Uptown, Manhattan has a reputation for setting trends. From the Harlem Renaissance, Puff Daddy’s savvy business acumen, A$AP Rocky’s keen sense of fashion, the New York mecca has a history of breeding raw talent. Enter burgeoning Harlem crooner, JJ Singleton.
The 22-year-old singer/songwriter and former Broadway actor–with credits on sitcom such as 30 Rock and Law & Order– premieres his sultry new single, “Promise,” on VIBE today (April 12).
Over melodic cymbals and creeping piano keys, Singleton tries to piece together a broken relationship with his former beauty queen that slipped from his not-so firm grip. In between pleading for her forgiveness and making new promises, the budding singer details what he appreciates most about his ex. Fellas take notes.
The hunger in JJ’s voice is evident, too. That’s because in real life JJ’s ex chick left him after the money from his novice acting career was spent.
“In showing affection the way that I did (trips, lavish gifts), my girl became accustomed to a life that I could not maintain. When the money drained, the problems surfaced, and branded him “a broke ni**a,” Singleton tells VIBE.