Words by Kacie Bautista
Not gonna lie, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque’s newest EP is a refreshing gem that brings back the nostalgic R&B, pop and hip-hop sounds of the early 2000s. Titled “NGL,” JoJo announced the release of her EP, which was “inspired by the energy of living in a new city and being truly unattached for the first time.” Her use of upbeat and rhythmic dance sounds in this project is an instant mood-lifter, and her lyrics, which tells a story of growth, self-love and moving on, will leave you feeling empowered.
The 34-year-old R&B-pop singer is no novice in the music industry. JoJo has been making music since 2003 with the release of her hit debut single, “Leave (Get Out),” which featured on her first studio album, JoJo, in 2004. In 2006, another album, The High Road was released, which included “her second massive hit, ‘Too Little Too Late.’” Throughout her music career, JoJo also collaborated with renowned singers like Alessia Cara, Wiz Khalifa and Tori Kelly. She also featured on the original soundtrack for Lisa Frankenstein with the song, “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” But JoJo is not only known for her impressive vocal acrobatics and musical talent—she is also a New York Times bestselling author of her memoir, Over The Influence, has starred in the movies, Aquamarine and RV, and appeared in the Broadway musical, Moulin Rouge!
Now, with the release of her latest EP, “NGL,” JoJo is getting ready for her Too Much To Say Tour, beginning on February 22 at her first city in Nashville, TN. It’s been some time since we’ve received a full project from JoJo, her last album having been released in 2020. In a social media post about her EP, JoJo writes, “It felt like the time to do something with the rollercoaster of emotions and make some music. My journey to self-love has looked a lot of different ways and it’s had plenty of starts, stops, twists and turns.” “NGL,” explores themes of healing, self-love and independence in the songs, “Nobody,” “Too Much to Say” and “Porcelain.” She also writes about learning how to let go and move on from past relationships in “Ready to Love,” “Start Over” and “One Last Time.” Whether you’ve had these same experiences or felt similarly in different situations, this EP is here to celebrate your wins and resiliency in the face of life’s adversities. “NGL, I’m just out here,” JoJo says. “ Finding my way.”
Loudspeaker Collective 