Today, the R&B songstress Joy Denalane drops her new single “I Believe (featuring BJ The Chicago Kid),” her first official release in the US off her upcoming album Let Yourself Be Loved. Listen here via Motown Records. Additionally, Joy will perform live tomorrow at 9AM ET / 12PM PT. Tune in here.
“”I Believe” is about being in that safe space where “you being you” is enough and where your loved ones see you for who you are,” says Joy on the meaning of the song.
On “I Believe,” Joy’s airy soul-soaked vocals soar as she sings about falling in love complemented by BJ The Chicago Kid’s wild adlibs and tonality creating a vivacious R&B banger. In unison they belt “For you I’d take a leap of faith cause I believe.” Aside from the duo’s vocal prowess, celebratory trumpets, a convivial choir, and the feeling of inspiration felt throughout the track add more flair.
Both artists are staples in the world of R&B. Joy is an international star on the rise hailing from Germany. She has worked with Raekwon, Lupe Fiasco, Bilal, Common, Hugh Masakela and more while BJ is a known collaborator to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson Paak.
Joy’s talent, emotional honesty, the culturally complex story of her life make her an incredibly versatile artist. Joy is the essence of the modern, global, Black woman. The daughter of a South African father and a German mother, she was born in the divided city of Berlin. Her access to African music and rhythms as well as her love of American soul music made her an enthusiastic follower and participant of the up-and-coming Hip-Hop movement, which found a home in the culturally diverse city of Berlin at an early age. At the same time, she was inspired by singers like Aretha Franklin, Letta M’Bulu and Mary J Blige, who gave her the energy and courage to combine all these musical backgrounds and create her own unique style.
