Jae Stephens Makes a Triumphant Return with Feverish “SMH” Single

Jae Stephens specializes in serving uptempo R&B and pop bangers that feel both classic and contemporary. The Dallas-born singer-songwriter makes a triumphant return, sharing “SMH,” her first new single and music video since last September’s acclaimed SELLOUT EP. “SMH” shows off Jae’s skillful melodic approach and pop versatility, as she switches from conversational rhythms to swooning falsettos over syncopated handclaps and spritely synths. Adding a bouncy pop element to her R&B core, the playful new banger finds Jae flipping through her rolodex of “h*es” to find a companion for the night who will bring the most pleasure and least drama: “I got Chris, I met online/Sean aint sh*t but he so fine/I might be theirs, but they ain’t mine/I got so so so so, so many/H*es”she sings. In the video, which features cameos from Maeta, TA Thomas, Brandon Banks, and Larry Van Buren, Jae Stephens host an open audition for the perfect man, studying each with a critical eye until she realizes that she doesn’t have to choose. 

A mission statement arriving after spending years as your favorite singer’s favorite singer, SELLOUT was a major moment for Jae Stephens, as she proved that she could write earworms that stand up to any contemporary pop star’s. Blending influences from all eras into six shimmering and seductive tracks, SELLOUT is a playful and energetic change of pace for R&B fans who wish their faves would be less dour and confessional and would just have more fun. Jae happily obliges, eschewing ballads in favor of songs designed to keep hips moving, packed with playful one-liners and buoyant hooks. The EP is home to the glistening “WET,” recognized by Elle as one of the Best Songs of April 2024, “Girls Don’t Cheat,” co-written by Chxrry22 and covered by BET and Rated R&B, and fan-favorite “Body Favors,” which recently passed 1 million streams on Spotify. In the fall, SELLOUT and Jae Stephens earned coverage in PAPER Mag, who called her “the Internet’s Black pop star.”  Starting in May, fans can see Jae Stephens live as direct support for FLO on their “AAA Tour.” 

With SELLOUT in the rearview, Jae Stephens is planning a new EP to satisfy her JaeBaes and win over new fans. Stay tuned for more announcements in the near future. 

 

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