One of this year’s best R&B albums came from Nigerian born British singer Shae Universe with her second project Love’s Letter. Released back in February, the 10-track project is a beautiful display of what love looks and feels like in its purest form. At its conclusion, listeners are left with no doubt about Shae Universe’s full and thorough approach to love. She free falls into optimism when the door for romance opens and she yearns for more when that door suddenly closes.
Love’s Letter is birthed from the classic, tender ballads that R&B greats like India.Arie, Lauryn Hill, and Brandy delivered in their careers. These are artists that Shae Universe is heavily influenced by, and the influenced gained through listens of Brandy, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, and Acoustic Soul are undeniable on Love’s Letter. Still, Shae makes the project her own to deliver something that is nostalgic yet up-to-date and refreshing in today’s R&B landscape.
Months removed from the arrival of Love’s Letter and ahead of more music on the way, we put Shae Universe under the Uproxx Music 20 to learn more about her inspirations, influences, aspirations, and more.
My earliest memory of music was hearing Nigerian praise & worship music around my house around 4 years old.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
My community and supporters.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
Unfortunately, I don’t. I used to take piano lessons for a period of time in my teens but I wasn’t interested in it enough to keep it up at the time, I definitely regret that.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
I’ve been sitting here for 10 minutes trying to think of all the things I’d do. I’m too much of a Gemini for this question lmao. You gotta just put me in the situation and let me be spontaneous.
What are your three most used emojis?
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
Brandy!
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
Issa Rae’s Insecure purely because that show is genius and I love it.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality, and why?
Tems. I love how she’s humorous and humble but effortlessly assertive. I also respect how she’s protected her privacy amidst her superstardom.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
God is real and our existence is spiritual before it’s physical.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life, and what do you love about it?
There’s too many, however “Borderline” by Brandy is up there. I love the unconventional groove of the song and her pen was crazy, as usual! I also love “Nothing Even Matters” by Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo and “Message In A Bottle” by Ty Dolla Sign.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
I haven’t been to enough places yet to decide that one yet, but so far it’s been Austin, Texas. I’m also super excited to perform in Brazil for the first time.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
It would have to be held in Houston, Texas and I’d have an all-female line-up consisting of Tems, Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Tiwa Savage and Lauryn Hill.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
I’d probably be an Olympic athlete running the 110m hurdles.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
Five years into the future, for sure. I’d love to feel the comfort of seeing how happy and stable my future self is, seeing how abundant and seamless life will be. That image would be a constant encouraging reminder to keep me going in present moments when I feel discouraged.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
I’d tell her there’s no need to be so self-conscious. I’d tell her she’s beautiful and a natural-born leader, then I’d hug her.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I’d love for my music to be remembered as being timeless and bringing about healing. I hope it’s described as a sound that never goes “out of fashion” with lyrics that penetrate every time that make a long-lasting, healing impact.
Love’s Letter is out now. Find out more information here.
We first shined a light on Milwaukee rapper Myaap (pronounced mia-p) back in December following a successful 2023 year that elevated her stock and expanded her fan base. Her rise continued just a month in 2024 as she was enlisted as an opening act for Veeze on the second leg of the Ganger Tour. Myaap smartly used the five-week run of shows to debut live performances from her Big Myaap, Not The Lil One project, released just a week before she hit the road. It’s been smart move after smart move for the Milwaukee native, and when you combine good music with that, it’s a surefire recipe for success.
To take things even further, Myaap also incorporates her love for dance into her artistry, making music that leans into it and uses it promote her music as her social media pages are riddled with videos showing off her dance moves. Myaap’s first viral moment came as a result of her 2023 track “Getting To It” which produced a TikTok dance craze that stars like Reneé Rapp, Coco Jones and Meghan Trainor joined in on. You’ll soon learn that dance has always been a foundational aspect of Myaap’s life, just like her hometown of Milwaukee. Her sound is very much tied to the city that has produced notable names like Lakeyah, DC The Don, Certified Trapper, and more. She’s proud to be a part of Milwaukee’s rap scene, and it’s reflected in her music, and the love is reciprocated in a fan base that continuously pushes her to new heights.
With more in store for 2024, we caught up with Myaap to learn a bit more about her as a part of our Uproxx Music 20 series. Scroll down to find out abut her inspirations, influences, and aspirations.
My earliest memory of music is dancing, just taking lessons in Milwaukee. I’ve used that early memory and my passion for dancing to incorporate into my music now.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
TikTok! I was uploading music on there when I first started, and that really motivated me to keep going ‘cause they were dancing and supporting the music I was putting out. That motivated me to make even more music. I was just playing at first, but that made me take it more seriously when I saw that they were really liking it, and making dance routines to it that were getting views on TikTok.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I used to play the piano when I was in school, but I don’t really know how to play it like that anymore [laughs]. I wanna learn how to play the electric guitar or violin, and start incorporating them into some of my beats.
What was your first job?
My first job was working at McDonalds, then I started working at Gap, then Walmart. After that, I stopped working because I got fired from Walmart when I took a drink out of the machine, and they considered that to be theft. I used to make my TikToks at Walmart while I was working there too. I got fired last year in February – ever since, I just started taking my music more seriously and going to the studio more. I was still going when I was working but not as much.
What is your most prized possession?
There’s a lot of stuff I can’t live without. I can’t live without my AirPods and my phone, ‘cause that’s how I write my music. I need that at all times – especially when I’m on the road, to write my music. It helps to have ideas and lyrics written down already.
What is your biggest fear?
Bugs! All bugs. One time I was asleep at home and I felt a spider crawling on me while I was asleep, and that scared me. I didn’t even wanna go back to sleep after that!
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
I’d just still be in the studio and keep working! That’s what I like to do. If I had 24 hours, I’d love to see how many songs I could get done in those 24 hours. I would guess I could get about 20 songs done, or probably even more if I had some ideas written down already.
What are your three most used emojis?
.
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
Veeze, Sexy Redd, and Rio Da Yung Og. Rio actually already just added me on Instagram yesterday – that would be so crazy if we could do a song together!
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
I feel like BMF, ‘cause Meech is from Detroit and I feel like there should be some Milwaukee in there too. In real life, BMF was actually in Milwaukee too, so I feel ike it would be fire if we got representation in that series.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
Veeze! He has a nice personality, and he’s very humble. Being on tour with him, I learned that he likes different genres of music – we were listening to the Shrek song (“All Star” by Smash Mouth), and we were just dancing to it together. I didn’t even know he listened to that kind of stuff!
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
I love dancing and can’t nobody change that. People always tell me to change up my dance moves, but I’ma forever do the same dance moves. If you get tired of seeing it, I don’t care!
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
“Everybody” by Nicki Minaj and Uzi. I like it ‘cause it’s bounce music and I’ve never heard Nicki make a song like that – it’s different. I feel like Nicki and Uzi work really good together.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
I liked Buffalo, New York a lot. Performing there with Veeze on the Ganger Tour was the first time I’d been there, and they’re super lit. They knew my songs and were dancing along with me during my set. I’m excited to perform in San Diego, I’m about to perform there!
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
I would say Certified Trapper, Chicken P, J.P., AyooLii. I would have it in Milwaukee or New York, and use it to show off all of the talent we have coming out of Milwaukee.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
If it wasn’t for music, I’d probably be somewhere working right now, or somewhere dancing and making TikToks. I always wanted to be a back-up dancer ‘cause I was dancing when I was younger, but I guess I grew out of that. I never knew I was gonna be a rapper, that’s what’s crazy. I saw myself as either being a back-up dancer or working a regular job.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
I would choose to see five years in the future to see how far I would be compared to where I am now. I predict I’ll have a big house, somewhere outside of Milwaukee. I see myself having a lot of plaques hanging on my wall. I see myself winning a Grammy in five years, and performing at the BET Awards, and all that.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Just to stay focused and not give up. I used to wanna give up when I was young ‘cause I wasn’t really motivated. My supporters, my team and my family all support me now, plus watching other artists and their success all motivate me now. I would tell myself not to ever give up.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered for doing my dance, and just encourage people to keep listening to me and my music!
Big Myaap, Not The Lil One is out now. Find out more information here.
TOBi’s 2019 album STILL is one of the few albums I’ve listened to that felt like a mirror was held up to my face. The Nigerian-born, Toronto-raised rapper has an incredible knack for vivid storytelling, and STILL is a perfect example. Through 13 songs, TOBi guides listeners through the highs and lows of assimilating into a new culture, the struggles are pursuing a music career under the rulership of overanxious mothers — Nigerian ones at that (IYKYK), and the pressures of finding success as a Black man in the world. Phone calls from a concerned mother who worries about her son in the late hours of the night, altering your name to “fit this lil’ game” as TOBi sings on “City Blues,” and of course, grappling with the sometimes elusive thing called “love” are all present on STILL. It’s an album I’m always grateful for.
There’s more to TOBi’s artistry than coming-of-age stories of a Nigerian teen-turned-adult figuring out his way in the world. His most recent album PANIC, released in 2023, is a soulful body of work that’s a bit more rough around the edges than his debut, with the rambunctious “Flatline” with Kenny Mason, the choppy “All Night Long” with Topaz Jones, and the funky “Time Out.” TOBi’s puts his soul on display as he paints a clear image of key moments in his life; it’s no wonder the album won Rap Album/EP of the Year at the 2024 JUNO Awards.
Now, TOBi has plenty of new music on the way, and if his recent single “Forgot We Were Seeds” with Mick Jenkins (their second collab), is a sign, what’s coming next will be just as good as what we’ve heard. Ahead of these upcoming releases, we put the spotlight on TOBi for our Uproxx Music 20 to learn more about his interests and inspirations.
My earliest memory of music is listening to the animated Tarzan soundtrack produced by Phil Collins and falling in love with those songs at like the age of 5. The score for that movie was A1!
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
Honestly, coming out of Toronto, Canada, we didn’t have a blueprint to becoming a rap artist until Drake came through the scene. It was rare for a Canadian rapper to cut through the borders. Seeing what Drake did definitely put that battery in my back and then PartyNextDoor, all people from my city.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I’m learning how to play piano. It’s my favourite instrument to play and write to.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
Getting a villa in Jamaica with a built-in studio. Eating good food and fruits while making music. Enjoying time on the beach as well. Running games with my friends and family!
What are your three most used emojis?
.
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
Kendrick Lamar.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
Atlanta! I know it’;s finished now, but the surrealist nature of the show is exactly how my brain is wired. A runner-up show would be Rap Sh!t before it got canceled. Anything Issa Rae I’m with it.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality, and why?
Keanu Reeves, because he stays out the way and does good work!
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
Every human being is related. We’re all distant cousins 1000 times removed.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life, and what do you love about it?
“Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” is just a perfect song. From the instrumental tricks and breaks to the vocal performance. The song makes no sense, how good it is. Also, it’s an instantly positive song. Hard to be in a bad mood when the song is playing.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
My favorite city to perform is Toronto! But I’m excited to perform in Lisbon!!
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
For the past few months, Lay Bankz has been a mainstay on all social media platforms. Whether it be X (formerly known as Twitter) or TikTok, Lay Bankz’s reach continues to grow by the month. The rapper, who hails from Philadelphia and is just 19 years old, follows a simple philosophy: Make good music and make sure it lands in people’s faces. It’s an idea that’s become the status quo in today’s social media era, especially in recent years with the presence of TikTok. It also presents the harder task of not being too much in the faces of the audience where they feel trapped, get annoyed, and run for the fences. There’s a balance to be mastered here.
Time will tell if Lay Bankz masters this, but it’s been so far so good for her. Her rise to fame kicked off last summer with the release of “Ick.” The bass-thumping addresses the “sassy man apocalypse” and begs men to “tighten the f*ck up.” The song went viral thanks to a video of Bankz dancing to it at a gas station. Her moves, which were energetic to say the least, forced you to stop and watch. The same could be said about her latest viral moment, pushed by her new single “Tell Ur Girlfriend.” The hype single is wildly infectious and begs for a few listens before moving on to something else. Both records, as well as her debut EP Now You See Me, are proof that Lay Bankz wants your attention, and she knows just how to get it.
With more music on the way, we caught up with Lay Bankz for the Uproxx Music 20 series. Scroll down to learn more about the rising Philly rapper.
I remember music from the time I was 3 years old. The first song I ever sang was “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
Honestly, myself. Music is a form of expression and it’s subjective. Once I learned I could say how I felt in another form of conversation, I took advantage of that.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I grew up playing violin, I play a little piano too. I wanna get better at the piano and hopefully start playing guitar.
What was your first job?
Sweeping in my stepdad’s barbershop.
What is your most prized possession?
My voice. It’s a gift that I can’t see or touch. Intangible, but not unattainable. It’s brought so much to my life and I couldn’t hold anything else to such high value.
What is your biggest fear?
Not being able to sing. Or not being able to take care of the people who rely on me.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
Bridgerton, only because I’ve been watching it a lot recently.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality, and why?
Beyoncé, the way she controls any narrative placed upon her on any platform is admirable as ever. She always shows a sense of resilience, and she never does too much nor does she try hard to be herself. I love that about her.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
Black-own everything.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life, and what do you love about it?
That’s hard to say, there are so many songs I love. Doubling down on only one would be unfair because I grew up on so much music that I love for different reasons. Even to this day, I hear new music all the time that I appreciate for different reasons.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
Philly, the love different from your own city. I’m excited to go out of the country and show my talents overseas.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
I don’t know. Maybe playing soccer or painting professionally. Whatever I would be doing would involve some sort of creativity or me being active because those are things I love. I got accepted to 23 colleges too, so maybe I would’ve went to school to study law.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
The past, just to visit moments and feelings I feel like I didn’t get to feel entirely because of how fast they happened. I experience so much every day and my life moves so fast that it’s easy to not entirely take in what’s happening to me. I wouldn’t want to see the future because I’m gonna always get there. Why rush to see what’s already written?
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Love yourself first, because not everyone will love you how they say they do.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I want my music to be held in high regard, I want it to be timeless. 2050 and after.
The first time Eritrean-born, Amsterdam-raised singer RIMON graced my ears was back in 2021 with the release of her second EP I Shine, U Shine. Its six songs present a blend of dancehall, neo-soul, and hip-hop that soothe the ears as much as it adds a pep to your step. “Out Of My Way” is a perfect example of that as RIMON issues a warning to a soon-to-be partner moments she begins an endless free-fall into love. Immediately after that record comes “Got My Back” with Denzel Curry where the two artists play the role of two partners filled with gratitude for the support they give one another.
Three years later, and RIMON has only gotten better. Her latest single “Flowers” is a towering epic that magnifies her pleas to loved ones as she begs them to accept the well-deserved praise and honor she bestows upon them. Prior to that record, RIMON professed her commitment to a lifelong love on the triumphant “I Choose U” with RINI before calling on Kelz2busy to ensure the memories of a past relationship would live on in her mind on the enchanting “Can’t Forget.” It’s these records and others that emphasize RIMON’s graceful approach and determination to soothe the worrying mind, even if it’s her own in some cases.
RIMON is currently hard at work on her debut album, and in the midst of that, the singer found a second to answer our Uproxx Music 20 questions that shed light on her inspirations, influences, and future aspirations.
What is your earliest memory of music?
It has to be me listening and watching the video of “Lady Marmalade” by Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott, Mýa, Pink, and Lil’ Kim on this tiny television whilst I was living on a boat that temporarily hosted refugees. I was so intrigued by all those badass women.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
A lot of people. I was considering it, but I thought it would be very difficult. Until SoundCloud and streaming became a thing and the entry to releasing music was way easier than before. I’d listen to people like Abra, SZA and Jorja Smith before they blew up and seeing women making a career for themselves without huge labels convinced me to also try.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I used to play the piano as a kid, I kinda forgot everything. Except for some basic chords, but I told myself to get back into it and bought a piano to practice. In the pandemic, I tried the guitar, but I don’t want to give up on my long nails [laughs].
What was your first job?
I used to deliver the local newspaper in my town when I was 12. That sh*t was so hard, and way too heavy to carry by myself, I don’t even know if that sh*t was legal.
What is your most prized possession?
I don’t often buy very expensive things, but I think a bag that I got gifted from Louboutin. It’s fully covered in Swarovski diamonds, I can’t even find the price online that’s how I know it’s expensive.
What is your biggest fear?
Subconsciously it would be losing my mom, but I don’t want to give into that fear.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
I’d book a big ass private jet that fits all of my friends and family and fly to a destination that is not too far, let’s say Milano, Italy. We’d take the morning to go shopping for everyone — clothes, glam, everything. Then we’d head to Lake Como, rent a boat and spend the day on the water, eating, swimming and drinking. From here we’d have dinner near the lake and then take the plane to London to spend the night partying over there and all stay in the same hotel and wake up with a hangover. Good memories and a brand-new wardrobe.
What are your three most used emojis?
.
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
I hardly watch TV shows at the moment, but if I could pick a movie it would be Dune 3.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
Rihanna! See just seems so fun, a rebel at heart and looks like she’s always having a good time, but also remaining a bit private, you know? As well as her being the businesswoman that she is and always including her roots, it’s all qualities and things I relate to myself.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
That astrology is real. It’s just too accurate, and lots of people think it’s bullshit, but I truly relate to so much of it, in regards to myself but also people around me.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
It’s between “Ultralight Beam” by Kanye West and “Yebba’s Heartbreak” by Yebba. “Ultralight Beam” is just a spiritual experience packaged in a song, it’s just too good and so powerful with the choir, Chance’s verse, and the drums. “Yebba’s Heartbreak” is one of those songs that had me crying so many times. Her vocals, the lyrics, the piano, everything about it is just so beautiful.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
I think Paris! It’s the place I’ve performed the most I think so far, and I just love their crowds, you can tell they really appreciate music. I’ve never performed in New York, so that’s definitely on my list!
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
Rosalía, Travis Scott, Tame Impala, Burna Boy and Erykah Badu. This is based on energy and the ‘live’ experience. I think it would be somewhere near water. Maybe in the Azores? That would be cool.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
Probably still in the creative industry. Either a creative director, photographer or director.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
Definitely the past! What’s fun about knowing what’s ahead of you? Also, I’m a sentimental and nostalgic person, so I’d just love to relive some of my best memories.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Stand your ground more, stop being too nice to people, and have clearer boundaries from the jump.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
As something that impacted some part of their lives, even if it’s a small part. That it encouraged them, healed something in them, or helped them feel less alone in their feelings.
Honey Bxby prefers to be blunt and get straight to the point. Beating around the bush is a waste of time and sugarcoating her truth isn’t the sweet life she imagined. This philosophy is present throughout her 2023 EP 3 Words, 8 Letters. Whether it be through provocative requests for the continuation of an addicting love on “Poseidon” or simply boasting about her sexual prowess on “P*ssy Power.” We also have the thrill of a spontaneous one-night stand as depicted on “Touchin’” which received the remix treatment from Kalii and Busta Rhymes. The point is: Honey Bxby always cuts to the chase.
Almost a year later, the game plan is the same as she gears up to release the deluxe version of 3 Words, 8 Letters. Look no further than “Fkn Him Too,” the SWV-sampling single that Honey Bxby uses to not only brag about sleeping with another woman’s man, but to make it clear that she and the unnamed woman are sharing the man in question. Talk about no f*cks given.
In her announcement for the deluxe of 3 Words, 8 Letters, Honey Bxby shared a message with her fans that was wrapped in her trademark honesty. “I’m officially out of my soft girl era, the old me? I deaded the b*tch as well as all ties to anyone who did me wrong,” she wrote. “I know it sucks for my sh*tty ass exes to watch me flourish when they wished bad on me [giggling emoji] REST IN PIECES. Honski is coming.”
In the spirit and keeping it real, we caught up with Honey Bxby to learn a little more about her and discover her influences, inspiration, aspirations, and more.
What is your earliest memory of music?
Probably 4/5 being in the crib with my father and listening to him and watching him make music.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
Myself. I always wanted to make music and be someone, watching other people do it just gave me the motivation, especially when I found Kehlani. But it something I was always gonna do.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
No I dont! I wanna learn how to play piano and guitar.
What was your first job?
Working at a daycare, I was a senior in high school. Those kids were stressful & I was getting paid pennies!
What is your most prized possession?
Everything I have!
What is your biggest fear?
Losing everything or getting stuck in a wild natural disaster like a tsunami.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
Honestly… it’s not a current show but Once Upon A Time if it was still on air because it’s my favorite show!
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
Cardi B or Sexyy Red because they’re super raw and authentic. They don’t care nor do they try to fake anything when it comes to who they are.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
Don’t wear open toe shoes when your feet aren’t done!
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
Oh my God, I have no idea! There are so many! Right now, I’ve been blasting old PartyNextDoor and my favorite is “Sex On The Beach,” it just feels so good and reminds me of being young. That as well as “Latch” by Disclosure & Sam Smith, you can’t play one without the other.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
I loved Toronto, I would love to go overseas though! Like London or Tokyo.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you.
Rihanna, Drake, Kehlani, PartyNextDoor, and Kanye West.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
I’m not sure.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
Five years in the future, just to make sure I’m 100% where I’m at. My past self already knew I was gonna overcome everything.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Your time is coming when you least expect it. Continue to be 18 and figure yourself out.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
As that fire ass R&B queen! An icon, a legend, and a sweetheart.
3 Words, 8 Letters (Deluxe) is out 4/26 via Atlantic Records.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
It’s been over a year since the Toronto native formally introduced herself to the music world with her emotive and transcending debut Elizabeth. The project, two years in the making at the time of its release, is a sprawling spectacle of affirmations and self-confidence boosters that were equally beneficial for Lokre to sing as it is for her listeners to hear. As beautiful of a listen as Elizabeth is, there is only so much healing and self-affirming one can do before one enjoys the fruits of their labor. So, for her latest era, Lokre will do just that — beginning with her sizzling new single “Body.”
The song was announced last month with a message from Lokre. “I don’t wish to sing about healing,” she wrote on Instagram. “It’s all I talk about. I don’t need to bring you something heavy, you carry enough. Something to feel to love to move to. I can give u one 2 slow whine ur waist 2 :).” “Body” is just that as it sizzles with flavor and seduction, a perfect recipe to draw in Lokre’s target who stands at a distance admiring the view she provides. Its accompanying video steams with anticipation as Lokre dances and flaunts her body for watching eyes.
Lokre’s liberating new era is underway and as we wait for what comes next in it, Uproxx caught up with her to learn more about her background — her influences, interests, and her goals for the future.
Seeing my mom sing in church every Sunday. I remember being a kid and thinking, “One day I’m gonna be old enough to lift my hands and sing too.”
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
My mom. She had me in classical training and introduced me to the importance of practice and performance when I was young, the same way her mother did for her.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I play piano, guitar, and enough drums to tell a drummer what I like. I’d love to learn the harp.
What was your first job?
I did voice-overs for Crayola and modeled for local department stores as a kid, I guess I’ve never really had a plan B since then.
What is your most prized possession?
Probably my car. It’s not the dream Jeep, but it was the first purchase I made when I signed my first contract & I’m proud of her.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
Ok, I’m in a space somewhere in Chile with trees around me and a view of the ocean. There’s a white grand piano and vinyls I’ve never heard that I’ll sample and I’m drinking cacao that I packed in my suitcase from Guatemala. Then I’m gonna read some poetry by Pablo Neruda that probably inspires me to write. After touching the ocean it’s local red wine and pasta. Always pasta. Oh and I’m completely alone. Don’t call me.
What are your three most used emojis?
, and .
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
Her Majesty, Sade.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
Catfish. Is that current? I don’t know, but I have an absolutely insane story to share.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
I just like when people are human and don’t forget how to be compassionate. Alicia Keys does it well.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
There are no coincidences.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
“A Song For You” by Donny Hathaway. I’ve never heard more honesty and feeling on a recording before. It’s like he’s right there in the room with you.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
I love performing in Toronto… earning hometown love and seeing that grow feels really special. Playing in South America or Trinidad would be an incredible feeling, cultures where the rhythm is just in their bones.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
Hear me out: It’s in a canyon in Arizona for the reverb and the vibes. The artists in this order: Jhené Aiko on her sound healing, Cleo Sol, Alewya, M.I.A., followed by Her Majesty Sade.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
I’d probably be a writer or journalist. Maybe next lifetime, we collab.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
The past, because uncertainty about the future is how we build faith. If I could show LOKRE 5 years ago how to love herself the way I do now, we might’ve avoided some bruises. But I wouldn’t change a thing.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Along those lines, love and trust yourself deeply, because you will always be the common denominator in your story. Build it on love and you will only be willing to accept what you are worthy of.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I want them to say they felt seen, held, and inspired by my art. I want to be remembered as an artist who amplified the light in others just by moving effortlessly in my own. That would be fire.
Lokre’s “Body” video is out now. You can watch it above.
Elmiene (pronounced el-mean) is just a few months removed from completing the biggest year of his music career. In 2023, the 22-year-old British singer released two EPs, El-Mean in March and Marking My Time in October, before setting out on the road for a North American tour with stops in major cities like Toronto, New York City, and Los Angeles. In between all of that, Elmiene made his live performance debut beside Robert Glasper and Yasiin Bey for Louis Vuitton in Paris, made his debut at England’s legendary Glastonbury Festival, and collaborated with stars like Stormzy.
With all of that in mind, you can understand the concept behind Marking My Time. It was a moment for Elmiene to acknowledge and absorb his surroundings all before the whirlwind of building a successful music career yanked him away into a new reality. “When my life started speeding up massively,” he said after releasing the EP, “I had to learn how to keep an eye on both sides — appreciating the past in order to do the future the right way and do it justice.” And that future is looking extremely bright for Elmiene.
The British singer launched his 2024 campaign with his new single “Crystal Tears.” The record exquisitely grapples with loss, whether it be through death or the end of a relationship, and the regrets that follow their departure. Elmiene’s grief and pain seep through the 2000s R&B-inspired production as he pleads for a second chance, one that deep down he knows he’ll never get. With that, Elmiene is left to accept the new reality, something he captures with a pair of lines that show the strength of his pen. “Afraid to hold the glass I know I’ve broken,” he croons. “Take back all the notes I know I’ve chosen.”
Ahead of another tour that begins on April 4, Elmiene took a moment to speak with Uproxx to share his inspirations, interests in and outside of music, and how he hopes to be remembered.
Listening to “7 Days” by Craig David on my cousin’s old music hard drive.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
D’Angelo was definitely the first person that made me start listening to music more intently and seriously.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I’ve recently started to learn the keyboard and I’m completely obsessed, forever chasing Stevie Wonder.
What was your first job?
Making car breaks in a factory in Frankfurt. Old dark days.
What is your most prized possession?
The hundreds of voice notes on my phone of me working on music. I genuinely have nightmares of accidentally deleting them.
What is your biggest fear?
Being alone.
Who is on your R&B/rap/afrobeats Mt. Rushmore?
Joe, K-Ci from Jodeci, Dino from H-Town, and Usher.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
I would hunt monsters on Monster Hunter for 6 hours with breakfast then play keys for lunch at a restaurant that has a piano. Drink freeway peach ice tea by the river. Go home and play Street Fighter 6 ’til the end of the day for dinner.
What are your three most used emojis?
.
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
D’Angelo.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
One Piece live-action. I really, really wanna be Kuma.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
Katt Williams. He just doesn’t seem to let anything ever really bother him.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
No one could convince me that Zangief isn’t the best character on Street Fighter.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
“Another Star” by Stevie Wonder is one of the best songs I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s the rhythm the beautiful poetic lyrics and the energy that make that song what it is.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
New York City is my favorite to perform in, the energy there is infectious. I’d love to perform in Stockholm, D’Angelo did an amazing performance there.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
For a festival lineup, it would have to be D’Angelo, The Roots, Lewis Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and Lauryn Hill and it would be in Falmouth.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
Pub security.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
100% go to the past, I’d rather really take in and refresh on everything that’s happened rather than skip and miss out on 5 years of my life.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
It’s okay to pick up the phone and call back.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I’d like my music to be remembered as an honest diary of my life and character, like a really good time capsule of all the important chapters of my life.
Marking My Time is out now Polydor Records/Def Jam. Find out more information here.
Bairi (pronounced bye-ree) makes the kind of music that forces you to sit still and absorb everything that comes out of it. It’s captivating in the best ways and heightens the senses all before seizing them for the duration needed. It’s a conclusion I came to one of the first times I heard the Pennsylvania-born singer back in 2021 with her “Paraíso” single. With an enchanting violin and scintillating piano keys as the background for the captivating record, Bairi takes command with vocals that are both dominating and alluring, a perfect recipe to draw you into a front-row seat for her show.
If “Paraíso” lies on one end of the spectrum for Bairi artistry, her latest single “Come My Way” is on the other end. Where “Paraíso” is sweet and soothing, “Come My Way” seeks refuge on the dancefloor. The upbeat number is filled to the brim with sensuality and anticipation as the fulfillment her body craves is within reach. Both songs are expected to appear on Bairi’s upcoming debut EP Fire Siren which is due April 22.
“This project represents the darkness and events leading up to my finally committing to my purpose (music) and really deciding to love myself; or at least it set me on the path of learning how to,” Bairi tells Uproxx. “It was a very dark and confusing time during which all I knew was pain and distraction — until the suffering of my choices opened my eyes to the truth of who I really am. I hope that by the end of the project, the listener understands that while it heavily touches on toxic themes, it is not a story about the conscious decision to be toxic; rather, it’s about breaking the matrix that kept me in those toxic cycles.”
Together with the arrival of “Come My Way” and the announcement of Fire Siren, Uproxx placed the spotlight on Bairi for an Uproxx Music 20 conversation that dives into her inspiration, interests, and the unique moments that make Bairi the artist she is today.
What is your earliest memory of music?
I’m overwhelmed thinking about all of the backseat revelations in my parents’ cars when hearing a song for the first time (i.e., my first time hearing “The Thong Song” in the McDonald’s drive-through or dramatically staring out of the window while Mike Shinoda’s remix of “Crawlin” by Linkin Park made me fall in love with orchestral arrangements). Still, the two memories that stand out to me the most are when I heard “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston in the credits of my favorite movie Prince Of Egypt, and when I heard “Journey to the Past” by Aaliyah in the credits of Anastasia. There’s something about being completely enamored with a movie and then hearing your favorite singers drive it home. It’s the same reason I almost cried hearing Jhené Aiko in the credits of Creed. It’s probably the reason I’m very dynamic in my compositions.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
My grade school choir director, Mr. Joseph Farrell, really helped me believe in the power of my voice and the importance of being hard-working and disciplined to nurture my gift, even though it was just recently all of those lessons hit me. When it came to actually pursuing music as a career though, the first person that shifted my perspective into becoming an artist was my friend Dave Langston. When I first got to New York in 2015, I was majoring in English literature when I met him in a Psych class. One day we sat in my car as he played me his music and when I told him I sang he very seriously told me I needed to pursue it. He got me in a studio doing vocals for him and then eventually it was in that studio I recorded my first EP that released in 2016. Will always be soooo grateful for him.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
When I was a kid, my grandmother gave me a Casio and I taught myself how to play a lot of the music in the video games I was playing (Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy 8, 9, X, X-2). I took a few piano lessons, but got really nervous and never finished. I do plan on mastering the piano one day to honor my inner child.
What was your first job?
I worked at Chocolate World in Hershey at 15 years old as a food service worker at this little dessert creation studio.
What is your most prized possession?
My bear Dodi that my dad got me I wanna say around 2003 before he got deployed. Everyone makes fun of him, but that’s really my rider!
What is your biggest fear?
I read this question and got a little nervous to answer it. I think it changes based on the season in my life. Right now, I have an irrational fear that my dreams of being a superstar and performing on all of the stages I’ve dreamt of aren’t going to happen. Anybody can tell you I love singing and my career more than anything else. But with that being said, fear is just a lack of faith. I’m being shown that I need to let go and just let it all happen to me versus trying to do too much and control everything. Whoever is reading this, you can too. Don’t be scared of the unknown. Don’t be scared to be the biggest version of yourself.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
I would hire someone to organize my business/administration/finances, hire a tour manager to set up a tour for my project, pay everyone I’m working with now the money they deserve, fly my team, family, and all of my favorite creatives to Camp Bairi: a remote location by the beach to finish up my project and do all visuals, production of all of my merch ideas, create and finish music, feed them amazing food, have intimate convos, etc. I know that sounds like a lot for 24 hours but generally, a perfect day for me involves loving on my loved ones, journaling, making music, dancing, performing, eating sushi, sharing my art with others, improving however I can, and creating stability and inspiration for myself and everyone around me.
What are your three most used emojis?
(my preferred heart emoji cause I’m fiery), (when I’m feeling sentimental, which is VERY often *laughs*), and (because I be crying laughing)
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
6lack!! I have actually had one for him in the tuck for years, I’m just waiting for the right time. In addition, I NEED to work with Ludwig Göransson on a movie soundtrack.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
Hot Ones, anything that Issa Rae does, Abbott Elementary (I’m from Pennsylvania, Quinta!), Dave, Grammys, Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, People’s Choice Awards (hope these count). There are soooo many podcasts I want to be on too. I love chatting.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
Beyoncé. She’s incredibly hardworking and courageous and advocates for herself and her ideas. A very clear example of purpose and alchemy.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
This is sooo random, but I’m completely convinced that Kanye West’s “Say You Will” production is inspired by Kingdom Hearts’ “Dive Into The Heart”. There’s absolutely nooo evidence to prove this, like none at all, but I don’t care *laughs*. Listen to both and tell me I’m lying (and I won’t care).
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
Again, “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Two of the best voices in music, a choir, incredibly profound production and message, and the fact that it will make me cry no matter what I’m doing when I hear it. I’m listening to it right now to test the theory and it’s not failing *laughs*. There are a lot of perfect songs to me, but this is always the first one that comes to me.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
It’s a toss-up between New York and Atlanta for my favorite city to perform in. Two of my favorite, most lit performances were in either and the energy was unmatched. I’m excited to perform in a church in Italy. When I was in 11th grade I passed up the opportunity to do this because a lot was going on in my home life and I was just so scared and lacking confidence that I couldn’t show up how I needed to. I can’t wait to redeem this moment for myself.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
I tried to realistically and tastefully answer this question at first, but truthfully, what I really want is Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, RAYE, Chloe x Halle, Doechii, and myself. I think all of us are extremely dynamic, cinematic, and immersive, with some similarities but different enough for it to feel like a full spectrum of music. I’m the opener I don’t even care *laughs*. Either Madison Square Garden, which is one of my lifetime goals, or somewhere that feels like a wonder of the world, like an oasis in the desert or hot springs in the mountains. I know this all sounds ridiculous; I’m tired of trying to make sense of everything *laughs*.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
A counselor/therapist or teacher of writing/music, most likely counseling. At some point, after I get into a comfortable position within my music career, I want to get a counseling certificate and extend my services to creatives already in the space and young kids as well.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
I’m struggling with this question! I know we aren’t supposed to have regrets, but there’s definitely sooooo much wisdom I would share with myself 5 years ago that would save me from a lot of unnecessary suffering. While a vision of the future would be amazing, I can’t promise that I wouldn’t hold onto that vision too tightly and let it get in the way of my present. I have to plead the fifth here. I’m grateful to be able to reflect on my past and have a good enough relationship with God to get insight into the future and have enough faith to see it through even when it’s dark.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Seek respect for who you are instead of love for who you’re not. You are naturally kind and a natural light, you don’t need to prove yourself or lessen yourself for the right people. You belong without trying.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I would like my music to be remembered as an experience, as a key to unlocking revelation within people’s spirits, something that gave language in the natural to the truth within, whether good or bad. I’m not perfect, and I hope that the honesty and journey that I take throughout my music/career/life teach a lot of lessons on how to know and heal oneself.
Fire Siren is out 4/22. Stay tuned for more information.
The first thing that caught my attention Orlando singer Isaiah Falls was how infectious, yet simple his breakout track “Florida Baby” is. Bouncy production that initially begins as sweet and tender before the drums arrive serves as the backdrop to Falls’ message to his “Florida Baby” — an independent woman who takes care of herself and doesn’t need a man, but doesn’t mind one if they’re worthwhile.
Falls’ vocals vary from song to song. The difference is sharp when you compare songs like “Florida Baby” and “Pain In My Voice.” On the former, Falls’ voice is pitched higher than other songs in his discography, and on “Pain In My Voice,” Falls’ vocals are brought down to earth to emphasize the emotions and pain he carries throughout the song. Then there’s “Sin On Purpose” which cements Falls’ voice as an instrument meant to be used in numerous ways, rather than just as is. The gritty “Flirty” and the soft and delicate “Tell The DJ” are additional examples of the wide field in which Falls employs his voice.
With a voice that plays all the roles he needs it to and songwriting that’s equally as good, Isaiah Falls has the ingredients to make a nice splash in 2024. A snippet he posted on TikTok is sure to make its rounds amongst ’90s R&B lovers this summer. Things are looking good for Isaiah Falls, so we caught up with the Florida native to learn about his inspirations, interests in and outside of music, and how he hopes to be remembered.
What is your earliest memory of music?
My earliest memory is growing up in church and my parents being a part of the band.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
My two older brothers, both artists themselves, heavily influenced me to pursue music.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I pick up a guitar every now and then, but only know how to play a handful of chords. It’s definitely something I’d love to get more experience with.
What was your first job?
My first job was being a busboy at a restaurant cleaning tables.
What is your most prized possession?
My laptop is my most prized possession.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is my mother passing before being given the chance to experience better days and where my career will take us.
You get 24 hours to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
If I had 24 hours to myself to do absolutely anything with unlimited resources, I’d put all of my closest family and friends on a plane and take us somewhere special on vacation, probably somewhere like Greece, and treat them to anything they’d like.
What are your three most used emojis?
, , .
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
A feature I need to secure in this lifetime is from Kendrick Lamar.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
If I could appear in a current TV show’s future season, I’d choose Euphoria based on how the show is shot and directed.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
I respect Vince Staples for being unapologetically himself, and I admire that.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
My opinion is a PBJ sandwich is the best sandwich of all time.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
The best song I’ve ever heard in my life is “Slow Motion,” by Juvenile. It’s the perfect balance of “smooth” and “playa.”
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
I’ve only performed in a handful of places, but I really enjoy performing in my hometown Orlando, I’m most excited to perform in London.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
I’d have Tyler The Creator, Juvenile, Snoh Aalegra, SZA, and OutKast perform at my music festival. I’d host this festival in the middle of downtown Orlando.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
If it weren’t for music, and since I’m also a graphic designer, I’d lean more into being a creative director.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
I’d choose to see five years into the future to get a glimpse of my family and make sure they are doing well.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
If I could give advice to 18-year-old me I’d let him know to keep pursuing music, you are on the right track.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
In 2050, I’d love for my music to be remembered as boundary-pushing and risk-taking.
PartyNextDoor is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
.
.
— I couldn’t pick between these four.
.
.
and 
.
.
(my preferred heart emoji cause I’m fiery), 
(when I’m feeling sentimental, which is VERY often *laughs*), and 
(because I be crying laughing)
, 
, 
.