to make it loud and clear / I know you do this shit on purpose / Actin’ like you don’t know I’m perfect for ya / You told me I’m your only person.” From the sounds of her lyrics, she’s feeling just as possessive as her collaborator, leaving them both with plenty of strong feelings to work through.

“What did you think would happen / When you give me all this good dick?” Ledé asks on the bridge as the song comes to a close. “When you keep me on some good shit? / Let ’em try me, I’ma poll it / I’ve been posting pics,” she teases the man who’s got her in her feelings. “That ass been lookin’ thick / Does it make you jealous? / I can’t be the only one.”

Stream Kiana Ledé and Ella Mai’s “Jealous” collab on YouTube above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the new R&B track in the comments. For more release recommendations, make sure to check back in on New Music Friday (April 7).

Quotable Lyrics:

I’ve been posting pics
That ass been lookin’ thick
Does it make you jealous?
I can’t be the only one

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Summer Walker Announces “Clear 2: Soft Life” EP During Her Dreamville Set

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Even after giving birth to twins a few months ago, Summer Walker continues to prove her dedication to her craft. She performed at this past weekend’s Dreamville Festival, chiefly using her time on stage to make an exciting announcement. In between singing some of her biggest hits from projects like Over It and Still Over It, the R&B diva confirmed that a new EP, titled Clear 2: Soft Life, will be coming very soon.

The upcoming release will mark her first solo effort since the 2021 album. That body of work markedly chronicled her tumultuous relationship with London On Da Track. The two artists share Walker’s oldest child, Bubbles. Unfortunately, they’ve had a difficult time navigating co-parenting since going their separate ways. Since then, the Atlanta native has also ended things with the father of her twins, Larry, causing some fans to speculate that this new EP may give us some insight into that situation.

Summer Walker Says New Music OTW

“Just wanted to let y’all guys know that I have an EP dropping… May 19th. Go to my website if you wanna pre-order it,” the 26-year-old told the crowd on Sunday (April 2) night. “Y’all ready for some new music?” As Hypebae notes, the planned release will serve as a sequel to 2019’s CLEAR, which consists of four solo titles – “Riot,” “Grave,” “Wasted,” and “Settling.” More recently, we’ve heard the mother of three on “Tell Me It’s Over” with Jacquees and 6LACK from the former’s 2022 album, as well as alongside Ciara on “Better Thangs.”

Regardless of what stories she plans to tell on her next project, R&B lovers are just happy to know that new music from the ethereal vocalist is on the way this spring. Elsewhere at Dreamville Fest, Summer Walker posed for a photo with Usher (who headlined on April Fool’s Day and hilariously tricked his audience into thinking Beyoncé would be joining him) and played arcade games with J. Cole himself. Keep scrolling to see more photos and videos of the singer’s weekend in Raleigh, and let us know if you’re excited about her upcoming EP in the comments.

More Photos/Videos from Dreamville Festival

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Jhené Aiko Urges Us To Be “calm & patient” On Her First Spring Single

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As she continues to grow into her role as a mother of two, Jhené Aiko seems to be becoming wiser and more graceful by the day. After taking the first three months of the year to bond with her and Big Sean’s baby boy, Noah, the R&B songstress returns today (March 31) with “calm & patient,” a beautiful single that’s sure to have you reflecting on the energy you want to bring with you into this new season. Aside from her beautiful vocals, it also features Aiko’s production chops, alongside talents like Julian-Quan Viet Le and Amaire Johnson.

On her first verse, the Californian paints a beautiful picture for listeners. “I’m satisfied with life / I do not just get by, I thrive / What a miracle to be up and alive,” she reminds them. Later, when we reach the chorus, her optimism only continues to infect our ears. “And I know whatever happens, I’ll be happy / Bеcause I happen to be good in any situation,” Aiko’s beautiful voice rings out. “Calm and patient, by your grace I’ma be / I’ll be singing through the pain, I’ma dance in the rain.”

Jhené Aiko’s New Single Will Have You Feeling “calm & patient”

As REVOLT notes, the 35-year-old’s manager, Taz, shared an exciting message for fans amid the arrival of “calm & patient.” It reads, “A new Jhené Aiko era is upon us, taking it back to simpler times when we just put music out for the love of it. Apologies Def Jam and Tea, this one is for the soulmates.” Seeing as Aiko’s last full-length solo album, Chilombo, is already three years old, R&B lovers are grateful for anything they can get from the vocalist at this point. It remains unclear when her next project will come to fruition, but we’ll be sure to keep you up to date with the details as they emerge.

Stream Jhené Aiko’s “calm & patient” on YouTube above, or add it to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the ethereal new single in the comments. For more release recommendations, revisit our page on Sunday (April 2) to stream our R&B Season playlist update.

Quotable Lyrics:

I’m satisfied with life
I do not just get by, I thrive
What a miracle to be up and alive
Sending love to those who are stuck in the fight
I cannot relate to the hate that they made up in their mind
I do not participate because every single time I’m

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Ice Spice Dishes On Writing Her Own Raps, Says She’s Open To Working With Other Lyricists In The Future

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While some rap stars rely on the help of a ghostwriter to craft their best verses, others are confident enough in their pen to handle to hard work themselves. Among the latter category is Ice Spice, who’s been putting together her quick-witted lyrics herself since she blew up last summer with the arrival of “Munch (Feelin’ U).” The New York starlet’s most recent accolade is being tapped as Harper Bazaar’s 2023 Music Director, earning her a feature in their April issue in which she markedly opened up about her incredibly fast-paced rise to fame.

“I’ve always been a baddie, and I’ve always been infatuated with other baddies,” the 23-year-old told the outlet during their sitdown. “I wanted to emulate that and make other people feel that way too,” she explained of her often salacious, female-centric bars. Prior to finding fame, her first two releases were “Bully Freestyle” and “No Clarity,” which came together for Spice shortly after she connected with RIOTUSA while studying at the State University of New York at Purchase together. The time since has found them making plenty of hits. “We just cook up bops, we make vibes; I try not to think too hard and just really have fun,” she revealed.

Ice Spice is Confident in Her Writing Chops

As for being one of the few female figures in drill, the redhead says she’s become comfortable with pushing boundaries. “I feel like I’m bringing a new sound to people that they haven’t really heard before, being one of the few girls to bring drill to a mainstream level,” Spice told HB. She additionally hinted at the future arrival of her debut album (following January’s Like..? EP), and while “it’s definitely cooking up right now,” she doesn’t want to “promise any dates” to her fans. “I’m so proud of it and how fun it was to make, and I can tell that right now, this is an era I’m always going to cherish,” the Bronx baddie added of her recent release.

Elsewhere in her Harper’s Bazaar feature, Ice Spice confirmed that she’s comfortable continuing to write her own raps for now, but a time may come in the future when she’s interested in linking up with other lyricists. “Right now, I’m sticking to what got me here in the first place,” the “Bikini Bottom” hitmaker said. “That’s me being creative in the studio with Riot.” Revisit Isis Gaston’s breakout single below, and check back later for more hip-hop news updates.

Revisit Her Breakout Single, “Munch (Feelin’ U)”

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Beyoncé’s “CUFF IT” Surpasses “Halo” As Her Longest-Charting Solo Song Of All Time

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In less than two months, Beyoncé and her crew will head out to amaze audiences with her long-awaited RENAISSANCE tour. While jokes about the mother of three practicing vocal runs while sprinting on the treadmill in heels, and exclusively consuming almonds and water to keep her figure right have been circulating on social media, her album continues to speak for itself by breaking more records. Most recently, one of her newer songs beat out an old fan favourite as her longest-charting solo song of all time.

Twitter account @PopBase shared the news on Monday (March 27) evening, that Beyoncé’s 2008 hit, “Halo,” has officially been surpassed by “CUFF IT” on the Billboard Hot 100 in terms of total weeks charting. The former song arrived on the Houston native’s I Am… Sasha Fierce album, and has an undeniably ethereal, feel-good vibe to it. The latter, of course, is on the RENAISSANCE project and has since seen incredible remixes from Blxst and Bey herself.

“CUFF IT” Continues to Break Records

While “CUFF IT” is undeniably a fan favourite, other popular titles from the 16-song tracklist include “BREAK MY SOUL,” “ALIEN SUPERSTAR,” and “ENERGY” featuring Beam. Shortly after unveiling RENAISSANCE to the world last summer, Beyoncé hinted that the project was part of a trilogy, though it remains unclear when the next two albums will be arriving. As for her tour, it’s due to begin on May 10 in Stockholm, before the vocalist takes over stages in various other cities around the world. Ahead of the big premiere, fans got a preview of what’s to come when Beyoncé made a grand return in Dubai earlier this year.

At the time, she was helping to celebrate the opening of a new hotel in the luxurious country, and celebrity friends like Kendall Jenner, Chloe and Halle Bailey, and her husband, Jay-Z were all in attendance. A strict no-phones policy was enforced ahead of the performance, though some attendees still managed to capture clips and leak them online. While what we saw of that show was undeniably impressive, it’s likely that the upcoming RENAISSANCE shows will only be better thanks to the Virgo superstar’s incredible work ethic. Revisit “CUFF IT” below, and check back later for more music news updates.

Revisit the Popular Track

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Coi Leray Joins Sabrina Carpenter On Super Catchy “Nonsense (Remix)”: Stream

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Coi Leray kicked off 2023 on a high note with the arrival of her “Players” single in early January. Since then, we’ve heard various reimaginings of the same song, from DJs like David Guetta and Saige. On Friday (March 24), the Trendsetter shared another updated version of the smash hit – this one featuring Busta Rhymes – and that’s not all she had in store for fans this weekend.

Aside from putting a spin on her own release, Leray also came together with pop star Sabrina Carpenter on the remix of her “Nonsense” single. It’ll surely be replaying in your head with just one listen. “This song harder than keepin’ a secret / He said my head’s crazy, I’m a genius / What’s better than one pop star? It’s two, bitch / It’s Coi Leray and ‘Brina on the remix,” both artist’s vocals croon in an early preview of the new joint effort.

Sabrina Carpenter Taps Coi Leray for Her “Nonsense (Remix)”

For her verse, the Boston-born baddie had plenty of her usual flirtatious bars to tantalize listeners. “This boy got me goin’ crazy / We just started dating, now he say he want a baby / He said, ‘Coi, you so amazing / ‘You a freak in the sheets, in the streets, you such a lady,’” Leray teases her bedroom talents.

As Uproxx notes, the original version of “Nonsense” arrived as the breakout single from Carpenter’s July 2022 album, Emails I Can’t Send. The project peaked at No. 56 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart last month, as well as at No. 18 on the Pop Airplay chart in early March. With this collaboration, the blonde beauty is sure to breathe life and love from audiences back into her project.

Stream Sabrina Carpenter’s “Nonsense (Remix)” with Coi Leray on YouTube above. Afterward, tell us if you’d like to hear the two artists work together again in the comments. For more hot new release recommendations, be sure to check out our updated R&B Season playlist here.

Quotable Lyrics:

Yeah, this boy got me goin’ crazy
We just started dating, now he say he want a baby
He said, “Coi, you so amazin’
You a freak in the sheets and the streets, you such a lady”

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Chlöe’s “Body Do” Takes Centre Stage On This Weekend’s “R&B Season” Update

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It’s Sunday once again, which means we’re back with another roundup of must-hear songs on our R&B Season playlist. While this weekend’s list is primarily female-dominated, we do have a few noteworthy titles from 6LACK’s latest project, Since I Have A Lover. The album marks his first since 2018’s East Atlanta Love Letter and has left listeners pleased since landing on Friday (March 24).

“Testify” is the first track to catch our attention, followed by “Temporary,” on which the Baltimore native collaborates with Don Toliver. The only other joint effort on the 19-song-long tracklist comes from the artist’s own partner, QUIN, on “wunna dem.” Over the past few weeks, other 6LACK releases like “Fatal Attraction” and “Talkback” have landed on our R&B Season update, as well as his album’s titular single.

HNHH R&B Season Playlist

Chlöe performs onstage during Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective at Hollywood Palladium on February 02, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Following that comes Yaya Bey’s latest, “exodus the north star,” which arrived as a part of a six-pack EP earlier this weekend. So far, other standout titles from the project include “on the pisces moon” and “ascendent (mother fxcker)” on which she worked with Exaktly. If you’re looking to experiment with new sounds, we highly recommend giving the short and sweet release a full listen when you have the time.

Victoria Monét came through with some serious R&B Season heat in the form of “Smoke” featuring Lucky Daye. As expected, the two artist’s voices beautifully collide while setting a sultry mood for listeners to enjoy. Finally, Chlöe closes out our latest lineup with her “Body Do” single as we eagerly await the arrival of her debut solo album, In Pieces, which is due to officially arrive on DSPs next Friday (March 31).

Stream all of our new favourite R&B songs exclusively on Spotify below. Afterward, tell us which of our selections you’ll be adding to your own rotation in the comments. For more release recommendations, be sure to check out our weekly Fire Emoji playlist update here.

Stream on Spotify

Coi Leray & Busta Rhymes Have A Blast On “Players (DJ Saige Remix): Stream

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If we had to crown a remix queen following this weekend’s roster of new releases, it would undeniably be Coi Leray. The Boston-born rap star not only joined Sabrina Carpenter on the updated version of her “Nonsense” track, but she also came through with another must-hear collaboration of her own. Following David Guetta’s “Players (Remix)” from earlier this month, she tapped Busta Rhymes to join her on the same track, this one reimagined by DJ Saige.

“Create a block forever knowin’ my shit hot / Flirtin with a n*gga while twerkin’ on TikTok,” the lyrical legend raps on his verse. “Hurtin’ everything like we workin’ the pitch rock / Playin’ with the cooch like Penelope Pitstop.” Busta also joins Leray on the hook, throwing in some adlibs while she reminds listeners that “girls is players too.”

Coi Leray Taps DJ Saige and Busta Rhymes to Remix “Players”

On the refrain, which many listeners will recognize from countless TikTok videos, the Trendsetter hitmaker sings, “Yeah, ’bout to catch another flight / Yeah, the apple bottom make him wanna bite / Yeah, I just wanna have a good night / I just wanna have a good night.” The original release of “Players” already has upwards of 150M streams on Spotify, and it’s entirely likely this new version will eventually grow to match that.

Leray seems to be gearing up for a big year of music, following her successful run in 2022. She shared “Anxiety” as her first single before teaming up with YungManny and Zubin on “Givenchy.” Following that came “Blick Blick” with Nicki Minaj, her debut album, and a slew of other songs including “Wasted,” “Fly Sh!t,” and “Hold Me Down” with 42 Dugg from CMG’s “Gangsta Art” album.

Stream Coi Leray and Busta Rhymes’ “Players (DJ Saige Remix)” on YouTube above. Afterward, check out David Guetta’s version of the same track here. For more new release recommendations, be sure to check out our Fire Emoji playlist update.

Quotable Lyrics:

Create a block forever knowin my shit hot
Flirtin with a n*gga while twerkin on TikTok
Hurtin everything like we workin the pitch rock
Playin with the cooch like Penelope Pitstop

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BIA Teams Up With Timbaland For New Baddie Anthem, “I’M THAT BITCH”

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It’s been a relatively busy weekend in terms of new music, with several of the most noteworthy releases coming from our favourite female artists. Chlöe continued the rollout of her debut solo project with the energetic “Body Do,” and Lola Brooke recruited Yung Miami and Latto to join her on the remix of “Don’t Play With It.” Aside from that, we also heard another new banger from BIA, who teamed up with Timbaland to remind us “[SHE’S] THAT BITCH.”

Following “SIXTEEN,” which was a part of her Rolling Loud California set shortly after its premiere, the 31-year-old is back with more music magic. She and Timba sampled Missy Elliott’s “She’s a Bitch” from 1999, which was also produced by the industry icon. On his new arrival, he also had help from SkipOnDaBeat and Lil Rich, whose work is being praised endlessly on social media as reactions to “I’M THAT BITCH” continue to pour in.

BIA Looks Out of This World In Her “I’M THAT BITCH” Visual

On her first verse, BIA rhymes about being a “top bitch” and “an alpha,” telling listeners that her primary addictions are money and power. “She’s a bitch / The way I left that shit on read, he don’t exist / The way I killed them hoes, they dead, ain’t seen them since / The way I put that shit, I be throwin’ fits,” she begins her upbeat chorus. Afterward, the bars only get hotter as the Massachusetts native spits about being unreachable and getting respect.

“I’m a real bitch so I do what I wanna / This n*gga toxic, he need him a sauna,” she continues. “I could tell you was a ho from your aura / I limit my drama, I’m havin’ good karma.” Watch the visual for Timbaland and BIA’s “I’M THAT BITCH” on YouTube above. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the hot new collaboration in the comments. For more of our release recommendations from this weekend, be sure to check out our latest Fire Emoji playlist update here.

Quotable Lyrics:

Buy me a house, boy, if you wanna be with me
You used to women that’s f*ckin’ too easily
I used to get to my money illegally
None of my haters is sleepin’ this peacefully

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