ARTIST TO WATCH: Ella Mai

There is no better feeling in the world than finding a new source of good music that completely sweeps you off your feet and becomes you're entire muse. Music so good that it is put on repeat all day long whilst you're kicking it with the gang after a long, tiring day. Well, this past year has been one for discovering new artists and new music and it has definitely not disappointed! From hip-hop and to pop to alternative music, there have definitely been some great new artists that everyone can’t stop talking about. One of these new artists is rising star Ella Mai, who has been killing the game with her most recent single “Naked”.

Ella Mai is originally from London, England, but moved to America at the age of 12. After graduating high school, she made her way back to England and became part of a musical trio known as Arize. With no success occurring for the group, she decided to take matters into her own hands and uploaded four original singles, produced by her friend DJ Kam1, onto Soundcloud. She was soon discovered by DJ Mustard and was signed to his record label, 10 Summers.

In early 2016, Mai released her first EP, Time, which featured a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign, and later in the year she released her second EP, Change, which proved to be extremely successful with noticeable singles “10,000 Hours” and “Lay UP” reaching more that 1 million views on YouTube. Her third EP, Ready, was released last February, and her next release will be her official studio album debut. Keep ‘em coming, Ella!

With so much to look forward to regarding the 23-year-old in the new year, we can only hope and pray that her debut album is merely a continuation of her free-spirited, young-hearted soul and the music that forms from it. Her unique sound and musicality has had such a positive impact on so many fans because is it relatable and says what we’re all thinking! It is just matter of time before we get that dream collab we’re all waiting for! Yep, we’re looking at you, Bryson Tilller!

(Image via EllaMaiVEVO)

- Nicole Dzenga, YH Contributing Writer