Jessie Reyez delivered a surprise for fans today with the release of her recent EP, ‘$TILL PAID.’ The five-track project, which includes a collaboration with British rapper Stormzy, arrives as a companion piece to her critically acclaimed 2023 album, ‘PAID IN MEMORIES.’ The unexpected drop feels less like a new beginning and more like a celebratory return, a moment to savor the momentum built from a whirlwind year of touring and creative expansion for the Toronto-born, Grammy-nominated artist.
Reyez’s ‘PAID IN MEMORIES’ was a sprawling, 20-song statement, showcasing her versatility and willingness to collaborate. The album featured a diverse roster of artists including Ari Lennox, Massive Sean, Miguel, Lil Yachty, 6lack, Lil Wayne and Deyaz. The new EP, by contrast, offers a more focused experience, a concentrated dose of Reyez’s signature blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop. It’s a gesture of gratitude, she’s said, to fans who supported the album’s journey.
The EP’s title itself, ‘$TILL PAID,’ speaks to a sense of accomplishment and a continued drive. It’s a playful acknowledgment of the work that goes into an artist’s success, and a promise of more to come. The tracklist includes songs like ‘$TAY MOODY,’ ‘HOT N $WEET,’ and ‘$OFA,’ alongside a remix of her song ‘PALO $ANTO’ featuring Stormzy. The remix adds a new dimension to the already compelling track, blending Reyez’s emotive vocals with Stormzy’s distinctive flow.
The collaboration with Stormzy is particularly noteworthy, given both artists’ commitment to using their platforms for social good. Last summer, Stormzy was awarded an honorary doctorate from Cambridge University in recognition of his philanthropic work, specifically the Stormzy Scholarship to Cambridge. Launched in 2018, the scholarship initially funded two Black British students annually, expanding to ten with support from HSBC UK, and has since supported 56 students with tuition and living costs . This dedication to education and opportunity aligns with Reyez’s own advocacy for marginalized communities.
Beyond the Music: A Multifaceted Creative Year
The release of ‘$TILL PAID’ caps off a remarkably busy period for Reyez. Following the success of ‘PAID IN MEMORIES,’ she embarked on a sold-out world tour in 2023, connecting with fans across the globe. She also supported Sam Smith on the ‘Gloria’ tour and joined Jhené Aiko on select dates of ‘The Magic Hour Tour’ in the US. Beyond the stage, Reyez expanded her creative horizons with the release of her poetry book, Words of A Goat Princess II: The People’s Purge, in October.
Reyez’s talents aren’t limited to her own work; she’s also a sought-after songwriter, having penned hits for artists like Dua Lipa, Kehlani, LISA of BLACKPINK, and Calvin Harris. Her contributions to the music industry were recognized in 2024 when she received Billboard Canada’s Women in Music Trailblazer Award.
Soundtrack Success and Grammy Recognition
Prior to ‘PAID IN MEMORIES,’ Reyez contributed to several high-profile soundtracks, further demonstrating her versatility. She released “Child of Fire” as part of the soundtrack for Netflix’s Rebel Moon , and offered a unique rendition of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” for the Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired by Film soundtrack, which went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.
The EP’s arrival is a reminder of Reyez’s consistent output and her ability to seamlessly navigate different creative avenues. It’s a project born from momentum, a thank you to fans, and a signal that she’s far from finished.
You can listen to ‘$TILL PAID’ now on all major streaming platforms. Reyez has not yet announced further plans following the EP’s release, but given her prolific output, fans can anticipate more music and creative endeavors in the near future. The artist is expected to share details regarding upcoming performances and projects via her official website and social media channels.
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