Burgeoning London R&B trio, FLO, are making waves by reviving the late 90s and 2000s eras of the genre. While it may come across as lazy to some, we can see and hear that they have more to offer than just hitting us in the nostalgia bone. They have a dynamic no-nonsense attitude about them and that is especially true on their newest single “Caught Up.” Partially produced by MNEK of Zara Larsson’s “Never Forget You” fame, these ladies are making it clear that they are not going to fight for a man that really does not want them back.
In a chat with THE LINE of BEST FIT, FLO explained these thoughts very clearly. “It’s very simple, we are not going to lose ourselves going crazy over a guy, if you get caught up it’s a simple bye bye. We know our worth and ‘Caught Up’ is a friendly reminder that we are not to be played with.” On this effort, we can hear a bit of Destiny’s Child coming through, especially in the instrumental and harmonizing vocal bits.
However, FLO and the song’s other producers (Jay Versace and Pop Wansel) do help bring a modern feel, especially with the punchy drums. For the talented trifecta, this follows up their most popular song to date, “Walk Like This.” In just the two months that it has been out, it has accumulated over nine million streams. Their catalog is small, but it is filled with consistency, as well as a co-sign from Missy Elliott on “Fly Girl.” Project wise, they only have two EPs to their name, 3 of Us and The Lead. But hopefully, these 2024 releases will lead to an official debut album.
What are your thoughts on “Caught Up” by FLO? Is this one of their better tracks as of late, why or why not? What is your favorite aspect of it? Do you think they are gearing up for a new project soon? Do you hear any inspiration from Destiny’s Child? would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding FLO. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
No, I’m not the type to keep you locked up inside (No) And I won’t start a fight to keep you with me tonight (No) ‘Cause I can spot the truth when I look in your face And I can smell a lie before you walk in my place Yeah, you know my reputation, so don’t push me (Yeah) I’ll get my revenge if I lock away this— (Oh, woah)
Coi Leray is someone who is always looking to work on her versatility. Whether it be exploring R&B, rap, or even pop, the Massachusetts is the definition of a true multi-hyphenate. Coi Leray is showcasing that once again on her latest EP Lemon Cars. The 27-year-old announced the Mike WiLL Made-It joint project a few weeks ago over social media and she mentioned that she was going to be ushering in a new era for 2024. “It’s feeling good for yourself; looking in the mirror and just loving yourself. 2024 is going to be my grown and sexy era,” according to HipHopDX. “I’m taking over this year. I’ve got so much new music and a whole new side of me to get to know.”
She is definitely committing to that across this six-song effort. Across the project, Coi is exploring the different sides of love, breakups, and promiscuity. For example, on the opener and one of three singles, “Lemon Cars,” she talks about the latter and living for the nightlife. “We Time” sees Coi deeply in love and probably at her most vulnerable. “I need we time, take your sweet time / You and me time, show me that you mine / I need we time, take your sweet time / You and me time, show you what it’s like.”
On top of switching up the topics, Coi is also performing over severely different instrumentals to match the vibes she is delivering. For instance, on “Coke Bottle Baby” with Skilla Baby, which is all about flexing her body, the duo raps over a strip club-ready trap beat. Coi fans should enjoy this offering, as it definitely sees her take a more mature angle on topics. All the while, she is bringing some interesting production choices with the help of frequent collaborator Mike WiLL.
What are your thoughts on Lemon Cars by Coi Leray? Which track do you think is the best and why? Is this her strongest EP to date? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Coi Leray. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
In the past week, fans have been obsessively following Apple Music’s new Top 100 Albums List. The streaming service had many in the music world vote on some of the most significant and substantial albums of all time. As Ebro reported earlier this week, voters were asked not just to pick their favorite albums, but some of the most significant of all time. Now the full list is out and fans are reacting to what the list says in its entirety. Jermaine Dupri took to Twitter to share his perspective on the list.
“Looking at this @AppleMusic top 100 albums list is sad, the disrespect to R&B is CRAZY!!!!! It’s giving not worthy” Dupri observed in a tweet overnight. R&B certainly isn’t completely absent from the list with artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Frank Ocean, and Prince landing in the top 20. Elsewhere Rihanna, Sade, SZA, D’Angelo, Solange, and Usher appear on the list, though much further down. In the replies, fans think that Usher’s Confessions in particular deserved to be much higher up the list. While SZA herself came out claiming that SOS is a bit too low. Check out Dupri’s tweet and the discussion it spawned among fans in the replies below.
The final 10 albums on Apple’s countdown were revealed earlier today sparking a variety of reactions and including a few surprises. Many expected Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly to make the cut, but it didn’t. Instead the album’s predecessor Good Kid m.A.A.d City landed at the number 7 spot. While almost everyone expected to see The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill in the top 10, it surprised everyone by taking the very top spot in the entire list.
What do you think of Jermaine Dupri’s claim that R&B music is disrespected in the Apple Music Top 100 Albums List? Do you think particular albums from the genre deserved to be higher on the list than they are? Let us know in the comment section below.
KAYTRANADA is one of the very best producers of this generation. A big reason why he has built out such a great career is because of his ability to be a chameleon. He can effortlessly blend into almost any genre imaginable and it why we are so thrilled for his next full-length. KAYTRANADA will be coming through with his first solo album since 2019’s BUBBA during the first full week of June. It will be titled Timeless, and you can stream it on the 7th.
Of course, he did come through with the collaborative effort KAYTRAMINE during the summer of 2023 with rapper and singer Amine. But ending this solo drought is a big deal and the Haitian-Canadian producer is celebrating it by going all out with the features. According to Genius, he is grabbing guests like Don Toliver, Tinashe, Anderson .Paak, SiR, Childish Gambino, and more. With all of the incredible firepower, this is sure to be one of the best summer albums of the year.
Listen To “Lover/Friend” By KAYTRANADA & Rochelle Jordan
But before we get the LP, KAYTRANADA has a single to bring out first. It is titled “Lover/Friend,” and that name might sound familiar to you. The Rochelle Jordan collab was a part of a four-track EP that released at the end of November 2023. It included the other eventual promotional single “Stuntin” with Channel Tres, as well as each track’s instrumentals. So, what is the reason for the reissue of “Lover/Friend?” This is the extended album version, as the single edition was 3:32. This update provides an extra 47 seconds and has slightly different mixing. You can hear what we mean by checking it out above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new version of “Lover/Friend” by KAYTRANADA and Rochelle Jordan? Do you prefer this rendition over the single edition, why or why not? Does this get you excited for KAYTRANADA’s upcoming album Timeless? Is this the better promotional single over “Stuntin” with Channel Tres? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding KAYTRANADA. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
No defenses, satisfaction Stopped your heart, just to get a reaction Kept you wanting, let it haunt you Can’t deny, when it’s right No one has to lose
The BET Awards is a spectacle that many look forward to annually, and the 2024 ceremony promises to be grand. In a year brimming with extraordinary talent, the awarding body has once again unveiled the nominees for the coveted honors. Without a doubt, one of the most competitive categories this year is the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist category. This year’s lineup is a testament to the evolving landscape of R&B and pop music.
While it features veteran acts like Usher and Chris Brown, it also highlights first-time nominees like Fridayy and October London. All eight artists who have been nominated in this category have an equal claim to the gold and are very deserving of this recognition. On June 30, we’ll find out which of these stars will take home the award. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the male artists who have bagged a nomination in this category for the 2024 BET Awards.
Brent Faiyaz
Since he broke into the music scene with his debut album in 2017, Brent Faiyaz has been a force to reckon with. The singer-songwriter is widely regarded as one of the most influential acts in contemporary R&B. Faiyaz released his debut mixtape, Larger Than Life, on October 27, 2023, and it has been well received by fans and critics alike. Additionally, over the past year, he was a featured artist on a handful of tracks. Faiyaz appeared on “Fell in Love” with Marshmello and “Should’ve Worn a Bonnet” with 21 Savage, among others. Altogether, the quality of the music he has put out within the past year has earned him a spot on this list.
Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller took the world by storm in 2015 when he released his beloved debut album, TRAPSOUL. Since then, he has won three BET awards, and soon, he might bag another victory. If he wins the award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, it would be his second in the category. Further, the singer dropped his eponymous fourth studio album in April 2024. The project is among the best R&B releases of the year so far. With this in mind, it’s no surprise Bryson Tiller has been nominated in this category at the 2024 BET Awards.
Burna Boy
Widely known as the African Giant, Burna Boy is at the forefront of the Afrobeats movement. The artist has been on an unstoppable roll for a while now and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. He has won three BET awards in the past, and in 2024, he might add to his list of wins. Although he was nominated in this category in 2023, he lost to Usher and Chris Brown. This year, he faces both artists again and has a chance of taking the win this time. The work he is being recognized for is I Told Them, his seventh studio album.
Chris Brown
While there may not be any clear favorites this year, Chris Brown is certainly the biggest threat on this list. With seven wins out of 16 nominations in this category alone, he is the most-awarded artist in this category. At the 2024 BET Awards, he might extend his record even further. Over the past year, he released and contributed to several quality records, so there is no question as to why he is being recognized. Alongside Usher, Brown is currently holding this award.
The 6 God has been one of the most relevant artists in the industry for a while. Since his debut, Drake has not let up, dropping undeniable hits year in and year out. In 2024, he released his eighth studio album, For All the Dogs. The project contains several hits, including “Rich Baby Daddy,” “First Person Shooter,” and “Slime You Out,” among others. Drake has received nominations from the BET Awards every year from 2010 till 2024. Altogether, he has won 17 BET awards, but none in this category. As a matter of fact, this is his second nomination in the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist category following 2023’s nomination. Tune in on June 30 to find out if he’ll take home the gold this time.
Fridayy
With his distinct baritone and eclectic blend of R&B and Hip Hop, Fridayy has won the hearts of many. The singer released his eponymous debut album on August 25, 2023. The 14-track project has helped announce him as one of the most exciting new R&B acts. It has also earned him his first BET nomination at the 2024 awards ceremony. Evidently, Fridayy has a bright future, and fans are eager to witness his rise.
October London
The second of two first-time nominees on this list, October London is a very promising R&B act. The 37-year-old singer signed to Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records has been releasing music since 2022. However, it was his third studio album, The Rebirth of Marvin, that put him under the spotlight. He is nominated in two categories at the 2024 BET Awards and may very well win his first major award this year.
Usher
Another R&B veteran, Usher, has been nominated in this category 11 times and won four of those nods. Behind Chris Brown, he is the second most nominated act in this category and has the second most wins. Following his Super Bowl Halftime performance, Usher released his ninth studio album, Coming Home, on February 9, 2024. The 20-track album reminds listeners why the singer is regarded by many as R&B’s champion. At the 2024 BET Awards ceremony, he has the chance to inch closer to Chris Brown’s record seven wins. Award night promises to be very entertaining indeed.
One thing that A Boogie Wit da Hoodie has always excelled at being able to swerve in out of rapping and singing. On every project, he has given you a mixture of these talents in some capacity. Now, A Boogie is continuing that trend with his latest LP, Better Off Alone. This fifth studio album has been in the works for nearly a year, and believe it or not, it actually started with the B4 BOA (Before Better Off Alone) EP.
The trio of “Her Birthday,” “Booby Trap,” and “Did Me Wrong,” turned out to be first of the promotional singles. We then would receive another five offerings with the lone track “Steppas,” and the sampler ALONE. So, instead of getting at least 80% new music, that figure dropped to 62%, with nearly half of the 21 tracks being older releases. That is a big reason why most of this listening experience feels like old meshing with new.
So, going into this album, know that almost half is being marketed as new material. On the bright side of the new with old aspect, Better Off Alone mixes fresh beats with some throwback samples. Two of the prime examples that we caught were on “Dark King” and “One Shot.” The former seems to slow down A Boogie’s 2017 hit with PnB Rock and NBA YoungBoy, “Beast Mode.” On the latter, the New York native loosely samples Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” at the start of the track. As for the album at large though, it is solid, but with 21 tracks it feels a little bloated.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new album Better Off Alone by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie? What tracks have you been gravitating toward so far? Where do you rank this project amongst the rest of his discography and why? Who had the strongest guest appearance on the record? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
With the rise of Jersey Club in the past two years, we’re witnessing a broad number of artists out of the scene who are putting its infectious sound at the forefront. GROOVY, for example, has been making some significant waves recently, especially after the success of “jersey luv.” His smooth vocal prowess feel seductive, perfectly contrasting the electrifying uptempo grooves of the regional sound. However, after garnering significant attention online with singles like “jersey luv,” he’s ramping up for the release of his forthcoming EP.
Ahead of the project’s release, GROOVY unveiled his latest offering, “KNO ME, a stellar single that indicates the good things to come on his upcoming project, Crying In The Club. The singer’s rich baritone voice is the biggest seller on this song, layering these sensual vocal melodies on top of the production, courtesy of close collaborator Alejandro, allowing both to fuse in complete synchronization. However, at its core, the song surrounds the complex emotions of heartbreak, specifically coming to grips with the fact that the entire relationship was built off of lies. But GROOVY’s ability to mesh the sultry efforts of R&B with this uptempo production drives home his emotional delivery.
The Anticipation Builds For GROOVY’s Crying In The Club
The upcoming release from GROOVY, Crying In The Club, already seems to have quite the grip in the coming months. “KNO ME” has all the makings of becoming a staple in the nightclub and we suspect that the rest of the project will carry similar energy in the near future. More importantly, “KNO ME” sets the tone for what GROOVY’s introduction to the masses. As a frontrunner of the regional sound, he’s on pace to taking Jersey’s sound to the world.
Crying In The Club is due out on May 24th and contains features from Kanii, Vayda, R2R Moe, and B Jack$ who appears on the previously released single, “jersey luv. We are ecstatic to hear what he has in store on Crying In The Club. Check out his new single above and the tracklist below. Is he the next up? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
showmeluv
jersey luv (ft. B Jack$)
mariah (ft. Kanii)
INTERLUDE
KNO ME
Sumn (ft. Vayda)
INTERLUDE 2
lace luv (ft. R2R Moe)
snowdai
wanna know
Quotable Lyrics She knew it would hurt Thе only way she knows how I wanna her figure out If she letting me down I’ma keep her around
Ever since 4batz popped up out of nowhere earlier this year, the 20-year-old phenom has become quite the controversial figure. He has been quickly labeled as an industry plant ever since his “act ii: date @ 8” was pushed on social media. Ever since music listeners thrust this designation at him, he has embraced it with open arms. He told GQ,” “I think it’s kind of cool, It’s like I’m the boogeyman. People are going to meet me and be like, Oh, this is a regular hood n****.”
Kanye West, who hopped on a remix of “act iii,” even told him that more and more people are going to pile on him going forward. “‘Get used to it, because you here now. People are going to look at you like a walking ATM, but you’re going to see through that. You know what I’m saying? Because you a star.’” We feel 4batz is well on his way to that new title, especially with tracks like “act vi: mad man.”
On this cut, the Dallas, Texas vocalist is showing us his freakier and freer side, he asks his woman to be as much of an intimate lover as he is. “My baby like to play around for hours / F*** that, turn around, girl, let’s get nasty,” he says on the first verse. We have really been enjoying his debut tape u made me a st4r, and fans are seemingly sharing the same opinion. You can check out “act vi,” as well as a brand-new short film for the project above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new song “act vi: mad man” by 4batz? Where does this track rank amongst the rest of the records on the project? Has he won you over with u made me a st4r, why or why not? Who would you like to hear him work with in the future and why? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding 4batz. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
Never thought ’bout babies till I met you The way you ridin’ me, we might just have some Touch you up and eat you down for breakfast The way we movin’ now, might need a napkin My baby so damn pretty like a flower I can’t wait to see your fine a** blossom
Dallas, Texas singer 4batz has quickly become a blip on a lot of people’s radars over the last few months. However, he is looking to leave a lasting impact on the R&B genre with his unique tenor voice and sticky writing. Of course, a lot of listeners first heard of him due to the overnight sensation that was “act ii: date @ 8.” While some of the lyrics are a bit lackluster, the track shines because of its melody and production.
So far, those are the two departments that 4batz is thriving in. They are certainly great places to start, and he is only going to improve as a writer with each release. All of that potential is why we feel he can become an even bigger force in the near future. Besides “act ii,” “act viii: i hate to be alone,” is another track that puts his best skills at the forefront.
We can see 4batz singing this heartbreaking ballad in a smoky room with one spotlight on him with some background vocalists. The instrumental feels like it was plucked right out the 80s, with how glitzy and watery it sounds. Additionally, we can appreciate the vulnerable and distraught performance that 4batz gives. In our opinion, the deep cuts go just as hard as the hits, and this one is a major bright spot for us.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new song “” by 4batz? Where does this track rank amongst the rest of the records on the project? Has he won you over with u made me a st4r, why or why not? Who would you like to hear him work with in the future and why? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding 4batz. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
You don’t love me (Don’t love) no more (Mm-hmm) I’ve been tryna let go (Mm-hmm) Girl, it’s hard to not show (That I hate) That I hate to be alone (Your love)
Coco Jones, former Disney actress known for her role in the channel-exclusive movie Let It Shine, has come a long way from that now 12-year-old film. She displayed vocal talent back then and her skills have grown immensely. So much so that she earned her first five nominations and lone GRAMMY win at this year’s award show. Now, with that breakthrough year under her belt, Coco Jones is looking to firmly establish herself in 2024 with songs like “Here We Go (Uh Oh).”
This is the Columbia, South Carolina native’s first offering since a “Double Back Remix” with DJ Suave and Audio Anthem back in December. On “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” Coco is trying to move on from a past lover, but he is not getting that message that she is done. “Why it’s gotta be your way? I want it to be mine / What, you think this is foreplay? Must be out of your mind,” she sings powerfully.
Besides her standout voice, the production is also a major highlight. It has a 1950-1960s classic pop sample that grabs your attention right from the start. The steady piano keys are simple but an elegant layer on top of the drums. The way Coco performs on it, gives you the feeling that she is just fed up with this guy and it makes buying into the story that much easier. As we said, Coco is looking to become a bonafide star, and this song, which is already in her top five most popular on Spotify, is a great way to accomplish that.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” by Coco Jones? Is this her best song of her career, why or why not? Do you think she has a new record coming this year? What was your favorite part of the track? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Coco Jones. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
I thought I was done with that, please, please I wanna love another person Can I please love another person? this time, oh, oh Me, I’ve been puttin’ all this work in And you still got a place in my mind, oh, oh
