Yebba Returns After 5-Year Break

The new album's title, *Jean*, is a tribute to Yebba's late grandmother, who played a significant role in raising her and encouraged her to be her authentic self. This follows her 2021 debut album, *Dawn*, which was named in honor of her mother. Yebba's five-year break was preceded by a period of immense personal tragedy. In 2016, shortly after a video of her performing her original song "My Mind" went viral, her mother died by suicide. This devastating event and the subsequent grief heavily influenced the music on her debut album. Before her solo debut, Yebba, born Abigail Elizabeth Smith, had already made a name for herself through high-profile collaborations. She has worked with artists like Drake on the track "Yebba's Heartbreak," Ed Sheeran on "Best Part of Me," and Sam Smith on "No Peace." Her work has also been recognized by the Recording Academy. In 2019, she won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her feature on PJ Morton's cover of "How Deep Is Your Love." The new album is described as a return to self, with Yebba having written the entire project. The lead single, "Yellow Eyes," is noted for its intimate and restrained vocal performance, a departure from her more frequent use of harmonies and melisma. Yebba first gained significant attention after a 2016 performance of her song "My Mind" for Sofar Sounds went viral, leading to a recording contract. Prior to that, she was a backing vocalist for Chance the Rapper during his *Saturday Night Live* performance of "Same Drugs." The celebrated producer Mark Ronson was a key collaborator on her debut album, *Dawn*. He also featured her on three tracks from his 2019 album, *Late Night Feelings*. For her new album, *Jean*, Yebba recorded in various locations, including Arkansas, Dallas, and the historic Electric Lady Studios in New York. The project is said to document her "adulting years" and the process of redefining her ambition after a period of healing.