Jai'Len Josey

Jai'Len Josey is an American singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and influencer.[1] She made her Broadway debut as Pearl Krabs in Spongebob Squarepants, The Musical, in 2017. She returned to the stage in the titular role of Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at True Colors Theatre in Atlanta, GA, during select dates from June to July 2026.[2] She was signed to Hillman Grad Records,[3] the label founded by Lena Waithe, but signed to DefJam Records in March 2026.[4][5] Josey released her debut EP, Illustrations in 2020, followed by her sophomore EP, Southern Delicacy in 2023.[6] Her debut album, Serial Romantic was released in April 2026.[7] She cites Stevie Wonder as an influence.[8] As well as artists like Duke Ellington, Nina Simone, and Victoria Monét who inspired her to write “lyrics with intention.”[9] Josey was named Rock the Bells x M&M's Artists on The Rise in 2022.[10]

Early life and education

Josey grew up in Atlanta,[11] and went to Tri Cities High School in Fulton County.[12]

In 2014, Josey won a Jimmy Award[13] also known as the National High School Musical Theater Awards for B,est Performance by an Actress repre,senting the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards.[14]

Career

In 2017, Josey was cast as Pearl Krabs in Spongebob Squarepants, The Musical.[15][16][17]

Josey was co-writer on Ari Lennox's single, "Pressure" from Lennox's age/sex/location, which made Billboard's Adult R&B chart and was certified gold by RIAA, as well as "Stop By" and "Gummy."[18] In 2022, Josey and Alex Vaughn opened for Ari Lennox on Lennox's age/sex/location tour.[19] Josey's additional writing credits and vocal appearances include SZA, Babyface, Rod Wave, and Wyclef Jean.[20]

In 2025, Josey announced her upcoming debut album, Serial Romantic, executive produced by Tricky Stewart.[21] The album's first single, "New Girl," was released on April 4th, 2025, followed by "Freak" on August 29th, 2025, "Won't Force You" on October 31st, 2025, and "Housewife" on February 20th, 2026.[22][23] The album was released in its entirety on April 24th, 2026 via DefJam Records.[24][25][26]

References

  1. ↑ Cam Kirk Studios (2025-05-23). From Broadway to Beats: Jai'Len Josey's Music Journey | Studio Sessions. Retrieved 2026-03-25 – via YouTube.
  2. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  3. ↑ "Jai'Len Josey". www.hillmangrad.com. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  4. ↑ Kaufmann, Andy (2026-06-10). "Jai'Len Josey Signs With Def Jam Recordings". Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  5. ↑ Legaspi, Althea (2021-03-11). "Lena Waithe Launches New Record Label to Develop Underrepresented Artists". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  6. ↑ "Jai'Len Josey Has Us Sipping 'Good Soup' With Her Latest EP Southern Delicacy". Girls United. 2024-05-01. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  7. ↑ Mutombo, Yannick (2025-06-11). "Jai'Len Josey talks "Ghettotech" and upcoming album". SHIFTER Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  8. ↑ "Jai'Len Josey Talks Genre-Blending And What Makes This Generation Of Artists Different". Yahoo Entertainment. 2025-07-07. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  9. ↑ "Meet The 23-Year-Old Artist Who Helped Write Ari Lennox's 'Pressure'". Girls United. 2024-05-01. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  10. ↑ Roc, Fabienne (2023-12-04). Rock The Bells x M&M's present: Artists on the Rise: Jai'len Josey. Retrieved 2026-03-25 – via Vimeo.
  11. ↑ Johnson, Michaela (2020-12-07). "How Jai'Len Josey Chooses Authenticity in the Music Industry". GROWN. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  12. ↑ "Tri Cities student wins best actress at National High School Musical awards". ajc. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  13. ↑ "YouTube Spiral: Get Ready to Gasp as SpongeBob SquarePants Standout Jai'Len Christine Li Josey Sings Her Face Off | The Daily Scoop". www.broadwaybox.com. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  14. ↑ "2014 Jimmy Awards - The National High School Musical Theatre Awards". 2014 Jimmy Awards - The National High School Musical Theatre Awards. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  15. ↑ Liddicott, Sam (2026-02-15). "FEATURE: Spotlight: Jai'Len Josey". Music Musings & Such. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  16. ↑ BroadwayBox.com (2018-04-18). Broadway Bucket List: SpongeBob SquarePants Standout Jai'Len Josey Sings Her Dream Roles. Retrieved 2026-03-25 – via YouTube.
  17. ↑ "SpongeBob SquarePants Original Broadway Musical Cast 2017 | Broadway World". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  18. ↑ Elibert, Mark. "Jai'Len Josey Is Living Out Loud—And On Her Own Terms". BLEUMAG. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  19. ↑ Folk, Antwane (2022-12-10). "Alex Vaughn and Jai'Len Josey Join Ari Lennox's 'Age/Sex/Location Tour'". Rated R&B. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  20. ↑ Alper, Eric (2026-03-25). "R&B Rising Force Jai'Len Josey Signs With WME and Announces Def Jam Debut 'Serial Romantic'". That Eric Alper. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  21. ↑ Abraham, Mya (2025-09-03). "V Sessions: Jai'Len Josey Lucks Up In Love & Life With Debut Album, 'Serial Romantic'". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  22. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  23. ↑ Abraham, Mya (2025-04-04). "Ciara, Jai'Len Josey, Alex Isley And More New R&B For The Ultimate High". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
  24. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  25. ↑ YKIGS (2026-03-28). "Jai'Len Josey Shares Album Cover & Release Date For Upcoming Debut Album "Serial Romantic"". New R&B Music, Songs & Interviews | YouKnowIGotSoul.com. Retrieved 2026-04-21.
  26. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2026-04-21.
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