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Welcome back to Billboard’s weekly Friday Music Guide. We curate the essential new releases you need to hear, spotlighting the tracks and albums primed to dominate your playlists throughout the weekend and well beyond.
Following last week’s highlights—which featured icons like Olivia Rodrigo and Jack White—we are shifting our focus to a fresh wave of talent. This week’s lineup includes British singer-songwriter Myles Smith’s debut studio album, My Mess, My Heart, My Life; a vibrant, high-energy collaboration between FKA twigs and Lil Yachty; and a compelling five-song EP from breakout star Kashus Culpepper. Read on for our top picks.
FKA twigs & Lil Yachty, “On Your Mind”
Coming off her Grammy win for Eusexua, FKA twigs returns with “On Your Mind,” a punchy, frenetic collaboration with Lil Yachty. While it maintains the dance-forward aesthetic of her recent era, the track accelerates into hyperpop territory, delivering three and a half minutes of pure sonic thrill. Twigs shared that the song emerged from a place of resilience following a challenging period with her touring logistics. She credits her fans and the creative process for fueling this triumphant, euphoric release. — KATIE BAIN
Coco & Breezy & Gavin Turek, “Tonight”
The DJ duo Coco & Breezy have joined forces with the inimitable Gavin Turek for “Tonight.” It’s a sophisticated summer house anthem that carries a hint of retro-cool, reminiscent of Janet Jackson’s iconic All For You era. The production is masterfully balanced—feminine, breezy, and flawlessly polished.
Myles Smith, My Mess, My Heart, My Life
Two years after his breakthrough with “Stargazing,” Myles Smith is finally gifting fans his debut full-length project. The album serves as a raw, honest exploration of the entanglements of love and modern life. Featuring established hits like “Nice To Meet You” and his collaboration with Niall Horan, the record solidifies Smith’s status as a rising star to watch. — LYNDSEY HAVENS
Ruth B. “Didn’t I”
Ruth B. delivers a poignant, downtempo ballad with “Didn’t I.” The track is a candid reflection on unrequited emotional labor in a relationship, featuring haunting lyrics about carrying someone else’s pride and pain. It’s an evocative, stripped-back performance that showcases her lyrical maturity. — L.H.
PJ Morton, Saturday Night, Sunday Morning
Returning to his roots, the six-time Grammy winner presents a stunning double album that navigates the intersection of sacred and secular music. Split between R&B-infused tracks and gospel-inspired hymns, the record is a masterclass in versatility. From reggae-tinged rhythms to deep, soulful storytelling, Morton has crafted a defining project for his career. — KYLE DENIS
Masego, “Breathe”
Masego is back with “Breathe,” a lush and atmospheric single that tackles the complex, often overwhelming nature of grief. Anchored by his signature restrained vocals and a powerful choir, the song invites listeners to pause and reflect. It’s a sophisticated start to his musical output for the year. — K.D.
Kashus Culpepper, Act I: Summer Nights
Expanding on his debut album, Culpepper’s latest EP offers five tracks of polished, rhythmic Americana. With a standout take on Glen Campbell’s “Southern Nights” and the soulful “Let Me Show You Love,” this collection is the perfect accompaniment for warm, lingering evenings. — JESSICA NICHOLSON
Danny Ocean, babylona blue
In an experimental pivot, Danny Ocean has released babylona blue, an eight-track EP produced entirely with the aid of artificial intelligence. The project blends futuristic afrobeats, reggae, and pop, signaling a bold new direction for the artist. With features from Ryan Castro and Timbaland, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the future of genre-defying soundscapes. — JESSICA ROIZ
