Rising R&B singer/songwriter Jai’Len Josey has released her second EP, Southern Delicacy, via Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Records and Def Jam Recordings.
The 11-track project, four of which are interludes, includes the delicious lead single “Good Soup.”
“Pay For My Drink” is among the new tracks on the EP. Here, Josey sings to a prospective love interest about what it will take to go home with her. She isn’t against flirting for a bit but she wants someone who can meet her in the middle — and first impressions are everything.
“I want some spiked lemonade / Some gin and juice, baby / Bartender, send it on by / You coming home with me? / So razzle dazzle me, baby,” she sings.
On the D’Mile-produced track “Behave,” Josey confronts a no-good lover as she calls it quits after too many chances. Her impressive vocals soar on the piano-driven ballad that’s punctuated by cinematic strings.
“Now, what’s done is done / And that won’t change / Too many promises forgotten / Boy, ain’t that f**king strange? / Oh, don’t you get the bigger picture / I’m not the one to play / Never did that shit to me,” sings Josey.
The interludes on Southern Delicacy are audio recordings of Josey in conversation with different family members, including her grandmother, father, and grandfather.
“Southern Delicacy symbolizes growth. It’s the story of me, and all the situations and relationships that have molded me into the woman I’m becoming. All the experiences of my life in Atlanta, in the south, all made me into who I am,” explains Josey.
“The EP is dedicated to my grandfather Willie C. Josey. He was from Blackshear, GA and he was the epitome of a Southern man: family-oriented, gentle giant, God-fearing, caring, a veteran. I have him, my family, and friends to thank for making me into a Southern Delicacy.”
Southern Delicacy comes shortly after Josey’s stint on Ari Lennox’s sold-out age/sex/location Tour, which concluded March 29. Josey co-wrote Lennox’s hit single “Pressure,” which peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.
“Pressure” was the lead single from Lennox’s sophomore album, age/sex/location. Josey also co-wrote “Stop By,” another track that appears on age/sex/location.
Southern Delicacy is the follow-up to Josey’s 2020 EP, Illustrations, which was released independently.
Stream Jai’Len Josey’s new EP Southern Delicacy below.
