Jessie Reyez emerged as a powerful and raw voice in contemporary R&B, known for her emotionally charged songwriting and distinctive vocal delivery. Born Jessica Reyez on June 12, 1991, in Toronto, Ontario, to Colombian parents, her multicultural upbringing in the city's diverse neighborhoods deeply influenced her artistic perspective. She began writing songs as a teenager and, after a pivotal move to Florida to attend college, she dedicated herself to music, eventually returning to Toronto to pursue her career in earnest.

Her breakthrough arrived in 2016 with the release of the stark and haunting single "Figures." The song's visceral portrayal of heartbreak resonated widely, peaking at number 58 on the Canadian Hot 100 and eventually earning multi-platinum certifications in both Canada and the United States. This success set the stage for her debut EP, Kiddo, in 2017, which showcased her gritty storytelling and led to her winning the Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2018. Reyez further solidified her place in the industry with her second EP, Being Human in Public, in 2018, which won the Juno for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year and later received a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

Beyond her own acclaimed projects, Reyez established herself as a formidable songwriter for other major artists. She notably co-wrote the global smash "One Kiss" for Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa, and has penned songs for Kehlani and Normani. Her high-profile collaborations also include multiple features with Eminem, appearing on his albums Kamikaze and Music to Be Murdered By, which introduced her fierce talent to an even broader audience. She earned another Juno Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year in 2020 for her collaborative single "Feel It Too" with Tory Lanez and Tainy.

Reyez delivered her highly anticipated debut studio album, Before Love Came to Kill Us, in March 2020. The project was met with widespread critical acclaim for its cinematic scope and unflinching exploration of love and trauma, debuting at number 13 on the US Billboard 200. She continues to be a compelling and respected figure in music, celebrated for her authenticity and her ability to translate profound personal experience into universally resonant art.