Jayye Michael, son of legendary R&B singer Coko, makes his formal introduction with his debut single “Never Be.”
On the self-penned record, produced by Mykal Curtis and vocal produced by Coko, Michael calls it quits with his partner who took advantage of his heart. While Michael put his all into a relationship, his no-good lover was creeping around.
“Me and you could never be / Why can’t you see / All the things you’ve done to me / Made it harder for me / To love someone / So baby please / Me and you could never be,” Michael sings on the chorus.
From the storytelling lyrics to Michael’s lush vocals, “Never Be” is reminiscent of a traditional R&B breakup song from the ’90s and 2000s.
Michael explained why he selected “Never Be” as his debut track. “It’s my first single choice because it was really a part of my journey to healing,” he told Urban Bridgez. “When I recorded the song I felt some weight lifted off of my shoulders. I thought it’d be a piece, everyone could both enjoy and relate to.”
Last month, the 19-year-old singer performed live for the first time at Portsmouth Pride in Portsmouth, Virginia. “My first show was a success! Thank you to everyone who came out and showed support. WE SHUT IT DOWN!!!,” he wrote in an Instagram caption.
Before that, during SWV and Xscape’s Verzuz celebration, Michael joined his mother on stage to perform her song “Sunshine” from her debut solo album, Hot Coko.
Listen to Jayye Michael’s new song “Never Be” below.