From Toronto’s Queen Street to the fictional Shutter Island, you could search far and wide, but you would still be hard-pressed to find any songstress with the ability to blend melody and emotion with vivid storytelling in the way that Jessie Reyez has. The 5’2 firecracker with an arresting vocal tone and a charismatic presence rose to prominence after connecting with King Louie. From there, she cultivated a loyal community of supporters in the mid to late 2010s with the aforementioned single, “Shutter Island,” as well as “Figures.” As her discography grew, so did the star-studded list of artists who would champion her immense talent, including Eminem, Lil’ Wayne, and Calvin Harris. More than a decade into her journey, Jessie Reyez has toured the world, hit the Billboard charts, and shared her story with the world. In our first edition of ESSENTIALS, journalist, curator, and designer Jamie H shares 20 songs that highlight Jessie Reyez’s dynamic talent and incredible story.
“FIGURES”
Project: Kiddo
Released: April 26, 2016
As quiet as it’s kept, 2016 was an all-time great year for R&B, as it highlighted newer acts and provided a platform for established acts. While Solange was sharing A Seat At The Table, Anderson .Paak was dropping Malibu, and Beyoncé was shaking up the world with Lemonade; a self-proclaimed “loca Colombiana” by the name of Jessie Reyez was making waves with her single, “Figures.” The gut-wrenchingly emotional single was unique in its construction and delivery, but all too relatable in its messaging. “The song figures is about my ex. Who cheated. And then blamed me for being paranoid,” Jessie Reyez wrote on Facebook in 2016. The single would prove to be pivotal in her growth as an artist, paving the way for her breakout project, Kiddo.
“IMPORTED”
Project: Before Love Came To Kill Us
Released: April 9, 2019
From rap superstars like Eminem and Lil’ Wayne to beloved R&B duos like THEY. and dvsn, Jessie Reyez has always leaned into collaborating with acts that bring out different aspects of her artistry. With that said, few have been able to find musical synergy with Jessie Reyez quite like 6LACK. Throughout the years, the two have crafted fan favorites like “6LESSINGS,” “HOMICIDE,” and “FOREVER.” They’ve even teased a joint project. For many fans, “IMPORTED” holds a special place in their hearts as it marks the first time the two came together for a single. Within the first minute, it becomes abundantly clear that their friendship and musical connection are unique and special.
“BEGGIN 4 LUV”
Project: PAID IN MEMORIES
Released: March 28, 2025
There are millions of songs about love. There are millions of songs about heartbreak. There are also millions of songs about self-growth. What separates one from another? Well, several things, but above all else, the distinguishing factor is the person telling the story and how they choose to tell it. When it comes to Jessie Reyez, she’s endearing because she wears her heart on her sleeve. However, what makes her special is how she chooses to talk about the ups and downs of her personal life and her romantic relationships. Case in point, “BEGGIN 4 LUV,” off of her most recent album, PAID IN MEMORIES, features her effortlessly bouncing between talking to her therapist, her ex-boyfriend, and the general audience as she asks, “F—k am I beggin’ for love for?”
Listen to the full ESSENTIALS: Jessie Reyez playlist here:
