Embarking on a new chapter, Dancehall sensation Jada Kingdom is transitioning from label-signed artist to independent musician, parting ways with Republic Records just two short years after her initial contract.
“Now standing as a fully independent artist, I am no longer bound by a label,” declared the ‘WiN’ hitmaker in a recent conversation with TEEN VOGUE.
Her record deal in 2021, a collaboration between Republic Records and Money Well Spent, was heralded as the most substantial contract ever for a female Caribbean artist. Facilitated by her ex-boyfriend, Verse Simmonds, this partnership stationed Kingdom on the same New York-based label as renowned artists like Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, and Ariana Grande.
However, this partnership was dissolved in 2022, and Kingdom expressed her longing for more creative liberty and authority over her music.
“The situation felt alienating, and things were out of sync. I yearn to regain control of my career and preserve my personal identity. It’s going to be challenging without a massive support system, but I am resolved to stay true to myself,” she revealed.
While various new recording contracts have been proposed, Kingdom currently plans to abstain from entering into another agreement with a label.
In 2021, she introduced Marc Jordan as her new manager and revealed a new management team from Wide Eye Entertainment. However, whether this arrangement is still in place remains a mystery.
Before her stint with Republic, Kingdom had a strained exit from her previous manager at Pop Style Music, resulting in a defamation lawsuit. Amid this turbulent period in early 2021, she informed fans not to anticipate any new releases that year, citing an unsupportive team as the reason.
Despite the unexpected decision to split from Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group, Kingdom appears unfazed. In her view, this step is integral to her journey of maintaining her genuine musical expression and progressing as an artist.
“In my musical journey, I’ve encountered individuals who betrayed me and made my career path more challenging than it should be. I feel as if I haven’t yet unlocked my full potential. I’m a wonderful person,” shared Kingdom, born Jada Ashanti Murphy.
During her tenure at Republic Records, Kingdom unveiled her debut single “Jungle” in October 2021, followed by her 2022 EP “New Motion,” which included hits like “Dickmatized,” “Last Night,” “Fling It Back,” and “Next Time.”
Her final track with Republic, “GPP,” was released in the summer of 2022 and has already accrued nearly 9 million views on YouTube.
Kingdom’s discography also includes collaborations like “On My Way (OMW)” with Scrptiid, which ascended to the Billboard World Digital Singles Chart, and “Speak In Tongues” with John Legend, featured on his self-titled album.
Her latest track, “Turn Me On,” a collaboration with 9nine and produced by Rvssian, debuted under the latter’s Rich Immigrants imprint.
While experiencing these changes, Kingdom reassures her fans that she’s still planning to release her debut album—TWINKLE.
Although keeping the details under wraps, she teased TEEN VOGUE by describing the album as a “beautiful compilation of work” that truly encapsulates her essence.
Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, The Manhattans, The Temptations, Diana King, Spice, and Vybz Kartel are among the artists who have inspired her music. Yet, despite these diverse influences, she’s committed to maintaining her unique sound.
“I aim to weave all of my influences into one coherent piece. I may experiment with a jazzy beat,