“Boyz” marks Nelson’s first release since she announced her departure from Little Mix last year. “I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard,” she wrote in a statement at the time, adding that the experience took a “toll on my mental health.” Since leaving, Nelson feels “in control of my life,” she told Glamour U.K. for the October edition’s cover story.
In addition to an assist from Minaj, “Boyz” features a heavy interpolation of Diddy’s undying 2001 anthem “Bad Boy For Life.” He even makes an appearance in the “Boyz” video, re-creating Ben Stiller’s interlude from the “Bad Boy For Life” as Nelson stares ahead, ready to get the party re-started.
Placing second on the past week’s tally with 21% of the vote was Italian rock group Måneskin’s new single “MAMMAMIA,” which features bombastic lyrics and spiky guitar riffs. It’s the follow-up to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 winner’s cover of The Four Seasons’ “Beggin’,” which has become ubiquitous on multiple U.S. radio formats and crashed the top 20 of the Hot 100.
See the final results of this week’s new music release poll below.