Photo Credit: Brain Ziff
Last Friday, breakout artist Nija released her debut album Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You via Capitol Records. The album contains some of her hit singles such as “Finesse” and “Ease My Mind (Come Over)” that have taken the internet by storm over the past couple of months.
The Los Angeles by way of New Jersey artist oozes with confidence on this no-nonsense R&B project. Each song drips with a self-assured attitude as she delivers addicting melodies over classic beats. Despite the traditionally vulnerable subject matter of putting yourself out there only to get hurt, Nija takes a refreshing and empowering approach to her music:
“I’m taking the power role,” says Nija. “There’s vulnerability in the music but it’s a different approach. Instead of, ‘Oh you hurt me,’ it’s like, ‘Damn you did that to me? That’s crazy. I’ma move on but you fucked up for that.’” (via Capitol Records)
After years of writing songs that would go on to become Billboard Top 100 hits, Nija began releasing her own music in 2021. This debut album comes just after her first three singles of 2021 (and of her solo career for that matter) have caused quite a stir. While some people take issue with songwriters starting their own career, Nija doesn’t seemed worried at all about her budding carrer:
“There’s a stigma against songwriters turning into artists because usually they give all their sauce away,” says Nija. “But I’ve always made sure I went above and beyond people’s expectations, so don’t say I didn’t warn you about that.” (via Capitol Records)
While this talented young artist has already won GRAMMY’s for her songwriting skills, this debut album suggests she may have more GRAMMY’s in her future for her own music.