
We first heard from Pretti Emage (pronounced Pretty Image) in July of last year upon the release of her single “First Place“. That track introduced The Static Dive readers to Zayah ‘Baby Girl’ Riley. At just 20 years-old, the multitalented singer, rapper and songwriter from Tampa, Florida is already a veteran recording artist and performer.
She made her debut in 2016 with the single “Fame (Ready for the World)”. Back then she performed as a duo with her sister Jaleesah. The duo released six singles, three EPs and a full length album together. In 2021, Zayah rebranded Pretti Emage as a solo act.
“Sincerely, Baby Girl” is the brand new album from Pretti Emage, released worldwide via all major streaming services on December 16, 2022. Throughout the course of the 10-track set, Zayah raps and sings through the many phases of young love and self-discovery. The versatile singer tells her tale with a mix of soulful vibes, hard beats, and infectious pop hooks.
We roll with Pretti Emage through the good times with sexy downtempo trap tracks like “Touch Me” and “Addicted”. And we get the otherside on heartbreaker relationship post-mortem slow-jams like “How Would You Feel” and “Makeup to Breakup”. The singer emerges from these trials a self-assured and empowered woman on defiant hip-hop anthems like “First Place” and “By Any Means”.
Musically the record is a rich mix of modern and old-school styles. Pretti Emage drops a 90s-style lyrical freestyle on the album’s boom-bap title track. Elsewhere, tracks like “I Was There For You” add classic r&b vibe. The sultry “Fantasy” pairs some smooth jazz guitar with a chill lo-fi beat, while “Letter to Myself” offers an inspirational message of self-empowerment over a catchy pop groove.
Check out the “First Place” video below. You can also hear that track on the Deep Indie Beat playlist, and “Letter to Myself” on the Deep Indie Dive. Or listen to the entire Sincerely, Baby Girl album on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with Pretti Emage.