{"id":33734,"date":"2022-03-28T19:00:10","date_gmt":"2022-03-28T19:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traklife.com\/featured\/artist-spotlight-summer-walker\/"},"modified":"2023-09-16T21:05:56","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T21:05:56","slug":"artist-spotlight-summer-walker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traklife.com\/culture\/artist-spotlight-summer-walker\/","title":{"rendered":"Artist Spotlight: Summer Walker"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a young independent artist, I am constantly exploring new music in the alternative pop and R&B genres for personal inspiration in my original work. Artists like Jhen\u00e9 Aiko, SZA, Kali Uchis, Ella Mai, Jorja Smith, Daniel Caesar, and countless others frequently show up on my playlists with fresh, experimental sounds and a wide range of stylistic elements.<\/p>\n

One young artist currently taking the R&B and hip hop world by storm is Summer Walker. Her latest album, Still Over It<\/em>, debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 in November 2021 and features guest appearances by Cardi B, Pharrell Williams, Ari Lennox, Ciara, Omarion, SZA, Lil Durk, and JT from City Girls. In four short years, Summer Walker went from unknown SoundCloud singer to acquiring the highest-charting R&B album by a female artist since Beyonc\u00e9\u2019s Lemonade<\/em> in 2016.<\/p>\n

Who is the powerhouse vocalist behind her newfound success, and what sets her apart from the crowd of other young, new school R&B princesses?<\/p>\n

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Prince Williams \/ WireImage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, Summer found inspiration in the music of Erykah Badu, Jimi Hendrix, and Amy Winehouse. Her music career began to take off in 2018 with the release of her single, \u201cSession 32,\u201d on SoundCloud.<\/p>\n

In 2019, Summer achieved more fame with the successful single \u201cPlaying Games\u201d featuring Bryson Tiller, which was released to promote Summer\u2019s album Over It.<\/em> The song samples lyrics from Destiny\u2019s Child\u2019s massive 1999 hit \u201cSay My Name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still Over It<\/em> is a direct sequel to Over It, <\/em>and it is considered a concept album that follows Summer\u2019s turbulent relationship with producer London on da Track before, during, and after their pregnancy. Singles released to promote the album include \u201cEx For a Reason\u201d and \u201cNo Love.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Rich Fury \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When speaking to Apple Music<\/a> about the significance of Still Over It<\/em>, Summer asserted, \u201cTake this opportunity to learn from my mistakes. You don\u2019t have to guess if something is love. Love is shown through actions. Stop making excuses for people who don\u2019t show up for you. Don\u2019t ignore the red flags. And don\u2019t think you have to stay somewhere \u2018cause you can\u2019t find better \u2013 you can and you will. Don\u2019t settle for less.”<\/p>\n

Most recently, Summer announced via her Instagram<\/a> account that an extended version and music video of her recent single, \u201cNo Love,\u201d featuring SZA and Cardi B will be released on Friday, March 25. <\/p>\n

Listen below to Summer Walker’s latest album, Still Over It.<\/em><\/p>\n