Jae Stephens

Jae Stephens
Background information
Born
Jordan Stephens

(1997-07-18) July 18, 1997
Dallas, Texas, US
OriginLos Angeles, California
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
InstrumentVocals
Years active2017–present
Labels

Jordan Stephens (born 18 July 1997), known professionally as Jae Stephens, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer of R&B and pop music. Originally from Dallas, Texas, and raised in Pasadena, California, she initially gained popularity on the microblogging platform Tumblr before launching her music career professionally. She is known for her musical style which blends 2000s R&B nostalgia with futuristic pop elements.[1]

Stephens has garnered recognition for her EPs f**k it i'll do it myself (2019), High My Name Is (2022), and the SELLOUT series (2024–2025). Beyond her solo career, she is a noted songwriter, having penned tracks for artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Normani, Latto, and Sinéad Harnett.[2]

Early life

Stephens was born on 18 July 1997 in Dallas, Texas. At the age of six, her family moved to Pasadena, California, where she grew up in an artistic environment.[3] She attended a performing arts high school, taking classes in singing, dance, and acting.

During her teenage years, she built a significant following on Tumblr under the username "beyoncebeytwice," accumulating over 200,000 followers. On this platform, she shared song covers, life updates, and humorous content, laying the groundwork for her future career in entertainment.[4]

Career

2017–2021: Beginnings and f**k it i'll do it myself

Stephens released her debut single "24K" in 2017, which received attention from outlets such as The Fader. The following year, Jae was featured on the track "3AM" alongside Baauer and AJ Tracey. In 2019, unsatisfied with waiting for external opportunities, she decided to self-produce and write her first EP titled f**k it i'll do it myself. The project included the single "Got It Like That," which became an anthem of empowerment and independence.[5] During this period, she also collaborated with artists such as THEY. and VanJess.

2022–2023: Signing with Raedio and High My Name Is

Following a brief hiatus, Stephens participated in and won the creator campaign for Raedio, the record label founded by Issa Rae.[6] This led to a joint signing with Raedio and Def Jam Recordings. In 2022, she released the EP High My Name Is, marking her official return and presenting a more polished sound with singles like "What's A Monday".[7]

2024–present: SELLOUT era and commercial success

In 2024, Stephens began a new era with the release of her EP SELLOUT, adopting an aesthetic inspired by 2000s pop and challenging stereotypes surrounding Black women in the pop genre. The project included viral hits such as "Body Favors", "WET" and "Boyfriend Forever".[8]

Her success continued into 2025 with the sequel SELLOUT II, released in the summer, followed by the compilation album TOTAL SELLOUT in November of that year. During this period, Stephens served as the opening act for British group FLO on their North American tour and performed on Saturday Night Live alongside Khalid.[9]

Artistry and influences

Stephens describes her music as a fusion of "futuristic R&B pop." She cites Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Brandy, and Mariah Carey as her primary vocal and artistic influences. She has openly expressed her desire to occupy spaces traditionally limited for Black women in pop music, advocating for the creative freedom to be "mainstream" without losing authenticity.[10] Stephens often tackle themes of relationships and love from a female perspective; keeping her options open on songs like ‘SMH’ and giving up on love too easily on her song ‘Choosy’. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Stephens said she has been told she "writes about men like they’re disposable".[11]

Discography

Albums and compilations

  • TOTAL SELLOUT (2025)

Extended plays

  • f**k it i'll do it myself (2019)
  • High My Name Is (2022)
  • SELLOUT (2024)
  • SELLOUT II (2025)

Selected singles

  • "24K" (2017)
  • "Headlights" (2018)
  • "Got It Like That" (2019)
  • "What's A Monday" (2022)
  • "WET" (2024)
  • "Girls Don't Cheat" (2024)
  • "Body Favors" (2024)
  • "SMH" (2025)
  • "Kiss It" (2025)
  • "Afterbody" (2025)
  • "Boyfriend Forever" (2025)
  • "Freakie" (2025)

Songwriting credits

In addition to her own music, Jae Stephens has co-written songs for other artists, including:[12]

References

  1. ^ "Jae Stephens | The FADER". The FADER. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  2. ^ "Credits for Jae Stephens". Tidal. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  3. ^ "Room For Both: Jae Stephens Interviewed". Clash Magazine. August 22, 2025. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  4. ^ "Dashboard Confessions: Jae Stephens". Yap Year. May 1, 2025. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  5. ^ "This New Single Is A Celebration Of Doing Things Your Own Way". NYLON. April 30, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  6. ^ RAEDIO (2022-07-25). Introducing Jae Stephens from Raedio's Creators Program. Retrieved January 16, 2026 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ "Jae Stephens – Raedio". The Raedio. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  8. ^ "JAE STEPHENS: INTERVIEW". Unclear Magazine. January 18, 2025. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  9. ^ "Stan Twitter Was Right About Jae Stephens – sellout ii". RANGE. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  10. ^ "Jae Stephens Talks Pharrell Dreams, Black Pop Stars, and Her New Era with 'SELLOUT'". BET. September 27, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  11. ^ "The 2025 Pop Girl Guide to Dating". Rolling Stone. December 15, 2025.
  12. ^ "Jae Stephens credits". Music on TIDAL. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
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