ATLiens! We’ve found the city’s next biggest star. Someone who reminds you why you fell in love with music in the first place, whose talent feels like a breath of fresh air but with the weight of seasoned wisdom. This month, Highly Unique Magazine is proud to declare Atlanta’s own Jiah as Take Off Artist of the Month. Mark our words: the launch sequence is complete, and she’s cleared for superstardom.
Recently, we’ve had the privilege of seeing Jiah headline her first show on her birthday, and let me tell you, it was a spiritual experience. This ain’t just a singer; she’s a soultress with a capital S. Her stage presence is undeniable and her voice is a revelation. What struck me immediately was her sheer diversity and skill. Jiah doesn’t just sing; she paints. Music is her canvas, and she commands every stroke, every hue. She can be whatever she wants in this game, and that confidence and freedom is a rare in an new artist.
Jiah: The Making of a Superstar
Photo courtesy of Jiah (@jiahstar) on Instagram.
Jiah beams star potential. It’s in her aura, her delivery, her down-to-earth personality that somehow fuses into an unstoppable force. Jiah is more than an artist—she’s ready to become Atlanta’s next iconic voice, stepping confidently into a city known for producing legends.
During our exclusive interview with Jiah, she shared how her journey into the sonic landscape began with reverence for the queens, Rihanna and Beyoncé. That foundation alone tells you she understood the assignment early. However, what truly sets Jiah apart as a “student of the game” is her in-depth exploration of artists like Lil Wayne, Drake, and Lauryn Hill. That’s a lineage of lyrical prowess, storytelling, and genre-bending mastery. It’s clear that the dedication and discipline from her sports background weren’t just for the field or court; they meticulously transferred into her work ethic in music. This isn’t just talent; it’s trained, refined, and pure hungry to be and do great!
Jiah Is Not Holding Back
For those who’s aren’t new to discovering Jiah, you already know the vibes. If you’ve been tapped in, you’ve heard “TRUSS.” That song is a certified banger, a bona fide hit that resonates from the trap to the penthouse. Her fans know every single word, bar for bar, reciting it like scripture because it brings those universal vibes you can relate to, but still makes you bop and that’s a gift.
However, Jiah is far from being a one-dimensional artist. She can slow it down, bring it home, and get vulnerable. While we were catching up with her, we talked about her poignant track, “No Holding Back,” and the wisdom she dropped was next level.
Excerpt from exclusive in-person interview with Jiah:
Interviewer (DC Rock): “So, ‘No Holding Back’—I love that song. You mentioned it’s inspired by your college experience and meeting different people, right? There’s a line that really stands out to me: ‘Please don’t push my buttons too far.’ Can you talk about what that lyric means to you?”
Jiah: [smiling] “That line came from dealing with people who were kind of holding me back. I don’t like when people test me. I’m chill—until I’m not. So it’s really just a warning, like, ‘Don’t push me too far, because it’s not going to be good.’ But after that moment, I try to stay relaxed, stay focused, you know? Just don’t try it.”
Jiah continued, revealing the depth behind the lyrics on her single, ‘No Holding Back’:
Jiah: “Yeah. But it’s just from, you know, knowing who I am and not wanting people to try me or test my intelligence for real. Right. Even in the industry and stuff, like, just don’t try it. You know, don’t push my buttons too far. I feel that I’m tested all the time.”
Crying A Lot Less Lately: The Next Era
The conversation naturally flowed to her highly anticipated upcoming album, which she revealed will be titled Crying A Lot Less Lately. Explaining the inspiration behind the name, she shared, “It’s pretty self-explanatory, I’m literally crying a lot less lately. When I came up with the name, I was actually saying that in conversation. I’ve had this name for my album for probably two years now; I’ve just been sitting on it.”
She broke it down further, explaining that Crying A Lot Less Lately is really about self-discovery, growth, and bouncing back from tough times. She’s super in tune with her emotions, and that raw honesty shows up all through the music. The project, she said, is about leveling up—coming out stronger, talking her ish, and owning her moment. It’s a mix of reflection and confidence, and she’s hyped to see how people vibe with the whole artistic vision behind it.
Jiah performing at Aisle 5 in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Joe Ellick / Highly Unique Magazine)
Ahead of her new album, Jiah is still bringing the heat with her latest single “Mic Check”, another clear testament to her versatility and hunger. This isn’t just hype; it’s a statement. Jiah is coming next, and soon you’ll see her everywhere—on your TV, flooding your social feeds, and dominating every platform.
She is next. She is ready. And Jiah is about to take off!
Follow Jiah’s journey: https://www.instagram.com/jiahstar/
Written by: Khalinah Ellick
