Ella Mai stars in Foot Locker and New Balance ad
Ella Mai is proving that evolution in the spotlight can be graceful, grounded, and glowing. Over the past year, the Grammy-winning R&B artist has stepped into new chapters of her life—personally and professionally. From welcoming her first child with NBA star Jayson Tatum to surprising fans with a fresh EP and starring in major brand campaigns, she’s moving with confidence and calm assurance.
Now, fans and critics alike are wondering: is a third studio album finally on the horizon? All signs point to yes. But before we get there, let’s explore what’s been happening in Ella Mai’s world and why it matters.
The ‘3’ EP: A Symbolic Return to the Spotlight
On November 3, 2024, Ella Mai marked her 30th birthday with the release of 3—a three-track EP that may be short in length but rich in emotional texture. The project came as a surprise drop and immediately grabbed attention not just for its sound, but its significance.
Why 3? The number plays a recurring role in Ella’s life. Born on 11/3, it’s part of her birthdate. The EP has three songs. And perhaps most telling—both she and Jayson Tatum got matching “3” tattoos shortly after welcoming their first child.
The songs on 3 feel more intimate than some of her earlier work, capturing moments of vulnerability, clarity, and contentment.
Her Journey: From ‘Boo’d Up’ to R&B Mainstay
To appreciate where Ella Mai is today, it’s important to remember where she started. Born in London and named after jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, Mai moved to New York City as a child before returning to England for high school. Her career took off after being discovered on Instagram by DJ Mustard in 2015, who later signed her to 10 Summers Records.
Her 2018 breakout single “Boo’d Up” became a cultural phenomenon, leading to a Grammy win for Best R&B Song in 2019. That debut album was packed with hits, blending modern production with throwback ‘90s soul. She followed up with Heart On My Sleeve in 2022, a more introspective and refined project that debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200.
With every release, Ella Mai has managed to do what many artists struggle with—grow while staying true to her signature sound.
A New Chapter: Motherhood and Private Joy
In 2024, Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum welcomed their first child. While the couple remains famously private, their presence together is often felt in subtle, meaningful ways.
When Tatum helped Team USA win gold at the Paris Olympics, Mai was seen in celebratory photos with him and their child. The matching “3” tattoos the couple revealed soon after only deepened the connection between her personal life and recent musical release.
Motherhood has clearly added a new dimension to Ella’s identity. Though she hasn’t directly discussed it in interviews yet, her social media reflects a woman deeply content, in love, and grounded.
This kind of evolution is rare in an industry that often pressures women—especially R&B artists—to constantly reinvent or dramatize. Ella is doing things on her own terms, and it’s refreshing.
Style on Her Terms: The Foot Locker x New Balance Campaign
Style on Her Terms: The Foot Locker x New Balance Campaign
In early 2025, Ella Mai stepped into the fashion world in a new way. She was tapped to headline Foot Locker’s “Stay In Rotation” campaign, alongside New Balance.
Wearing a clean, white long-sleeve shirt and classic New Balance sneakers, Mai brought her understated, elegant vibe to the forefront. The campaign emphasized individuality, consistency, and self-confidence—qualities fans often associate with her.
She told media outlets that style to her means being comfortable and authentic—values that align with New Balance’s branding and Foot Locker’s “Stay True” ethos.
This isn’t Ella’s first brush with fashion, but it may be the most on-brand. She’s not trying to be the loudest in the room—she’s just walking through it with quiet confidence.
Fans Want an Album—and Soon
Although 3 offered a satisfying mini-return, many fans are ready for a full-length album. Ella Mai hasn’t released a studio LP since Heart On My Sleeve in May 2022, which featured collaborations with Latto, Roddy Ricch, and Lucky Daye.
The album performed well and showed her growth, but it’s been almost three years. And in music, that’s a long time.
The good news? In a recent interview with Essence, she hinted that she’s actively working on new material. She didn’t give a timeline—but said the project will reflect where she is in life now.
Given the emotional tone of 3 and her recent milestones, fans can likely expect her most personal album to date.
Ella Mai’s Impact on Modern R&B
One of the reasons Ella Mai continues to resonate is her ability to blend the past and present. Her sound evokes the smooth grooves of ‘90s R&B icons like Brandy and Monica, while still feeling fresh and current.
She doesn’t chase trends. She refines them.
Artists like Summer Walker, H.E.R., and SZA have helped redefine the R&B landscape in recent years. Ella Mai, with her London roots and Mustard’s West Coast influence, adds a global layer to the genre.
Her music explores themes of love, trust, and emotional resilience—all universal topics that feel especially relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
And while she may not post daily or dominate headlines with drama, her consistency and class have carved out a lasting lane.
What’s Next for Ella Mai?
Here’s what we can expect from Ella Mai in the near future:
- A likely album release in late 2025 or early 2026
- Continued brand partnerships—potentially in lifestyle or wellness
- More public appearances with Jayson Tatum as their family life settles
- Possibly a tour or live performances once the album drops
But above all, fans can expect authenticity. That’s the through-line in all her work—from Boo’d Up to 3, from Grammys to sneaker campaigns.
Ella Mai, Evolving Beautifully
In an era where hype often outweighs talent, Ella Mai is a refreshing reminder that growth can be subtle, powerful, and deeply inspiring. Her latest chapter—as an artist, a mother, and a muse—proves that R&B’s leading ladies can do it all.
With 3, she gave us a taste. Now, we’re ready for the full meal.