If you’ve ever listened to Jessie Reyez, you know how powerful and inspiring her music can be. Her songs dive deep into pain, love, and inner struggles — definitely not the kind of music you just put on in the background. Whether it’s her raw lyrics or her unmistakable voice that pulls you in is up to you to decide. Today, let’s take a closer look at her journey, music, and passions beyond the stage. More at toronto-trend.
Early Life
Jessie was born in Toronto to Colombian immigrant parents. Music was always part of her world. She grew up surrounded by her father’s guitar chords and her mother’s dance rhythms. Performing on the streets and small stages across Florida helped her shape the unique sound we know today. When she returned to Toronto, she joined The Remix Project, where she honed her craft and began carving out her place in the music industry.
The Road to Music
As a kid, Jessie’s father taught her how to play guitar, while her mother sparked her love for rhythm. She was always surrounded by music — from playing tapes on an old boombox to improvising over her favorite songs.
In 2012, Jessie moved to Florida for a while, working as a bartender and performing on the streets. That experience taught her how to read a crowd and connect with people from all walks of life. It toughened her as a performer and helped her discover her authentic voice.
When she returned to Toronto in 2014, she joined The Remix Project — a program that supports young talent from low-income communities by giving them access to professional training and opportunities. It was there that Jessie refined her style, strengthened her vocals, and realized she wanted to pursue music full-time.
Musical Style and Themes
Jessie’s music blends R&B, pop, and hip-hop, but genre isn’t what defines her — emotion does. Each song feels like a candid conversation about what hurts, inspires, or troubles her.
She often sings about love without filters, heartbreak, insecurities, and the moments when you have to rebuild yourself from the ground up. Her lyrics touch on serious themes like mental health, self-worth, addiction, and growing up.
Key Albums and Collaborations
Jessie’s discography mirrors her personal and artistic evolution. It began with her 2017 EP Kiddo, a bold debut that fused R&B and pop.
In 2018, she released Being Human in Public, earning critical acclaim and winning the Juno Award for Best R&B/Soul Recording. The songs were more mature but just as raw and honest.
Her first full-length album, Before Love Came to Kill Us (2020), showcased her emotional depth, sharp writing, and vocal power. Mixing R&B and hip-hop, the album was praised by critics and established her as an international force.
In 2022, Jessie dropped Yessie, revealing her continued artistic growth with more genre-blending and daring vocal choices. The album explored personal growth and her evolving outlook on life.
Her 2025 release, Paid in Memories, ties all those chapters together. It reflects on adulthood, resilience, and finding inner strength. The album features powerful collaborations and standout solo tracks, proving Jessie’s versatility.
Throughout her career, Jessie has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music: Sam Smith, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Romeo Santos, and Calvin Harris. She co-wrote the hit “Promises” for Sam Smith and Calvin Harris, performed “Nice Guy,” “Good Guy,” and “Coffin” with Eminem, recorded “RIDIN” with Lil Wayne, contributed backing vocals on Big Sean’s “SHUT UP,” and teamed up with Romeo Santos for “Un Vuelo A La.”
Personal Life and Other Passions
Jessie Reyez keeps her personal life private, and that authenticity makes her even more compelling. She doesn’t chase media attention with her relationships. Instead, she focuses on her craft and self-growth. Her songs, however, carry a raw honesty that lets fans feel her emotions without needing all the personal details.
Outside of music, Jessie is passionate about art and fashion. She loves experimenting with style, blending classic and avant-garde looks — a reflection of her fearless artistic spirit. She also draws inspiration from film and visual art, often incorporating cinematic elements into her music videos.
Jessie supports young artists through mentorship and sharing her experiences. She often speaks about her journey, offering advice to those just starting out.
Another big part of her life is travel. Jessie says traveling helps her absorb new energy, connect with different cultures, and spark fresh musical ideas.
Sources:
- https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jessie-reyez
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jessie-reyez-mn0003564213
- https://apnews.com/article/jessie-reyez-paid-memories-review-7055f1e389fbc748b486cc1acfaf3f9e
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2025/07/02/jessie-reyez-concert-dc
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8999523/bio
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8999523/bio
