After lending his pen to some of the biggest names in the industry, Grammy-winning artist Derrick Milano is stepping further into his own spotlight. His latest single, “Beauty Pageant”, produced by the legendary duo Cool & Dre, arrives with polish, poise, and purpose.
Built on velvety, nostalgic production with a sleek modern sheen, “Beauty Pageant” isn’t just sonically rich, it’s thematically focused. It’s a tight, self-assured record that doesn’t ask for space but claims it, making room for women to be seen without compromise. The title might evoke images of glitz and competition, but Milano flips that idea on its head. There’s no judgment here. No points to tally. Just women existing powerfully, unapologetically, and on their own terms.
Hailing from Philadelphia and currently based in Florida, Milano’s career has spanned high school rap battles, church choir roots, and songwriting credits for artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Beyoncé, and Cardi B. While he’s long been a powerhouse behind the scenes, “Beauty Pageant” is another confident reminder of what he brings to the mic as a solo artist.
Where his previous track “We Listen We Don’t Judge” offered emotional vulnerability, “Beauty Pageant” is pure elegance and energy. There’s a smooth self-assurance that radiates through the beat. Lush and retro, yet distinctly current. It’s the kind of production Cool & Dre are known for, and Milano glides across it with effortless control.
But what truly makes “Beauty Pageant” stand out is how it encapsulates Milano’s artistic vision. It’s a clean, focused track that speaks not only to self-worth, but to the kind of music he’s carving space for: smart, stylish, and grounded in intention. Empowering without preaching, fashionable without feeling empty, the track walks a tightrope with confidence and grace.
This is the kind of single that doesn’t shout for attention. It simply commands it. With “Beauty Pageant”, Derrick Milano reminds us that he’s more than a collaborator with range. He’s a storyteller, a visionary, and an artist claiming his space in full.
Listen to “Beauty Pageant” below.
