Ella Mai Ella Mai
The British singer-songwriter makes her debut with this eponymous throwback R&B record that includes the singles “Naked”, “Boo’d Up” and “Trip”. It is executive-produced by DJ Mustard, although Mai is also credited with writing or co-writing every song.
FIVE FACTS:
1. The artist was born Ella Mai Howell on 3rd November 1994.
2. While she is originally from London, she also spent part of her childhood in New York City.
3. She competed on British reality television show The X Factor as part of a trio, Arize, in 2014, but didn’t progress beyond the initial audition for the judges.
4. She has cited Lauryn Hill, Chris Brown, Brandy and Destiny’s Child as among her inspirations.
5. Rolling Stone described her as “a British émigré full of self-confidence and an affinity for classic Nineties R&B.”