March has been a great month so far for music lovers, with countless new hip-hop and R&B artists delivering singles and projects near-constantly. This weekend in particular saw some exciting arrivals for the latter genre, such as Usher’s “GLU” and Tamar Braxton’s “Changed.” Additionally, Alex Vaughn came through with The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack), an updated version of her featureless project from last fall.
Rather than conquer the tracklist on her own this time around, the vocalist connected with several talented female starlets. Her LVRN labelmate Summer Walker appears on “So Be It – Remix,” while Muni Long joined her for the uber-catchy “IYKYK.” Elsewhere, Washington, D.C. native Ari Lennox put her vocals to work on the “Demon Time – Remix,” which finds both singers sharing their salacious thoughts over a beat that will make you wish you were bumping and grinding with your boo.
Ari Lennox Reimagines Alex Vaughn’s “Demon Time” with Sultry New Lyrics
“Don’t fight what you feelin’, babe / No need for you to hesitate,” Vaughn tempts her potential lover on the pre-chorus. “It’s taboo the things you make me say / I’m no psychic but I know what you need.” Afterward, she continues to sing about their sex game being “criminal,” ultimately causing her to “overflow.”
For Lennox’s part, she too didn’t hold back on bringing the sex appeal to the collaboration. “Appetite / Got an appetite for this jaguar / Climb that tree tonight,” she croons in metaphors. “Talking to some dudes, but I’m f*ckin’ you / Satisfied.” While she’s admitted to having issues with finding love in real life, in her dreams, the Dreamville leading lady clearly has some wild fantasies she’s hoping to indulge in ASAP.
Stream Alex Vaughn and Ari Lennox’s “Demon Time – Remix” on YouTube above. Afterward, read more about the former’s The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack) project here. For more new release recommendations, head over to our weekly R&B Season playlist update to hear the latest from 6LACK, Usher, and more.
Quotable Lyrics:
Alone tonight I’m alone tonight, I’m on demon time And you’re on my mind Got an attitude but you still came through ‘Cause you know it’s fire
At 46 years old, Tamar Braxton certainly isn’t slowing down. If anything, the Maryland-born entertainer is revving back up for a major return in more ways than one. Not only did she announce her engagement to JR Robinson (who she previously met on Queens Court) earlier this week, but she also unleashed her first single since 2020, “Changed.”
The highly anticipated song came on New Music Friday (March 17), along with releases from names like Childish Gambino, Usher, and Doechii. Throughout her soulful lyrics, Braxton confronts a man who switched up on her as she reconsiders the time she’s put into nurturing their relationship. As SoulBounce notes, “Changed” was produced by Donald ‘haZEL’ Sales and Chizzy Stephens, who sampled SWV’s “Rain.”
Tamar Braxton Makes a Triumphant Return on “Changed”
“I thought you were the man of my dreams / So how the hell was I wrong?” her voice croons on the chorus. “I gave you all of me, oh / Boy, it could’ve been you, oh, whoa.” Throughout her verses, Braxton reflects on the heart-melting gestures she used to see from her man. He previously brought her roses and sweet treats. Now she’s suddenly faced with “no reception, out of range” from a lover who’s suddenly “acting brand new.”
While she was obviously enthused to share the news of her engagement with fans yesterday, not everyone was happy for the singer. Specifically, her fiancé’s baby mama lashed out at her online upon hearing the news, calling Braxton both “demeaning” and “disrespectful.” Robinson spoke out in his partner’s defense shortly after, assuring IG users that his future wife spoils his children “with love,” despite his ex’s claims.
Stream Tamar Braxton’s new “Changed” single on YouTube above. Afterward, tell us if you’re excited about the reality starlet’s comeback in the comments. Make sure to check back on Sunday (March 19) for more release recommendations on our R&B Season playlist.
Quotable Lyrics:
I thought you were the man of my dreams So how the hell was I wrong? I gave you all of me, oh Boy, it could’ve been you, oh, whoa I thought you were the man of my dreams
Kali has already proven she isn’t coming quietly in 2023, beginning the year with singles like “Binliang,” “Maalan,” and “Quake Bird.” On her latest release, “Area Codes,” the rising rap diva is coming with a bold approach, bragging on bar after bar over production by Tate Kobang and YG! Beats. “You know I love me a motherf*ckin’ trick,” she reminds listeners on the intro, before spilling details on the various men in her current line-up of lovers.
“Got a white boy on my roster, he be feeding me pasta and lobster / He just hit me up on Tuesday like ‘What you doing bae? let me take you shoppin,’” she quickly rhymes. “He said “Damn, I’m in your city / But anyway it’s okay, hope you have a good day / I’ma send you about 850.’” Clearly, Kali is all about her cash, and the type of man for her is one who can provide it.
Kali’s “Area Codes” is a Bad Bitch Anthem
On the chorus, the Georgia native confidently sings about having “hoes in different area codes,” warning some women that it “might just be [their] n*gga” who she’s being spoiled by. The new single comes in at just under two and a half minutes, and already, fans are begging Kali to continue sharing releases with a similar vibe in time for Hot Girl Summer.
Last year saw the arrival of her Toxic Chocolate project, including popular titles like “Eat It Up” featuring BIA and “UonU” with Yung Bleu. Kali’s eight-track effort also includes collaborations with Moneybagg Yo, ATL Jacob, and Latto on “MMM MMM (The Remix),” as well as Muni Long on “Chainzzz.” We’re eagerly awaiting a follow-up to that, though it remains unclear when the southern starlet’s next full-length effort will land.
Stream Kali’s “Area Codes” single on YouTube above. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the catchy new track in the comments. Make sure to check back later this weekend for more release recommendations on our Fire Emoji playlist update.
Quotable Lyrics:
Got a n*gga, yeah he from the trap He lowkey, yeah he stay off the map Anytime I need some money, he say pull up ‘Cause it gotta be cash
With Hot Girl Summer quickly coming around the corner, female rap fans are eagerly awaiting Megan Thee Stallion’s return. It remains unclear when the 28-year-old plans to drop new music, though she did confirm that her first performance of the year will take place later this month in Houston. While we hold out for more baddie bops from Houston, Renni Rucci is showing out for South Carolina on her latest.
“Bend It Over” arrived this New Music Friday (March 10), and finds the 31-year-old rapping as salaciously as ever. “I love me a n*gga that’s nasty / Let me slut you out, show me you can get trashy,” and “Suck the d*ck neat, you know I can keep it classy / Swallow all the kids, you ain’t even gotta ask me,” are among some of her freakiest bars that listeners are already loving.
Renni Rucci’s “Bend It Over” Music Video Has Tons of Tantalizing Twerking
In the accompanying music video, Rucci certainly keeps all eyes on her as she dances with a stripper pole while wearing barely-there lingerie. As she spits her braggadocious bars for the camera, a man runs his hands up and down the lyricist’s body. In front of them, countless Black women shake their behinds along to the beat as well.
“Bend It Over” marks Rucci’s first release of 2023. She had a strong run in 2022, sharing singles such as “Don’t Like Me,” “8 Year Run,” and “The Way She Twerk” with DAMU UP. Additionally, we heard her on “Keep The Change” and “Texture,” as well as “JUST LIKE WITH” alongside ROB BIGGAVELI. With such a confident annual debut, it looks like the reality star plans to only go up from here.
Stream Renni Rucci’s provocative “Bend It Over” track on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on the single in the comments. Make sure to check back later this weekend for more release recommendations on our Fire Emoji playlist update.
Quotable Lyrics:
I love me a n*gga that’s nasty Let me slut you out, show me you can get trashy Suck the d*ck neat, you know I can keep it classy Swallow all the kids, you ain’t even gotta ask me
Our first R&B Season update of March may be short, but we promise that it’s still seriously sweet. From this week’s New Music Friday arrivals, we’ve selected the best of the best for your listening pleasure. At the top of the list today (March 5) is a duo we’ve been hearing a lot from lately – Kali Uchis and her man, Don Toliver.
In February, the Cactus Jack artist unleashed his most ambitious project to date, Love Sick. “Private Landing” with Justin Bieber and Future, as well as “Leave The Club” featuring Lil Durk and GloRilla are obvious favourites. Still, it was his romantic collaboration with the Colombian songstress on “4 Me” that really caught our attention. Following in Toliver’s footsteps, Uchis shared her Red Moon In Venus album earlier this week. So far, plenty of praise has been pouring in.
The young lover’s link-up on “Fantasy” is at the top of our R&B Season update this week. Of course, Uchis’ entire effort is worth a listen if you have the time. Other noteworthy guest appearances come from Omar Apollo on “Worth the Wait,” and Summer Walker on “Deserve Me.”
Music lovers were excited to hear from 6LACK for the first time in 2023 this month. The Baltimore-born lyricist shared his “Since I Have A Lover” single to an undeniably warm welcome, with nearly 687K streams amassed on Spotify already. He also revealed that his upcoming album will have the same name, and is due out on March 24th.
This will mark the 6LACK’s long-awaited follow-up to his 2018 project, East Atlanta Love Letter. That yielded fan favourites like “Pretty Little Fears” with J. Cole and “Switch,” as well as “Seasons” featuring Khalid. As the debut date nears closers, we’re eagerly waiting to find out which other tracks will land on our R&B Season playlist.
Our final pick of the week comes from the always groovy Masego, whose self-titled album has been in constant rotation since Friday. Our favourite from the 14-song tracklist is “What You Wanna Try,” however all of the Jamaican’s previously released singles are great too.
Stream it all on our weekly R&B Season update, exclusively on Spotify, below. Afterward, tell us which new arrivals you think we may have missed in the comments. If you’re in need of more release recommendations, you can find them on our Fire Emoji playlist here.
It’s a huge weekend for both film and hip-hop lovers, thanks to the debut of Michael B. Jordan’s Creed III. Not only does the California native star alongside Jonathan Majors in the new movie, but he also sat in the director’s chair for the very first time, earning him plenty of praise for so much hard work. While he was busy bringing the visuals together, Dreamville came through with the soundtrack.
Ahead of Creed III‘s arrival, a handful of singles helped set the tone for audiences. We heard JID and Lute show out together on “Ma Boy,” followed by Bas, Black Sherif, and Kel-P’s work on “Blood, Sweat & Tears.” When Friday (March 3) hit, so did the official Dreamville soundtrack on DSPs, providing fans with 18 new songs to accompany the highly anticipated movie.
Ari Sounds Angelic on “Greater”
An impressive roster of artists helped out with the tracklist, though one title that stands out to us above all others is Ari Lennox’s “Greater.” The R&B diva has the voice of an angel, and it sweetly croons on this song, as well as with Omen and OG DAYV on “Talk To Me.” As she continues her tour across North America, listeners are more than happy to hear new music after all that she gave us in 2022.
Other noteworthy titles on the Creed III soundtrack include Big Sean and EST Gee’s link up on “Anthem,” J. Cole’s triumphant work on “Adonis Interlude,” and Kehlani’s vulnerable title, “Shadows.” REASON, Symba, Blxst, WESTSIDE BOOGIE, Arin Ray, SiR, and Syd also appear – not to mention Baby Rose, Morray, Tierra Whack, and Cozz’s work.
Stream Ari Lennox’s “Greater” from Dreamville’s Creed III soundtrack on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us if you’ll be checking out the film this weekend in the comments. Make sure to check back later for more release recommendations on our weekly playlist updates.
Quotable Lyrics:
What I’ma do? What I’ma say? Only watchin’ you, only ex fillin’ your space Hope you know I’m not lyin’, never felt this way Love the way you dance for me up on that stage
Just because the snow is melting and cuffing season is coming to an end doesn’t mean we’re ready for a break from R&B. In recent weeks we’ve heard plenty of smooth releases from the genres leading ladies and gentlemen, including Masego’s self-titled album, and Tink’s Thanks 4 Nothing. This New Music Friday (March 3), Kali Uchis also came through with a new album, titled Red Moon In Venus, which arguably includes some of her best work to date.
The 15-track release was preceded by singles such as “Moonlight” and “Fantasy,” the vocalists’ collaborative effort with her Houston-born beau, Don Toliver. He released a project this year as well, in February, which found Uchis lending her talents to his “4 Me” song. Other friends who helped out the 28-year-old include Omar Apollo and Summer Walker.
R&B Darlings Kali Uchis and Summer Walker Come Together for “Deserve Me”
The former, who’s been on the road touring with SZA as of late, appears on track three, “Worth the Wait.” Where the magic really happens, however, is on track thirteen, where Uchis and the mother of three come together on “Deserve Me.” This marks the two artist’s first time working together musically, and we certainly hope it won’t be their last.
“I like it better when you’re gone / I feel a little less alone / You know I never needed you / Didn’t deserve me,” the Colombian sweetly sings on the chorus. To begin her verse, Walker’s voice rings out, “You don’t deserve the love I give you / Make me wanna take the p*ssy back / You don’t even know how to act.”
Stream Kali Uchis’ “Deserve Me” collaboration with Summer Walker on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, find the former’s full Red Moon In Venus album here. Make sure to check back tomorrow for more release recommendations on our R&B Season playlist.
Quotable Lyrics:
You just don’t get it or maybe you just got used to me Do you know how many motherf*ckers want this p*ssy exclusively? You ain’t the only one tryna be the only one Wise up, man, ’cause you’re lookin’ real dumb
Another New Music Friday has come and gone. This means our Fire Emoji playlist is full of hot new singles for your streaming pleasure. Kicking things off on the first update of March is the Queen of Rap herself, Nicki Minaj. The mother of one’s flow was unsurprisingly impressive on “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.“ The track marks her first solo release of 2023.
As far as guest appearances go, the Trinidadian gave her debut verse of the year on Machel Montano and Destra’s “Shake the Place (Remix).” Minaj also made a long-awaited return to her home country’s Carnival festivities last month, putting on a show in her elaborately designed costume. Additionally, Queen Radio heard her dish that she’s launched her own record label, and already has four signees.
NBA YoungBoy is moving as consistently as ever, following his I Rest My Case project with two singles. “Next” and “Demon Party” have both landed over the past week. We’ve given the former a spot on Fire Emoji. Afterward, we hear an unexpected collaboration from J. Cole and j-hope, called “on the street,” which finds the Dreamville leader leaning into his bilingual side.
Speaking of the “No Role Modelz” rapper, his record label was recruited to executive produce the Creed III soundtrack. It landed alongside the move on Friday (March 3), complete with verses from Big Sean, EST Gee, Bas, and many more. Our favourite titles include Cole’s “Adonis Interlude,” as well as “Anthem.”
Holding things down for his home state of Texas is Mike Dimes, whose “HEAVY METAL” single is nothing short of Fire Emoji. The song is due to appear on his upcoming project, which will follow 2022’s IN DIMES WE TRUST. Elsewhere on our playlist, a selection of must-hear collaborations close things out.
Larry June and The Alchemist came together for “89 Earthquake,” and from the former’s Gumbo project, Young Nudy and 21 Savage made magic on “Peaches & Eggplants.” Our final title of the weekend came from a link up between Conway the Machine, and Jae Skeese, which fans are clearly loving already.
Stream it all on our Fire Emoji playlist below, exclusively on Spotify. Afterward, tell us which of this week’s new titles you’ll be adding to your own rotation in the comments. Make sure to check back on Sunday (March 5) for more release recommendations on our R&B Season update.
The first New Music Friday of March, and it’s bringing out the best in some of our favourite female artists. First up we heard Nicki Minaj’s first single of 2023, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” which is already receiving rave reviews from fans. Next up for your consideration is a new title from BIA, “SIXTEEN,” which landed on DSPs ahead of her performance at Rolling Loud California on Saturday (March 4).
The track comes via Epic Records, with production crafted by Aziz the Shake and Tim Nihan. Of everything we’ve heard from the Boston-born lyricist so far, this stands to be some of her most emotionally charged work yet. On the chorus, she chants, “Take me back to when I lost my job, I told ’em, ‘F*ck you’ / I came from a place where there’s nobody to look up to,” reminding listeners that she certainly wasn’t born into this life.
BIA Shows Out On “SIXTEEN”
It’s been a big few weeks for BIA. While awaiting the arrival of “SIXTEEN,” she took a trip to Milan where she performed at Philipp Plein’s F/W 2023 runway show. Earlier in February, she also joined The Kid LAROI at the AT&T NBA All-Star Pregame Performance where they kept the crowd entertained with some of their biggest hits. According to a press release, more new music from the Los Angeles-based artist is on the way soon.
Prior to dropping her first solo effort of the year, we heard the 31-year-old on Snakehips’ “Solitude” with Lucky Daye, as well as on the Queen Mix of Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl.” Before that, she and J. Cole came together for one of BIA’s most popular releases to date, “LONDON.”
Stream BIA’S “SIXTEEN” single on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us if you’ll be tuning into the rap diva’s Rolling Loud set in the comments. Make sure to check back later this weekend for more release recommendations on our Fire Emoji playlist.
Quotable Lyrics:
Take me back to when I lost my job, I told ’em, “F*ck you” I came from a place where there’s nobody to look up to We weren’t broke together, tell me how the f*ck I trust you? I left mama house, bitch, I ain’t have nowhere to run to
Dominican rapstress Ice Spice has been on a viral spree within the past half year. She’s had heavy-hitting numbers like “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and the recent “In Ha Mood”. But how exactly did the New York native rise to prominence in such a short amount of time?
The rapper first went viral on Tik Tok
Dating back to 2021, Ice Spice (birth name Isis Gaston) first gained traction on the popular video-sharing site TikTok. She partook in the social media “Buss It” challenge. In her video, Spice drastically transitions from her generic monotone homebody attire to a stylish curve-flaunting outfit. The video played to the beat of Texan rapper Erica Banks’ “Buss It” single. The clip went viral with millions of impressions.
As the video generated viral attention, Spice then took the initiative to dabble into music to expand her brand. In between video-making and music-recording, Spice had been an attendee at the NY-based SUNY University. However, due to growing disinterest in her honed skill as the college’s star volleyball athlete, she decided to drop out to pursue entertainment endeavors.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 06: Ice Spice visits SiriusXM Studios on October 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
Ice Spice Initially Planned To Be An Actress
In the beginning, Spice shared in previous interviews that her main intent was to move forward with acting opportunities following her viral “Buss It” video; however, plans never took off as promised. She then readied a Soundcloud account to curate drill-stylized content with fellow New Yorker and up-and-coming producer RIOTUSA. Among the results included her debut feature “Bully (Freestyle)” alongside its follow-up “No Clarity” – the former released in April of 2021 while the latter seeing a release circa November ‘21.
While “Bully” secured a listening count of 88,000 listens on the app, “No Clarity” was able to accumulate well over 750,000 listeners, taking Spice to critical acclaim with online users praising her “fire” delivery. As the streams kept piling on, Spice would unveil another remarkable record that would take her to more rounds of viral notoriety.
That track would be “Name of Love”, which followed similar success as “Clarity” regarding listening count, only acquiring more impressions via social media sites like Instagram where the song became a hit sensation among users and their crafted reels.
Ice Spice was suspected of being an industry plant
But with popularity comes criticism. Shortly after the single blew up, Spice faced online rumors that she was an industry plant due to her close connection with her father being a rapper.
Making it clear by way of a 2022 interview with AudioMack, the 23-year-old femcee relayed to the press that her parental connection had nothing to do with the hype and anticipation that she had garnered on both TikTok and Soundcloud. In fact, Spice confirmed that her father was not necessarily a renowned mainstream musician, but rather an underground one that has been hashing out bits of advice to her on how to stay positive amid the scrutiny that comes with being famous. Spice added, “I also feel like when they say stuff like [you’re an industry plant], they don’t really mean it. I truly feel like they know I’m not a plant. I think they just say stuff like that ‘cause they’re mad that I’m going up faster than their fave… If anything I would say stream your fave more.”
Spice eventually shut critics up for good when she went on to immerse herself in another viral hysteria. The 2022 summer drill anthem “Munch (Feelin’ U)” grasped attention from all sorts of media outlets, even snagging a co-sign and a private DM praise from five-time Grammy Award winner Drake.
“Munch” generated over 30 million views on YouTube since its upload this past August. It was regarded by Pitchfork to be the New York summer rap hit “that the public [had] been [anticipating]”. The title term “Munch” is dissected as a common insult to describe someone who is either a recluse, a loser or a pushover, hence the catchy lyrics “You thought I was feelin’ you?/That nigga a munch”.
Ice Spice’s Music Starting Taking Off On The Charts
With its unapologetic, in-your-face rhyme scheme by the Dominican rap starlet and its addictive drill-themed production made courtesy of close collaborator RIOTUSA, Spice’s “Munch” was able to chart moderately on Billboard due to its heavy demand of streaming by way of Spotify among other music-playing outlets. “Munch” became the first song out of her discography to chart, with it peaking at number 105 on the Billboard Hot 100, alongside numbers 34 and 28 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40, respectively.
Ice Spice’s major exposure into the mainstream music scene soon led to a contract deal with Capitol Records who decided to handpick “Munch” as the lead single for her debut extended play (EP) entitled Like…? (2023).
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Ice Spice attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Among the choices included the double entendre SpongeBob referenced “Bikini Bottom” and the recent club-ready New Year’s groove “In Ha Mood”. Like “Munch”, both records received ice-cold visual treatment and were able to make rounds on the web, securing well over tens of millions of impressions both via Twitter and YouTube.
Chart-wise, while “Bikini Bottom” became a minor hit in outer-North American regions like New Zealand, its follow-up “In Ha Mood” became a bonafide hit in the states, surpassing both “Bikini” and “Munch” on the U.S. Billboard charts (managing to score a peak position of number 70 on the Hot 100).
Ice Spice Recently Released Her First EP
Finally, on January 20, 2023, Ice Spice unleashed her debut EP Like…? to the world, where it began charting successfully and impacting the Billboard charts successfully. The EP has since gone on to produce another hit, which insiders have hinted that the Lil Tjay-assisted “Gangsta Boo” music video is queued for an upcoming release.
With a majority of her content going viral and keeping her name afloat, alongside the latest addition of scoring a top five nationwide hit single with PinkPantheress per “Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2”, it is clear that Ice Spice has established herself much more than a rebutted industry plant.
