Shaquala Jackson, or the artist formerly known as TXS, released her debut “Everything is Bigger” a little over a year ago on Valentine’s Day. These days she’s going by Nevaeh (@_Iamnevaeh) on Instagram, and she’s still teasing us with the vocals we’ve fallen in love with. After being discovered by Super Producer Rico Love and reportedly signing to his label, it looks like she’s parted ways with her former mentor, and I’m eager to see what she’ll sound like without him.
I’m not sure how exactly I came across her music, but when I did, I immediately began looking for everything she’d ever sung. Nevaeh has a smooth effortless tone to her voice. I guess the genre she’d be placed in would be R&B, but I don’t want to box her in and I’ve only heard one project from her. Unlike many of her counterparts where we’re forced to try to figure out whether they can actually sing or if we’re being fooled by some kind of studio magic; Nevaeh offers plenty of proof that she can SANG. Her level of vocal control and airiness is very similar to that of Brandy’s. Her lyricism, relatability, and ability to curse you out in song and still make it sound amazing is reminiscent of Teedra Moses. I’m not sure if ‘Everything is Bigger’ is considered a mixtape, album, or “project”, but I want another one…Now. The standouts were; Big Girl, Destroyed, I Wonder, and my favorite; Do Good. I know Rico Love is an amazing writer/producer, but I want to know if Nevaeh writes her own songs or if that came from Rico, because that is something that sets her apart from her peers. I think what captured me the most in the songs listed below is that the lyrics mean something, are understandable, and are relatable.
§ Big Girl- The most realistic description of a breakup I’ve ever heard. She declares “Don’t do me no favors, oh, I’m a big girl I can handle it.” “And I never said that I might not want to call you late night”. We’ve all been there after a devastating break-up, wanting to call our ex if for nothing but the pure nostalgia.
§ Destroyed- early 90’s R&B production, “I don’t want to self-destruct, I’d rather be destroyed”. “I don’t deserve the things you put me through, I could be adored by someone new but I’d rather be destroyed by you”. I can’t necessarily relate to the lyrics of this song, but I can relate to the pain and emotion I hear in her voice.
§ I Wonder- The production of this track perfectly showcases Nevaeh’s airy tone, which easily transitions into a full-out belting session where she finds herself questioning why her man has decided to betray her. “Took another flight out of town last night, and I wonder wonder who you’re gonna see” “Bet she’s lying there in your hotel bedroom, no wonder wonder you ain’t calling me” Oh here I go calling your mama them, you know she ain’t gon’ lie for you”. Being in love, we’ve all been vulnerable, but having to question whether your significant other is cheating has got to be heart-wrenching.
§ Do Good-“I hope you do good, my nigga’, I hope to find you in love, I hope you do better with her, I hope it’s better than us, I hope you don’t find another crazy one, cuz Lord knows that I was, I hope you do good my nigga’ cuz my good, wasn’t good enough”. Wishing the man you loved well after breaking up and realizing that everything you did wasn’t good enough. I know this feeling and I feel seen.
For some reason; Don’t Tempt Me, Understand Me, and Catchin’ Feelings sounded too much like Rico Love for me. I adore Rico as a producer, not necessarily as an artist. Be sure to check out her IG page to catch her videos. She’s covered ‘This Woman’s Worth’ (Maxwell Cover) ‘Ex-Factor’ (Lauren Hill Cover) and much more. She also does this thing that I like where she will SING her face off while only showing her throat. Not sure if that is something all the new singers do for social media but I love it. I know she’s working and I am looking forward to anything she releases. Go check her out on all streaming platforms and YouTube. Tell her that I sent you.
T.Nicole