In Rotation: Genia

Four years ago, Genia was working a 9-5 at a Victorville Walmart and studying for a nursing degree. When the pandemic hit, she started posting clips online to blow off steam. One of those was a cover of Deborah Cox’s "Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here." Hitting those specific 1998 high notes on a phone camera is a bold move, but she nailed it, went viral, and effectively charted a completely new life path. Now 23 and inked to Def Jam, the California native is dropping some of the most replayable R&B out right now. "Miss Your Touch" is the track that’s been living in my headphones all week. It starts sparse, letting her vocal carry the melody while the kick drum anchors the groove. The industry is clearly paying attention to the momentum. "Miss Your Touch" just cracked the top 5 on Spotify's YAMS playlist and hit New Music Friday, while Apple Music slotted it right into Breaking R&B. Another joint, "Hot," is sitting at number two on YAMS right now. It takes a lot to break through the noise right now, but Genia is doing it by trusting her raw vocal talent over heavy processing. She writes about heartbreak but delivers the lines with a tough, unapologetic edge. We are watching a star build her foundation in real-time. Hit play below.