With fearless grit, Reyez takes risks like her sheroes. Lauryn Hill–two pivotal artists who Jessie Reyez looks to for inspiration. These steps would also go on to enlighten artists like Amy Winehouse and Ms. Sheila E.’s vital percussions not only inspired Prince but are also infused into the tracks by Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross, and Lionel Richie. The release of their tender, 1986 ballad “All Cried Out” would go on to be sampled by R&B quartet Allure in 1997. Lisa Velez, known for her groundbreaking group Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam in the 1980s, released songs like “I Wonder If I Take You Home” (1985) and “From Head to Toe” (1987) in a time where Latinas were expected to sing in Spanish or constantly keep the party going with 120 bpm tunes. Women of Latinx descent have always been entwined in soul music. Despite losing to Lizzo, Jessie’s voice in R&B had finally been heard. The project, featuring sobering tracks like “F**k Being Friends” and “Sola,” earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards. With the release of her EP Being Human In Public in late 2018, Reyez began to align herself with other fearless women in the game like Kehlani and Normani. Jessie’s resilience paired with her unparalleled voice has kept her shining in R&B.