Grammy-winning singer Ella Mai celebrates her 30th birthday (Nov. 3) with a mini project, 3.
“My 30th birthday gift to you all,” Mai wrote in a social media post. “3 songs. november 3rd. one of my favourite numbers. i’ve missed you all, three times over.”
Released without warning, the three-track EP was produced by her longtime collaborator Mustard. The project opens with “Hearts on Deck,” a flirtatious, finger-snapping groove where Mai sings, “Is it how I look in your eyes / When you talk that make you come back / Or how I play my part / And I let you be the boss / Even though I can / And when I’m far away from ya / I still be on yo’ mind.”
“One of These,” which samples CeeLo Green‘s “I’ll Be Around,” finds Mai head over heels for a love interest. Throughout the song, Mai gushes over her man’s romantic qualities and encourages her friend to find someone who can show her the same type of love. “Girl, you betta get you one of these / Yeah, get you one of these / Wake up in the morning, he got flowers at my feet,” she sings over the knocking production.
In the closing devotional, “Little Things,” Mai shows her appreciation to her lover through those small but meaningful gestures. “Be right here when you waking up / Breakfast on the table, know you like / Eggs in there all scrambled / Pancakes, bacon, OJ on the side,” she sings.
3 is Mai’s first project since her 2022 sophomore album, Heart On My Sleeve, which included the No. 1 single “DFMU,” as well as the popular tracks “Leave You Alone” and “How” featuring Roddy Ricch. The album, which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, included additional features from Lucky Daye and Latto.
In January 2023, Mai released Heart On My Sleeve (Deluxe Edition), ahead of her Heart On My Sleeve Tour, which included three bonus tracks “2 O’Clock,” “This Is” and “Our Song.”
While 3 is not a full-length project, it does enhance the anticipation for Mai’s forthcoming third album.
Stream Ella Mai’s new EP 3 below.
