Jacqui, a Korean-born artist raised across continents, is rewriting the rules of neo-soul with her latest single ‘fries, bb’, released May 9, 2025, via Beeline Records. Far from the glossy K-pop mold often expected of Korean artists, she’s carved a niche in a genre rooted in African American tradition, blending it with her global perspective. Since her 2022 debut EP Birthday, she’s amassed over half a million Spotify streams, performed at SXSW Sydney and Bangkok Music City. Her music, likened to Erykah Badu and FKA Twigs, defies categorization, weaving R&B, rap, and soul into a sound that’s uniquely hers. Fresh off The Great Escape Festival stage in Brighton (15 & 16 May 2025), Jacqui stands as a testament to what happens when an artist rejects the expected and embraces the authentic.
‘fries, bb’ is a playful yet impressive snapshot of unspoken desire, born from a vivid mental image of lingering in a late-night diner to steal more time with someone special. Its slick production and flirtatious lyrics capture Jacqui’s knack for turning personal moments into universal anthems. She infuses her Korean identity not as a deliberate statement but as a natural extension of her open-minded worldview, shaped by years in South Korea, China, and the U.S. Her music sidesteps stereotypes—some listeners even assume her bold, experimental sound comes from a place of wild rebellion, a misconception she finds amusing. This single, like her broader work, challenges the idea that a Korean artist should stick to familiar pop lanes, proving groove is a universal language.
For Jacqui, breaking molds is less about defiance and more about self-discovery. Her journey—from shedding an old stage name to pouring her deepest emotions into her 2024 album Dirty Mirror Selfie—reflects a commitment to vulnerability over conformity. She’s faced skepticism, with some fans longing for her earlier, less “aggressive” sound, yet she sees such feedback as fuel for growth. As she explores new genres like electronica and rock, inspired by recent UK sessions, Jacqui remains driven by a simple yet profound mission: to be fully present in her art. In a world that loves boxes, she’s crafting a legacy of freedom, inviting listeners to embrace their own contradictions through her music.
Stream ‘fries, bb’: HERE
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