Rihanna + A$AP Rocky are winning together
Plus, new music from J. Cole, Rico Nasty, Nardo Wick and iann dior.
THE BEAT DROP
A pulse of the culture
It’s just another Saturday at the crib and I am still thinking about how A$AP Rocky was acquitted of all gun charges this week and now fans will get Don’t Be Dumb. Also this week, Rihanna declared that her next album will be genre-less in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar. And lastly, Pop Smoke’s killer was sentenced to 29 years.
THIS WEEK’S TRACKLIST
The most important news items of the week.
A$AP Rocky was found not guilty in his gun trial and was named Creative Director for Ray-Ban.
Rihanna didn’t say album “coming soon” in her latest interview with Harper’s Bazaar and instead promised something unexpected.
Pop Smoke’s killer was sentenced to 29 years in prison.
Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, passed away. She was 78.
Irv Gotti was laid to rest at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York.
Young Thug demanded the Atlanta DA return his cars and $149,426 in cash taken during the YSL raid.
Kendrick Lamar became the first rapper to hit 100 million monthly plays on Spotify.
BARS OF THE WEEK
Notable quotes or lyrics that made waves.
“I want to thank God.” — A$AP Rocky showing gratitude for the jury’s not guilty verdict.
“This much time away from music needs to count for the next thing everyone hears. It has to count. It has to matter. I have to show them the worth in the wait. I cannot put up anything mediocre.” — Rihanna on new music being on the way in her Harper’s Bazaar interview.
“You gon’ respect the Duckworth.” — AZ Chike responding to Joey Bada$$’ diss to the west.
“Nobody knows your name kid, but I know what your aim is / I shoot you, I'm brainless, you shoot me, you famous.” Joey Bada$$' responding to Ray Vaughn on “Pardon Me.”
“Ain't no time limit to get it, you ain't never too old / So keep hold of your dreams, no matter how it seems / If you don't water your lawn, well, then it won't stay green.” — J. Cole on “cLOUDs.”
“She's out again, go call the nurse.” — Rico Nasty on her return with “TEETHSUCKER (YEA3X).”
SOUND WATCH
Upcoming releases and recent drops worth noting.
J. Cole dropped a new introspective chill vibe in the form of “cLOUDs.”
Rico Nasty has returned back to the music scene with “TEETHSUCKER (YEA3X)” and announced the coming of her next project, Lethal.
Nardo Wick dropped his sophomore effort WICK with features from 21 Savage, Future, Sexyy Red and more.
Iann Dior is back with Nothings Ever Good Enough II featuring guest appearances from DC the Don and Lil Skies.
DDG and Karrahbooo linked up for the vibey cut “Easing Up.”
Lola Brooke dropped off her new cut “You The One.”
Joey Bada$$ responded to TDE’s Ray Vaughn on “Pardon Me.”
Poiison amplified the energy of her latest single "Overtime" with a music video.
Nino Paid dropped a new one titled “Tomorrow Will Be Better.”
BlockBoy JB delivered his EP The Purple M&M 2.
Don Toliver got with Pharrell and J-Hope for “LV Bag.”
Paris Texas dropped their latest single “infinyte,”
Quavo shared his latest banger “Trappa Rappa.”
Curren$y teamed up with Premo Rice and Harry Fraud on “Dream Machines.”
AZ Chike dropped the music video for his latest bop “Whatx2.”
Eem Triplin tapped in with Ty Dolla Sign for "Out Miami.”
The Final Call with Dave East and Ransom is out.
Stalley released a new project titled Gamla Kyrkogatan.
Lay Bankz delivered the music video for “Baddie Decisions.”
Coco Jones sampled Britney Spears’ “Toxic” for her latest single “Taste.”
idk delivered his new song “Mario Coins.”
Desi Trill tapped in with DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi for The Smurfs m`ovie cut “Higher Love.”
Wiz Khalifa and Makua Rothman teamed up with every smoker’s favorite brand air freshener brand Ozium for “Clear The Air.”
BEHIND THE MUSIC
Industry news.
Kelela’s In The Blue Light documentary is set for release Feb. 25
SoundExchange applauded over 300 musicians who signed support for the passage of the bipartisan American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) that will ensure artists get paid whenever their song is played on AM/FM radio.
Live Nation Urban announced investment in the creator marketing platform Breakr.
STEAK REPORT
Feuds, diss tracks and social media spats.
Alabama Barker and Bhad Bhabie are still going at it, with Barker winning 2-0. Bhad Babie made a poor attempt to respond to Barker’s “Cry Bhabie” diss and it just didn’t land, so she changed her hair color to blonde.
Lil Meech v. 50 Cent’s beef is continued. Meech was seen flicking it up with Rick Ross and Floyd Mayweather — two of 50’s opps — using the caption: “Real power.”
TOUR BUS
Concert and festival announcements, tour updates and live performance highlights.
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival 2025 has Anderson .Paak and Isaiah Rashad expected as performers.
Iann Dior’s headline tour has been announced and it will kick off on April 9 in Arizona. He will also appear at the 2025 Warped Tour in Long Beach.
FREESTYLE
Memes and viral moments.
How do you think it feel?
OUTSIDE
Sightings and appearances.
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna were spotted at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood on her birthday.
Lil Wayne performed his classics on SNL 50 with The Roots.
Drake was seen swatting down a drone outside his balcony for an apparent Stake ad.
JAY-Z, Ja Rule and more attended Irv Gotti’s funeral.
Druski and Tyla were spotted going down Jennifer Hudson’s spirit tunnel.
Boosie and Kodak Black were spotted at the White House for President Trump’s Black History Month celebrations.
T-Pain snuck up on Kai Cenat for a funny reaction at the airport.
BIRTHDAYS
Celebrating artists and industry figures born this week.
Rihanna, Ice T, Lupe Fiasco, Mahershala Ali, Smokey Robinson, Seal, Baby Kaely, Levar Burton, Michael Jordan, Toni Morrison, Sidney Poitier, Nina Simone, Dr. J
OUTRO
A final thought.
I feel good about this next era of music. A$AP Rocky and Rihanna are two of the most creative musicians of this generation and both are expected to release something. Not only that, they’re both making appearances on the big screen in some form, Met Gala is around the corner, Rocky just landed a role as Creative Director for Ray-Ban and will be at Rolling Loud; and Rihanna’s Fenty empire just keeps growing, and growing. I am also thankful the jury made the right decision in the gun trial.
As two of the biggest trendsetters this past decade, we are lucky to have them in charge.
xx