H.Y.B. (song)

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H.Y.B. is a collaborative hip-hop track by American rapper J. Cole, Bas, and British rapper Central Cee. Short for Hide Your Bitch, the song was released on April 30, 2024 as the lead single from J. Cole’s fourth mixtape, Might Delete Later. It was sent to U.S. rhythmic radio through Dreamville (Cole World, Inc.) and Interscope Records and runs 3 minutes and 54 seconds. The track was produced by DZL, AzizTheShake, and FnZ, with writing credits to Jermaine Cole, Abbas Hamad, Oakley Caesar-Su, Abdul Aziz Dieng, Michael Mulé, and Isaac De Boni.

Critics generally gave positive notes. Clash praised Central Cee’s verse as a standout moment and highlighted his growing reel in North America. Pitchfork called the song a rare blend, merging drill energy with a warmer, less industrial sound. HotNewHipHop pointed to H.Y.B. and another track, Stealth Mode, as examples of J. Cole drawing inspiration from the newer generation, with Bas helping push the vibe. Central Cee’s presence was seen as an important co-sign.

Not all feedback was favorable. Sputnikmusic criticized the track for what it saw as Drake-like influence and dismissed a line as weak, arguing the song doesn’t quite land.