Jordan Rakei and Jalen Ngonda Collaborate on ‘What It Gave Me’

      A heartfelt collaboration of minds...

      28 · 11 · 2025

      Jordan Rakei and Jalen Ngonda come together for their new single 'What It Gave Me'.

      Available now, this partnership emerged from Jordan Rakei’s 18-month residency at Abbey Road Studios. In this esteemed setting, he made the most of his time, developing a multitude of new concepts and collaborations.

      Take for example the new single 'What It Gave Me'. Jordan crafted the track alongside Jalen Ngonda, the American artist whose contributions to the Daptone label introduce a fresh element to the soul genre.

      It's truly a convergence of creativity—while the song guides Jordan Rakei into a classic Muscle Shoals vibe, it transports Jalen to a different realm.

      A rich blend, 'What It Gave Me' exemplifies a natural, effortless musical exchange. Jordan reflects:

      ”Jalen Ngonda is an incredible talent—he's immensely charismatic, inventive, and brimming with excellent ideas. Collaborating with him in the studio was a joy; he works in a way I appreciate—rapidly generating ideas, laying down tracks, and moving forward. He’s confident in his decisions and a fantastic partner to work with. I've admired his work for a long time, and it's wonderful to see him gaining recognition. His commitment to his art and approach to songwriting truly inspired me.”

      Jalen shares: “Working with Jordan was an absolute delight, especially at Abbey Road! It felt reminiscent of the Brill Building, where talents like Carole King, Ellie Greenwich, and Burt Bacharach would come together to write tunes by lunchtime. Jordan has that gift and a unique talent for blending chords and melodies. We’re excited to present to you ‘What It Gave Me‘.”

      Listen now.

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