Early Life and Family Background
Ella Mai Howell was born on November 3, 1994, in London, England, to a Jamaican mother and an English-Irish father. Her mother, a lover of American jazz music, named her after the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. At the age of 12, Ella moved with her mother to New York City when her mother took on a teaching job there. The transition to life in New York was challenging for Ella, as she was often bullied for her accent. She graduated from Queens High School of Teaching in Glen Oaks, Queens, before returning to England at 17.
Education and Early Career
Upon returning to London, Ella enrolled at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM London) in 2014,
where she studied music. During her time there, she competed on the 11th series of The X Factor as part of a trio named ‘Arize,’ but the group did not advance beyond the initial audition. Following the group’s disbandment, Ella focused on her solo career.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Discovery and Early Releases
In 2015, Ella uploaded a four-track solo EP titled Troubled to SoundCloud, which garnered attention online. She was subsequently discovered on Instagram by American hip hop producer DJ Mustard, leading to a signing with his label, 10 Summers Records, in 2016. Her debut EP, Time, was released in February 2016, featuring the single “She Don’t,” which included a collaboration with Ty Dolla Sign. She followed this with two more EPs, Change (November 2016) and Ready (February 2017), with “Boo’d Up” featured on the latter. The song gained popularity on social media and in nightclubs, propelling Ella into the spotlight.
Debut Album: Ella Mai (2018)
Ella’s self-titled debut album, Ella Mai, was released on October 12, 2018, under 10 Summers and Interscope Records. The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. It featured hit singles such as “Boo’d Up,” “Trip,” and “Naked.” “Boo’d Up” became a breakout success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Ella her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2019. The album’s success solidified her position in the R&B genre.
Sophomore Album: Heart on My Sleeve (2022)
Ella’s second studio album, Heart on My Sleeve, was released on May 6, 2022. The album featured collaborations with artists like Latto, Roddy Ricch, and Lucky Daye. It was executive-produced by DJ Mustard and Meko Yohannes. The album received positive reviews and showcased Ella’s growth as an artist. Singles such as “Not Another Love Song” and “DFMU” continued her exploration of themes of love and vulnerability.
Awards and Recognition
Ella Mai has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including:
- Grammy Awards (2019): Best R&B Song for “Boo’d Up”
- American Music Awards (2019): New Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B
- Billboard Music Awards (2019): Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Female Artist, Top R&B Song for “Boo’d Up”
- iHeartRadio Music Awards (2019): R&B Artist of the Year, R&B Song of the Year for “Boo’d Up”
- NAACP Image Awards (2019): Outstanding New Artist
- Brit Awards (2019): Best Breakthrough Act
These awards reflect her impact on the R&B genre and her widespread recognition in the music industry.
Personal Life
In 2024, Ella Mai announced that she was expecting her first child with NBA player Jayson Tatum. The couple had been romantically linked since 2019, maintaining a low-profile relationship. They made their first public appearance together in 2022 at Michael Rubin’s annual Fourth of July White Party in the Hamptons. Ella revealed her baby bump during celebrations following the Boston Celtics’ 18th NBA championship victory in June 2024.
Artistic Influence and Style
Ella Mai’s music is characterized by its soulful vocals and relatable songwriting, often exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. Her influences include artists like Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, and Alicia Keys. Critics have praised her ability to blend contemporary R&B with classic influences, creating a sound that resonates with a wide audience.
Discography
- Studio Albums:
- Ella Mai (2018)
- Heart on My Sleeve (2022)
- Notable Singles:
- “Boo’d Up”
- “Trip”
- “Naked”
- “Not Another Love Song”
- “DFMU”
Conclusion
Ella Mai’s journey from a young aspiring artist in London to a Grammy Award-winning R&B sensation is a testament to her talent and perseverance. Her music continues to inspire and connect with listeners worldwide, and her influence on the R&B genre remains significant.
