Emerging R&B singer-songwriter TheARTI$t is proving that purpose has no limits. And sometimes, getting fired is divine intervention. The Newark-born artist, who once spent her days teaching preschool, now commands sold-out stages across the country with her raw vocals and emotional storytelling. Her journey from the classroom to the spotlight is one of courage, faith, and relentless drive. It’s a testament to what happens when passion meets divine timing.
“I loved teaching, but when I lost my job, I knew it was a sign from God,” she recalls. “I had nothing but time, so I poured everything into music.” That leap of faith led to her breakout single “Sober,” which skyrocketed to millions of streams and positioned her as one of R&B’s most compelling new voices.
Her latest EP, Who I Am, builds on that breakthrough. Moreover, it’s a vulnerable body of work that captures both her personal evolution and her creative mastery. Tracks like “Ghost” and “Darling” showcase her range, from live instrumentation and storytelling to the emotional clarity that comes from heartbreak.
Now, TheARTI$t is heading on her first headlining tour, which kicked off with a sold-out show in Dallas.
Her artistry has already caught the attention of icons like Snoop Dogg, Maxwell, Queen Latifah, Jermaine Dupri, and Raphael Saadiq, the latter reminding her that “the job is never done.”
TheARTI$t continues to add her own voice to the continuum of resilience and creativity shaped by her city’s musical greats. “It’s not about numbers,” she says. “It’s about the art. If you’re going to put something out, it better mean something.”
Interview with TheARTI$t
Remixd Magazine: I’d love to talk a little bit about your background. I know you went from being a preschool teacher in Newark to now touring the country as an R&B artist. Can you walk me through that transition and what gave you the courage to take that leap?
TheARTI$t: I love kids and the youth. I feel like I’ll always be involved with them no matter how big I get in music. The transition was actually simple. I got fired from my job, and honestly, I was waiting for a sign to give my all. Once that happened, I had nothing but time. So I stayed in the studio and took every opportunity that came my way. Performances, interviews, traveling, learning from different producers, artists, and writers. Getting fired was really that sign from God to put my foot on the gas.
Absolutely. It’s hard for artists to even get traction these days. What was that moment when you realized things were changing for you?
When I did my first headlining tour last May. Dallas was the first stop. I’d never been there before, and the show was sold out. I didn’t know until we got there because my team didn’t tell me ticket counts; they wanted me to focus. The meet-and-greet had maybe 20 people, but when it was showtime, I saw the crowd and thought, “No way.” The venue let people watch from outside, and I was waiting in the car before going on, just watching everyone. It was surreal. They even threw me a listening party and had someone painting my face. To see that kind of love in Texas, so far from where I’m from, was incredible. That’s when I realized things were changing.
Meaningful feedback
On top of that fan feedback, you’ve also gotten major co-signs from legends like Snoop Dogg, Maxwell, and Queen Latifah. What’s been the most meaningful advice or feedback you’ve gotten?
Honestly, Raphael Saadiq told me the job is never done. People get too comfortable and start chasing numbers, but it was never about numbers. it’s about the art. If you’re going to put something out, it better be worth something. Then Jermaine Dupri’s advice was more about work ethic. He’d be in the studio from 6 a.m. to midnight, every day, for days straight. I asked him why, and he said, “Why not?” That stuck with me. Those two definitely left a mark on my heart.
I love that. Those little moments really stick with you. Your music feels very intimate and cinematic. Who I Am feels like your most authentic project. What inspired it, and what do you want people to feel when they listen from start to finish?
I was in a space where I felt like people were playing with me, so I wanted to show what I could really do. How far I could push myself sonically and creatively. The production, the storytelling, how I used my voice. It was all about growth and letting people know who I am. I want listeners to walk away thinking, “Oh, she’s not to be played with.”
Songwriting process
What’s your approach to songwriting? Do lyrics come first, melodies, or topics?
It changes, but usually melodies come first. If I’m home just listening to beats, it starts with the topic. Like, “This beat makes me want to talk about this.” It depends on the mood.
Is there a standout track on this project that was easiest to make?
Two: “Ghost” and “Darling.” “Ghost” was easy because the energy in the room was crazy. I worked with a few writers and a big production group. Every instrument except the drums was played live. It just flowed. The story came from someone on my team who got ghosted, so I took their story and ran with it. “Darling” was easy because it came from real heartbreak. I made that song in the exact moment I felt it.
Is it easy for you now to write about vulnerable moments like that?
It used to be hard, but I saw the impact it had. Now it’s easier because I stopped fighting the truth and just accepted what was happening around me. That made it easier to talk about.
What’s next?
Where do you see things evolving after the tour and this project?
My vision is to go bigger, in every way. Fashion, music, visuals. I’m dropping a song next Friday called “I Need You,” and another before the end of the year. I’m already planning for next year and preparing for my first headliner show in London in March. I also have a shoe collab coming. My first loafer, dropping around January or February. Hopefully that opens more doors, because I really just love art.
I love that. It’s great to see everything creative manifesting for you. Before we wrap up, do you have a message you’d like to share with the people?
I just want to tell people to keep pushing. Don’t get discouraged, it’s not always going to be easy, but it’s worth it. You just have to keep going.
Stream ‘Who I Am’ below and connect with TheARTI$t on IG.
