Some artists seek happiness, while others learn to grapple with it. For JayaHadADream, joy and pain are not opposites but rather allies, continuously influencing one another. In her debut mixtape ‘Happiness From Agony’, the Jamaican-Irish rapper, who navigated from Cambridge to Nottingham, transforms emotional turmoil into creative energy, producing eleven tracks that explore the complex divide between public success and personal strife.
The opening track ‘State of the World’, produced by her long-time collaborator Zoutr from Nottingham, encapsulates the anxious clarity that accompanies significant life changes. Composed after Jaya left her teaching job to devote herself entirely to music, it establishes the tone for a project that consistently weighs ambition against emotional repercussions. The production builds with intent – tense yet vibrant – as Jaya expresses the feeling of being caught between exhaustion and renewal.
From there, the energy fractures in various directions, showcasing an artist who refuses to limit her sound. ‘The Bank’ transforms UK garage rhythms into a declaration of purpose, highlighting that confidence can resemble survival, while ‘Repackage’ critiques industry stereotypes, confidently asserting her independence with sharp precision. Capo Lee contributes swagger with a polished verse, even referencing Glastonbury in a seemingly prophetic way (the track was recorded well before Jaya’s performance at Worthy Farm), but it’s Jaya’s steadfastness and her choice to remain authentic that makes the strongest impact.
In ‘Hideout’, Jaya effortlessly holds her ground beside grime legend Frisco. This track solidifies her as a generational voice: consistent, self-assured, and skilled in navigating various realms. Meanwhile, the lo-fi glow of ‘Bug’ (produced by New Machine) provides a contrast; a moment of calm reflection before the intensity of ‘Yoga’, featuring fellow emerging artist Keeya Keys. The spacious beat allows both MCs the space to breathe, letting their lyrics land with weight and intention.
One of the album’s most memorable moments occurs with ‘Main Characters’, featuring Big Zuu – a mix of bravado and introspection where Jaya’s candidness pierces through the distractions as she explores themes of false love, superficial personas, and industry illusions. Immediately following, ‘If It Ain’t’, featuring Coops, maintains this narrative, showcasing Jaya wrestling with the emotional influences of family, friends, partners, and life itself.
When the second-to-last track ‘At The Abbey’ arrives, she broadens her view to reflect on her past: memory, location, and identity intertwine over production reminiscent of DOOM and early Wu-Tang. It serves as a cinematic moment of grounding before ‘Nothing’s Changed’ wraps up the project. This track doesn’t necessarily resolve Jaya’s journey but instead gathers its various threads and acknowledges their complexity: her dual existence as an emerging industry figure and a human being in search of tranquility.
‘Happiness From Agony’ is a debut that feels authentic and organic – a collection of work that prioritizes truth over flawlessness. JayaHadADream writes like someone who has devoted her life to observation: of politics, of people, and of herself. There’s a distinct clarity in her expression that sets her apart; an artist not just recording her experiences but striving to make an impact.
8/10
Words: Gemma Cockrell
The sparkling disco gem in London's subterranean collection.
The Aussie punks' relentless victory tour goes on.
The New Eves were en route to Rockfield Studios in the Welsh countryside to record their first album when calamity hit. A torrential rainstorm erupted from
Skye Newman has announced plans for her largest UK tour so far. The emerging pop talent has recently released her EP 'SE9 Pt 1', a hot debut that came after
To promote his solo Japanese debut album, ‘HIBI’, Chanyeol launched ‘The Days’ Japan Tour, which wrapped up with a headlining performance at Pacifico.
Xenya Genovese, a proud Northerner and free spirit with grand aspirations, is the Manchester-based multi-instrumentalist, artist, producer, and singer who is more commonly recognized.
Some artists pursue happiness, while others learn to grapple with it. For JayaHadADream, joy and sorrow are not antagonistic; rather, they are collaborators, always intertwined.