Australian singer/songwriter sensation Jess Ball (@jessballl) and UK rapper extraordinaire Jelani Blackman (@jelaniblackman) join forces on “Lately,” a captivating single that blends the worlds of indie pop, grime, sleek production, and intimate songwriting. The single explores the tension between desire and distance, two voices navigating the space between longing and letting go.
Jess Ball & Jelani Blackman – “Lately” (Official Video)
Following Jess Ball’s previous single “Please Don’t Hate Me For This,” “Lately” continues to build on the same emotional thread, deepening the themes of vulnerability, reflection, and the quiet complexities of modern connection. Jess’s evolving narrative finds a new dimension through Jelani Blackman’s unmistakable depth and edge, creating a wonderful dialogue.
In her own words, Jess Ball explains, “I wrote ‘Lately’ about feeling regret for past mistakes as the person I am now. Sometimes I find it difficult to comprehend how I have acted in the past or the decisions I’ve made, and I suppose this is a sign of growth. ‘Lately’ is about acknowledging our mistakes, and the need to accept and learn from the past to move on and better ourselves.”
With its polished, modern sound and undeniable chemistry, “Lately” offers a fresh take on late-night introspection and marks an exciting collaboration between two rising voices across pop, R&B, and alternative spheres.
About Jess Ball
Jess Ball is a Melbourne-based Australian singer-songwriter who began her love affair with music in 2009 at 11 years old. Her distinct sound blends influence from pop, indie rock, and hip-hop, drawing inspiration from artists such as Cigarettes After Sex, Olivia Dean, and Massive Attack, shaping Jess’s unique approach to indie pop.
Before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, Jess enjoyed an impressive career as a featured vocalist for numerous high-profile EDM artists. Collaborating on international releases that showcased her distinctive voice and emotional delivery across the dance music scene, Jess Ball has accumulated well over 100 million streams.
In 2020, Jess made waves with ‘I Found You (Neptune)’ in collaboration with internationally acclaimed artist EDX. The track soared to Number 1 on the Future House Beatport charts and reached Number 38 on SiriusXM’s Electro top songs of the year, accumulating over 20 million streams alone.
In 2024, Jess officially launched her solo career, releasing a string of well-received singles and a debut EP that highlighted her versatility and unique pop sensibility. Each release revealed a new layer of her artistry – vulnerable yet empowering, honest yet sonically vibrant.
About Jelani Blackman
Jelani Blackman is a London-based rapper, singer, and songwriter whose sound bridges R&B, grime, and soul with raw emotional clarity. Hailing from Brixton and raised in Ladbroke Grove, his music explores identity, resilience, and life in the city, backed by his distinctive deep voice and powerful live presence.
Releasing EPs and mixtapes since 2016, over the years Blackman has gone on to collaborate with the likes of Kneecap, Fred Gibson (Fred Again), Gorillaz, Wolf Alice, Burna Boy, Ghetts and Fraser T. Smith, sharpening his lyrical toolkit and wide-ranging, fluid sonic approach while making a name for himself as one of the strongest and most original voices in the UK scene, and of course going viral on COLORS.
“I’ve taken my time, and that’s very lucky,” says Blackman. “I’ve been able to do things in my own way, at my own pace, and work with incredible people still.”
Stream Jess Ball & Jelani Blackman’s “Lately” Single
We recommend adding Jess Ball & Jelani Blackman’s “Lately” song to your favorite contemporary pop playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let us know how you feel. Your feedback helps us bring you more of what you love to discover. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment, your go-to source for new music and entertainment news. Connect with us on X, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to share your thoughts and stay updated. Subscribe to our newsletter, grab some merch, and support us as a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment, and always remember that (P)ositive (E)nergy(A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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