Yaya Bey
I first discovered Yaya Bey's music through Apple Music, which suggested her as a related artist while exploring music on iTunes. It was the early days of summer in 2022 when her album officially dropped in June. I recall hearing a single and eagerly anticipating the full release. As soon as it became available, I hit play without hesitation. Yaya Bey's tone, lyrics, and overall vibe on her album covers perfectly captured the essence of cultural heritage preservation. With a durag adorning her crown and clad in cozy loungewear, she exuded regal poise and relaxed comfort.
‘Remember Your North Star’ continues Bey’s personal and artistic evolution as she strives to be a soundboard for Black women everywhere.
[released June 17, 2022]
Yaya Bey’s lyrics immediately captivated me, drawing me into her world. The entirety of "Remember Your North Star" embodied everything I cherish about music: a blend of hip hop, soul, love songs, R&B, and interludes that invite reflection and anticipation for what comes next. The audio seemed to transport listeners into the studio, offering a glimpse into the creative process alongside Yaya Bey. Enthralled by the experience, I eagerly shared the album and its tracks with friends and strangers.
Among the standout tracks, "Reprise" struck a chord with its poignant storytelling and heartfelt homage to her parents, including the late Granddaddy I.U. Lines like "I called my mama for the first time in 10 years / Think about it, I ain't call my mom in fucking 10 years / Living with my big girl panties" resonated deeply. Additionally, Yaya's soul-stirring verse, "There's a window in time / When my daddy loved my mama / And for that, I'm alive / And for that I'm a gem / I'm the only place that keeps a certain version of them / And everything that it's been," exemplified true cultural preservation.
