Chlöe Bailey is set to release her second album, “Trouble in Paradise,” this summer, and fans are eagerly anticipating what the Grammy-nominated singer has in store. Known for her genre-blurring music and powerful performances, Chlöe has been a significant figure in the music industry, both as a solo artist and as part of the duo Chloe x Halle with her sister, Halle Bailey.
In a recent interview with Nylon, Chlöe discussed the challenges she faces as a Black woman in the music industry. “Any music I do will easily and quickly be categorized as R&B because I’m a Black woman,” she said. “If someone who didn’t have my skin tone made the same music, it would be in the pop categories. That’s just the way it’s always been in life.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing conversations about the blurring of genre lines and the historical exclusion of Black artists from certain music categories.
Chlöe’s debut solo album, “In Pieces,” showcased her ability to traverse various genres, including soul, electronica, house, hip-hop, alternative rock, contemporary pop, and R&B. Despite this versatility, her awards and chart success have primarily come in the R&B field. Of her five career Grammy nominations, only one came from outside the R&B categories.
In her Nylon interview, Chlöe cited Whitney Houston and Beyoncé as inspirations for her genre experimentation. “That’s why I was really proud of Beyoncé doing Cowboy Carter,” she said, “because Black people originated country music. It’s just showing that possibilities are endless.”
Chlöe’s upcoming album, “Trouble in Paradise,” is described as a “coming-of-age celebration of being a woman and having fun, not taking life too seriously.” The album is expected to drop later this summer and will feature collaborations with artists like Halle Bailey, Jeremih, and Anderson .Paak. Chlöe has already released two singles from the album this year: “Boy Bye” and “FYS.”
“Boy Bye” has been particularly well-received, with its vibrant cover artwork and carefree summer vibes. Chlöe previewed the song on social media with a playful video, showcasing her signature vocals and sassy attitude. The lyrics make it clear that Chlöe is embracing her “dgaf era” with confidence and style.
Chlöe’s journey in the music industry has been marked by her ability to stay ahead of the curve. “What I kind of love about my art is that it sneaks up on you,” she explained. “When In Pieces came out, not many people really got it. But now a year later, people are like, ‘Oh, it’s genius! It’s beautiful! It’s amazing!’ And if you think about it, that’s how it has been with me and my sister’s previous work as well. No one ever gets it when it first comes out.”
In addition to her music career, Chlöe has also made a name for herself in acting, with roles in “Grown-ish” and “Swarm.” She and her sister Halle first gained attention with their YouTube covers, which eventually led to a deal with Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment. Since then, Chlöe has been unstoppable, landing roles, winning awards, and dropping hit singles.
Chlöe’s solo debut came in 2021 with “Have Mercy,” a hit that reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, she has accumulated four Hot 100 hits, including “Treat Me,” “You & Me” with Gunna, and the 2023 Amazon Music exclusive “Winter Wonderland.”
Chlöe’s performance at Coachella 2024 further solidified her status as a powerhouse in the music industry. Dressed in wisteria, she captivated the audience with a set that included deep cuts, mashups, and certified hits like “Have Mercy,” “Cheatback,” “Body Do,” and her new singles “FYS” and “Boy Bye.” Her performance was a testament to her technical skill and raw talent.
As Chlöe prepares to release “Trouble in Paradise,” she continues to draw inspiration from her mentor, Beyoncé, and the late Whitney Houston. Both artists have faced criticism for their musical direction but have persevered to become iconic figures in the industry. Chlöe hopes to follow in their footsteps, showing that music has no race or genre—it’s just a feeling and a vibration.
Chlöe’s sophomore album will also feature a reunion with her sister Halle on one of the tracks. “I got in my sister’s head and was like, ‘OK, what is going on in her life right now?’ We both have our own lives,” Chlöe said. “I was like, ‘Sis, we’re going to be in New York at the same time, I would love for you to be on the record.’ It just felt like old times.”
With her mentor’s advice in mind, Chlöe is excited for fans to experience “Trouble in Paradise.” “What I kind of love about my art is that it sneaks up on you,” she reiterated. “When In Pieces came out, not many people really got it. But now a year later, people are like, ‘Oh, it’s genius! It’s beautiful! It’s amazing!’”
As summer approaches, Chlöe Bailey is ready to set the mood with her new album, promising a celebration of womanhood, fun, and not taking life too seriously. Fans can look forward to a season filled with Chlöe’s unique blend of genres and her undeniable talent.
Source: Nylon, Billboard, Teen Vogue
