Junii is a Detroit-born hip hop artist and singer who awed us back in 2023 thanks to her single "Break You Off". Fast-forward to today, that awe has multiplied numerous times thanks to her brand new, unconventional drop called "jinx!/weplayedthegame". It is a track, but it is actually two separate energies morphed into a sonic vessel that will blow your mind.
The release is a 2-song combo (sort of), weaving together futuristic hard-hitting rap energy with razor-sharp lyricism ("jinx!") and soulful, contemporary homage to forward-thinking alt r&b/hip hop ("weplayedthegame"). Besides love for Junii's insane skill, love goes out to two absolute legends - producers CJ (on "jinx!") & Kaelin Ellis (on "weplayedthegame"), who managed to build the perfect world for Junii's versatile skills to flourish. Both are titans on their own - CJ has worked with Samara Cyn, and Kaelin Ellis is easily one of the most creative producers/drummers of today and I've been a long-term fan of his work, especially his 2022 THE FUNK WILL PREVAIL record.
I have to say - I had no idea about none of this, and when the switch happened, my jaw dropped.
The whole thing is a hypnotic and innovative ride that brings in the best of so many worlds. Today is a great day to fall in love with music.
Junii has a well-deserved spot on our Women in Hip Hop 2025 article.
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