Joy Crookes
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Key Information

Joy Elizabeth Akther Crookes (born 9 October 1998)[1][5][6] is a British singer-songwriter. She incorporates details about relationships, self-reliance, her culture, her South London roots, and her identity in her music. Crookes has released three extended plays since 2017 and was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2020 Brit Awards.

Her debut studio album, Skin, was released in October 2021 to wide critical acclaim and reached the top five in the UK.[7] The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize, and Crookes received nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop/R&B Act at the 2022 Brit Awards.

She was voted fourth place on Sound of 2020 by the BBC. She released her second album, Juniper, in September 2025 to critical acclaim. She made her acting debut in Ish, which premiered in August 2025.

Early life

[edit]

Joy Elizabeth Akther Crookes was born in the Lambeth district of South London on 9 October 1998 to a Bangladeshi mother from Comilla [8] and an Irish father from Dublin.[2][9][10][11] She grew up in Elephant and Castle[12] where she spent eight years at a Catholic state primary school.[13][2] Crookes attended the fee-paying Portland Place School in central London for secondary education.[14] Crookes gained interest in singing after attending a jazz and blues workshop and, by the age of 13, had started publishing covers of Laura Marling and reggae to YouTube.[13] Whilst a teenager Crookes taught herself how to play guitar, piano and bass, before writing her own music.[15] When she was 14, she moved with her mother to Ladbroke Grove.[13] In April 2013, Crookes uploaded a cover of "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles to YouTube at the age of 15.[16] The video gained the attention of over 600,000 viewers, notably including her current manager a few months later.[11]

Career

[edit]

2016–2017: Influence

[edit]

At the age of 17, Crookes released her debut single "New Manhattan" in February 2016,[17] as well as "Sinatra" in August 2016,[18] and "Bad Feeling" in June 2017.[19] "New Manhattan" is a love song that was named after the area in Brussels.[20] M Magazine wrote about Crookes at the start of her career, stating, "[She] may not be out of school yet, but what she lacks in experience she certainly makes up for in sonic dexterity."[21] When describing the aesthetic in Crookes' debut music video for "Sinatra", Pip Williams from Line of Best Fit wrote, "much like [her] sound, [the video] blurs the classic with the contemporary, blanketing the listener in nostalgia whilst teasing them with hints of something brand new."[22]

Crookes released her debut EP, Influence, with Speakerbox and Insanity Records in July 2017.[23][24] The five-track EP lasts less than 20 minutes and features "Sinatra", "Bad Feeling", "New Manhattan", "Mother May I Sleep With Danger?" and "Power".[23] Crookes performed "Mother May I Sleep With Danger?" along with her guitar player Charles J Monneraud on the global music platform, COLORS, in December 2017.[25] As of November 2019, the video gained over eight million views on YouTube.[25] She told BBC that she wrote the song by herself on New Year's Day of 2017 and began playing the song on tour, stating "When you tour a song you get to know it – you stay over at its house, you meet its mum, you get to know the sibling it doesn't like. So by the time we did Colors, it was a walk in the park. The video really changed everything. For about six months after that, everywhere I went people would say, 'Are you Joy from Colors?'"[15]

2018–2019: Reminiscence and Perception

[edit]
Crookes shooting the music video for "Don't Let Me Down" in 2018.

Crookes released the single "Don't Let Me Down" with an accompanying music video in November 2018,[26][27] before releasing her second EP, Reminiscence, in January 2019.[12] Clare O'Shea from The Line of Best Fit described the EP as "a collection of five distinct tracks melding pop, R&B and soul."[12] The EP features "Man's World", "Lover Don't", "Don't Let Me Down", "For a Minute" as well as the song "Two Nights".[28] Crookes made her first appearance in Vogue in March 2019,[29] before releasing the singles "Since I Left You": "a hauntingly stripped back break-up song,"[30] as well as "London Mine" in April 2019. "The song celebrates the invisible people and how London belongs to no one but everyone," Crookes told The Line of Best Fit about "London Mine". "It's a celebration of immigrants who make up this country."[31]

Crookes performed on the Introducing Stage at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in May 2019,[32] before releasing her third EP, Perception in June 2019.[33] The five-track EP features "Hurts", "No Hands", "London Mine", "Since I Left You", and "Darkest Hour".[28] Crookes made her first Glastonbury Festival appearance in June 2019.[34][13][35] In September 2019, Crookes released the self-produced track "Yah / Element", a medley of "Yah" and "Element" by Kendrick Lamar, before announcing her headlining tour of Europe for October 2019.[36][37] She released the single "Early" with Irish hip-hop artist Jafaris in early October,[38] which later went on to reach No. 1 on the UK Asian chart. Crookes made her debut television appearance when she performed "Early" with Jafaris on Later... with Jools Holland in November 2019.[39] Crookes made an appearance on the Irish music TV series Other Voices in November 2019.[40] Crookes was shortlisted for the Rising Star Award at the 2020 Brit Awards.[41] She was placed fourth in Sound of 2020, an annual BBC poll of 170 music critics who predict breakthrough acts for the coming year.[15][42] Crookes was praised her for her "South London stories filled with wit and romance".[42]

2020–2025: Skin

[edit]
Crookes performing in 2021

In April 2020, Crookes released her first single of 2020, "Anyone But Me", which debuted atop the UK Asian Top 40.[43] The song is about her battles with mental health and how she feels that "there's another person living in [her] head."[15] In September 2020, Crookes released a cover version of The Wannadies' 1994 single "You & Me Song", which was featured in an O2 TV advertisement,[44] consequently entering both the UK Singles Downloads and the UK Singles Sales charts.[45][46] Crookes released the single "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" in June 2021,[47] which became her third single to top the UK Asian Top 40 and is featured on the EA Sports video game FIFA 22[48] It served as the lead single from her debut album, Skin, which she revealed alongside the release of its title track in August 2021.[49] Its third single, "When You Were Mine", was released later that month and became her fourth single to top the UK Asian Top 40.[50][48] "Trouble" was released as the fourth single a few days before the release of Skin on 15 October 2021.[51]

On the album, Crookes incorporates samples on songs like "19th Floor" and "Kingdom". In an interview with Sound of Boston, Crookes explains the origins of both samples, and why she chose to include them: "The opening of 19th Floor is my grandma saying goodbye to me as she usually does when I leave her flat on the 19th floor of her block in south London. The voice call in Kingdom is my dad talking about the importance of punk music. I included these to contextualize my life at the time and where those songs were born from. I am a super family-orientated person and it felt like an important part of my narrative to include them on the album."[52]

On 18 October 2024, Crookes was featured on the song "Strength (R U Ready)" from The Blessed Madonna's album, Godspeed.[53]

2025–present: Juniper

[edit]

On 10 January 2025, Crookes premiered a new single titled "Pass The Salt", featuring Vince Staples.[54] A second single, "Mathematics", featuring Kano was released on 5 February,[55] the song became her first number one on the British Asian Music Chart.[56][57] Her second album, Juniper, was released on 26 September 2025.[58] The album received mostly positive reviews from critics. In a four-star review for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis opined that the album "asserts Crookes’s talent as a vocalist and songwriter".[59] In an 8/10 review for The Line of Best Fit, critic Lana Williams stated that the album was a "triumphant foray that establishes her as a truly unparalleled artist."[60] In an interview with the BBC, Crookes stated that the album had been inspired by her struggles with anxiety, as well as an abusive relationship which culminated in a "hedonistic period of her life" .[61] A deluxe version of the album featuring the bonus track, "Fade Your Heart" from the soundtrack to EA Sports FC 26, was released on 31 October.[62]

In promotion of the album, she performed at the Tate Modern on 26 September,[63][64] as well as at the Glastonbury Festival 2025.[65] She then embarked on a tour containing dates in Europe, Britain and America,[63][66] whilst also serving as an opener for Lewis Capaldi's 2026 North American tour.[67] She made her acting debut as Samira in Ish, which premiered at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival.[68]

Personal life and artistry

[edit]

Crookes is an Arsenal supporter.[69] Crookes had the name of her Irish grandfather, Frankie Crookes, tattooed on her arm before he died in 2018.[40]

Crookes has cited Black Uhuru, Marvin Gaye, The Pogues, Sinéad O'Connor, Kendrick Lamar, Gregory Isaacs, and Kate Nash as some of the names incorporated with her first experiences with music.[21][70][12][30] She told the BBC about the music she was exposed to whilst driving with her father to her Irish dancing lessons, "My dad wanted to give me a real education. From Nick Cave to King Tubby to all this Pakistani music. He'd say, 'This is from your ends of the world, you should hear this.'"[15] She named Madvillain and Young Marble Giants as inspiration for her second album.[71]

In 2025, she stated she had previously been in a relationship with a woman, an experience which inspired the closing track of her album Juniper, titled "Paris".[72]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
UK
[57] 		BEL
(WA)
[73] 		FRA
[74] 		GER
[75] 		IRE
[57] 		SCO
[57] 		SWI
[76]
Skin 5 99 114 41 26 10 47
Juniper
  • Released: 19 September 2025
  • Format: Cassette, CD, digital download, LP, streaming
  • Label: Speakerbox, Insanity
 13 — — — — 10 —
"—" denotes album did not chart in that territory.

Extended plays

[edit]
Title EP details
Influence
  • Released: 21 July 2017[24]
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
  • Label: Speakerbox, Insanity
Reminiscence
  • Released: 25 January 2019[28]
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
  • Label: Speakerbox, Insanity
Perception
  • Released: 31 May 2019[77]
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
  • Label: Speakerbox, Insanity

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
UK
Asian
[48] 		UK
Down.
[45] 		UK
Sales
[46]
"New Manhattan" 2016 — — — Influence
"Sinatra" — — —
"Bad Feeling" 2017 — — —
"Don't Let Me Down" 2018 — — — Reminiscence
"Two Nights" 2019 19 — —
"Hurts" 19 — — Perception
"Since I Left You" 3 — —
"London Mine" 14 — —
"Yah / Element (Medley)" — — — Non-album singles
"Early"
(featuring Jafaris) 		1 — —
"Anyone But Me" 2020 1 — —
"You & Me Song" — 96 99
"Looking for a 10"
(with Fraser T. Smith) 		2021 — — — Produced By EP
"Feet Don't Fail Me Now" 1 29 30 Skin
"Skin" — — —
"When You Were Mine" 1 46 48
"Trouble" 2 — —
"19th Floor" 2022 — — —
"Pass the Salt"
(featuring Vince Staples) 		2025 — — — Juniper
"Mathematics"
(featuring Kano) 		2 — —
"I Know You'd Kill" 4 — —
"Carmen" 7 — —
"Perfect Crime"[79] — — —
"Somebody To You"[80] — — —
"Fade Your Heart"[81] — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2025 Ish Samira [82][83]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Organization Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
BBC 2019 Sound of 2020 Herself
Fourth
 [15]
Brit Awards 2020 Rising Star Nominated [41]
MTV UK Push One to Watch [84]
UK Music Video Awards 2021 Best Pop Video – UK "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" [85]
Best Wardrobe Styling in a Video Won [85]
Best Hair & Makeup in a Video [85]
MOBO Awards 2021 Best Newcomer Herself Nominated [86]
BBC Radio 1 2021 Hottest Record of the Year "When You Were Mine"
Second
 [87][88]
Brit Awards 2022 Best New Artist Herself Nominated [89]
Best Pop/R&B Act [89]
Mercury Prize 2022 Album of the Year Skin [90]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Joy Crookes

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Joy Crookes is a British singer-songwriter of Bangladeshi-Irish heritage, born in 1998 in Lambeth, South London, renowned for her soulful, introspective music that blends neo-soul, jazz, and R&B influences to address themes of identity, relationships, generational trauma, and cultural belonging.[1][2] Raised in the Elephant and Castle area by a Bengali mother and an Irish father, Crookes began her musical journey at age 13 by uploading cover versions to YouTube, quickly gaining attention for her distinctive voice and evocative style.[1][3] She released her first EP in 2017, marking her entry into the professional music scene, and rose to prominence with early singles that showcased her genre-blending sound inspired by artists like Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse.[1][4] Crookes' breakthrough came with her recognition as a rising talent, placing fourth on the BBC Sound of 2020 list and earning a nomination for the BRIT Awards' Rising Star in 2020.[5][4] Her debut studio album, Skin, released on October 15, 2021, via Insanity Records, debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart and received widespread critical acclaim for its autobiographical lyrics and orchestral arrangements, exploring her heritage and personal experiences.[4][2] The album was shortlisted for the 2022 Mercury Prize, highlighting her as one of the UK's most promising contemporary artists.[6][7] In 2025, Crookes returned with her second album, Juniper, released on September 19 via the same label, which debuted at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart and delves deeper into body politics, love, and mental health with a deluxe edition following on October 31.[8][9][10] The album's lead singles, including "Fade Your Heart" and "Somebody To You," underscore her evolving artistry and commitment to vulnerability.[11] Beyond music, she has performed on major platforms such as Later... with Jools Holland alongside Ed Sheeran, appeared on U.S. late-night shows, and serves as an ambassador for War Child, advocating for artists from minority backgrounds.[4][8] With sold-out tours and upcoming North American dates supporting Lewis Capaldi in 2026, Crookes continues to solidify her status as a vital voice in modern British music.[8][4]

Early life and background

Family and upbringing

Joy Crookes was born on 9 October 1998 in Lambeth, South London, to a Bangladeshi mother originally from Dhaka and an Irish father from Dublin.[12][13] She was raised in Elephant and Castle, a vibrant, multicultural area of South London, within a household that reflected her dual heritage.[13][12] This environment shaped her early worldview, blending the influences of her mother's Bengali culture—rooted in traditions from Bangladesh—with her father's Irish background, including family ties to Dublin.[13] Family dynamics played a key role in her formative years; Crookes often assisted her mother in running a local café, fostering her social awareness and connection to community life. Her father introduced her to a diverse array of sounds during car rides, including reggae tracks like Gregory Isaacs' "Lonely Girl" and soul music, which became part of the eclectic musical backdrop at home.[13]

Education and musical beginnings

Crookes attended Portland Place School, a fee-paying independent secondary school in central London, where she received her formal education.[14][15] Her interest in music emerged during her early teenage years amid personal challenges, including poor mental health from ages 12 to 14, which prompted her to begin singing and songwriting as an outlet.[16] At age 13, she started exploring performance by uploading cover versions of songs to YouTube, drawing inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse whose style resonated with her developing vocal approach.[17][1] These initial efforts marked the spark of her artistic pursuits, supported by her multicultural family background of Irish and Bangladeshi heritage that exposed her to diverse cultural sounds at home.[1] Crookes's first songwriting attempts soon followed, often self-recorded in her bedroom using basic home setup, allowing her to experiment independently as a teenager.[18][19] This DIY process became foundational to her creative process, enabling her to capture raw, personal expressions before entering the industry. Her early sharing through YouTube videos caught the attention of a management company, leading her to leave school at age 16 to focus fully on music.[16][20]

Career

2016–2018: Early singles and Influence

In 2016, at the age of 17, Joy Crookes released her debut single "New Manhattan" on February 12, initially uploading it to platforms including YouTube and SoundCloud.[21][22] The track, co-written with producer Michael Percy, blended cinematic pop elements with introspective lyrics inspired by urban alienation, drawing comparisons to artists like Lana Del Rey.[23] This release marked her entry into the music industry, stemming from her roots in bedroom recording during her youth in South London.[24] Crookes signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV in 2017, the same year she released her debut EP Influence on July 21 via Speakerbox Recordings and Insanity Records, an imprint of Sony Music.[25] The five-track project, clocking in under 20 minutes, featured songs such as "Mother May I Sleep With Danger?" and "Power," exploring themes of vulnerability, cultural identity, and emotional resilience through neo-soul and trip-hop influences.[26][27] The EP garnered early media attention, including a feature as the Featured Artist on BBC Radio London's BBC Introducing in December 2018, highlighting her rising profile in the UK music scene.[28] Crookes marked the EP's launch with her first headline performance on July 26, 2017, in London, followed by initial live shows and small-scale tours across the UK, including appearances at festivals like Wilderness in 2018.[29] These early outings helped solidify her live presence, blending soulful vocals with genre-blending arrangements that captivated small audiences and built grassroots momentum.

2019: Reminiscence and Perception

In 2019, Joy Crookes released her second EP, Reminiscence, on January 25 via Insanity Records, comprising five tracks that delved into personal introspection and familial connections. Inspired by her first trip to Bangladesh, the project reflected on themes of heritage, relationships, grief, and self-love, capturing youthful British experiences through vivid storytelling. Tracks like "Don't Let Me Down (Demo)" and "Man's World" showcased her ability to blend emotional vulnerability with cultural reminiscence, drawing from her Bangladeshi-Irish background to explore identity and maturation.[30][31] Building on the soulful foundations of her earlier work, Crookes followed with her third EP, Perception, on May 31, which shifted focus toward external observations and societal dynamics. The five-track release addressed immigrant experiences, urban belonging, and interpersonal strains, as evident in "London Mine," a tribute to London's diverse communities and a subtle critique of gentrification. Other songs, such as "Hurts" and "Darkest Hour," examined fractured friendships and emotional resilience amid city life, emphasizing collective narratives over purely personal ones.[32][33][34] Throughout the year, Crookes expanded her collaborative reach, notably teaming up with Irish artist Jafaris on the single "Early," released in October, which highlighted mutual themes of love and cultural ties through their shared Irish heritage. This partnership underscored her growing network in the alternative soul and hip-hop scenes. Critics praised the EPs for Crookes' vocal versatility, with The Guardian noting her "soft, husky vocals" that melded tenderness with assured sophistication across soulful and rhythmic elements, while reviews highlighted her poetic delivery and instrumental richness as markers of artistic evolution.[35][36][31][33]

2020–2024: Skin and mainstream breakthrough

In 2020, Crookes was shortlisted for the BRIT Rising Star Award, recognizing her as one of the UK's most promising emerging artists alongside Celeste and Beabadoobee.[37] This accolade built on the foundations of her earlier EPs, Reminiscence and Perception, positioning her for a major label breakthrough.[38] Crookes released her debut studio album, Skin, on 15 October 2021 through Insanity Records.[39] The album debuted and peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, marking her first entry in the top five and achieving commercial success with over 10,000 units sold in its opening week.[40] Skin explores themes of intimacy, vulnerability, identity, and personal growth, drawing from Crookes' experiences with relationships, mental health, and cultural heritage through soulful R&B and indie pop arrangements.[41] Preceding the album, Crookes issued lead singles including "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," which topped the UK Asian Music Chart in September 2021 and highlighted her blend of introspective lyrics with upbeat rhythms.[42] Other singles like "Trouble" and the title track "Skin" further emphasized the record's raw emotional depth, contributing to its critical reception as a mature evolution from her prior work.[39] From 2021 to 2023, Crookes embarked on extensive touring, including opening acts for artists such as Celeste and her own headline shows across the UK, Europe, and North America, culminating in performances at major festivals like Glastonbury in 2022.[43] These live outings solidified her stage presence and fanbase growth, with sold-out venues showcasing tracks from Skin. In 2024, she featured on The Blessed Madonna's single "Strength (R U Ready)," a house-infused collaboration that extended her reach into electronic music circles.[44] Skin received a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2022, shortlisted among 12 albums for its innovative songwriting and cultural resonance, though it did not win.[6] This recognition underscored Crookes' mainstream breakthrough, affirming her as a key voice in contemporary British music.

2025–present: Juniper and recent developments

In early 2025, Joy Crookes marked her return with the release of the single "Pass the Salt" featuring Vince Staples on January 10, via Insanity Records.[45] The track, a provocative and witty response to rumors and industry gossip, showcased Crookes' bold lyrical style and was praised for its fierce energy. Later that year, on June 18, she released "Perfect Crime," the fifth single from her forthcoming album, delving into the anxieties of re-entering the dating world after personal upheaval.[46] The song's raw vulnerability highlighted Crookes' growth in exploring intimate emotional terrains.[47] Crookes' second studio album, Juniper, arrived on September 19, 2025, through Insanity Records, building on the introspective foundation of her debut Skin while embracing a more unfiltered sonic palette.[48] The 12-track record peaked at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart, entering the chart on October 2 and spending one week in the top 40.[10] Thematically, Juniper centers on self-discovery, sexuality, and queer love, with Crookes addressing personal identity, abusive relationships, and cultural heritage through a mix of raw confession and sonic experimentation.[49] Songs like "Somebody to You" evoke rejuvenation amid codependency, while the title track draws from the resilience of the juniper plant to symbolize endurance.[50] Critics noted its fearless departure from perfectionism, blending pop melodies with off-kilter production to create a profoundly human narrative.[51] The music video for "Perfect Crime," directed by Crookes herself and released on July 11, was filmed entirely in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking her first project shot in her ancestral homeland.[52] Featuring dynamic scenes of Crookes atop moving trains and navigating bustling streets, the visual paid homage to her Bangladeshi-Irish roots while visually amplifying the song's themes of risk and reinvention.[53] This personal touch underscored the album's emphasis on authenticity and cultural reconnection.[54] To promote Juniper, Crookes embarked on an extensive record store tour in September 2025, performing intimate in-store shows and album signings at independent shops across the UK, including events at HMV locations.[55] Over seven days, she completed 11 such appearances, fostering direct fan engagement and celebrating the album's launch with stripped-back performances of new material.[56] These events highlighted her commitment to grassroots support, contrasting the larger-scale momentum of her prior breakthrough. The album's release propelled Crookes into a busy touring schedule, with the Juniper Tour kicking off in the UK and EU in November 2025. Key dates included shows at O2 Academy Glasgow on November 10, O2 Academy Leeds on November 11, and Manchester Academy on November 12, followed by European stops such as Ancienne Belgique in Brussels on November 24 and Salle Pleyel in Paris on December 2.[57] The tour extended to Scandinavia and Germany, concluding the European leg in Oslo on December 9. Looking ahead, Crookes announced headline dates in Australia for January 2026, including Enmore Theatre in Sydney on January 2 and Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on January 3, alongside a New Year's performance in Melbourne.[58] This phase solidified her international presence, with sold-out venues reflecting sustained fan enthusiasm.[43] In October 2025, Crookes was announced as the support act for Lewis Capaldi's 2026 North American arena tour, running from April to May across various U.S. and Canadian venues.[8]

Artistry and influences

Musical style and themes

Joy Crookes's music is characterized by a fluid blending of neo-soul, R&B, pop, jazz, hip-hop, and post-punk elements, creating a sonic palette that defies easy categorization.[59] Her debut album Skin (2021) incorporates retro stylings with bouncing melodies, weaving in orchestral flourishes, bossa nova rhythms, and subtle electronica to evoke both intimacy and expansiveness.[60][61] In her follow-up Juniper (2025), this fusion evolves further, integrating soft jazz, retro-soul, trip-hop, and hip-hop-infused beats for a more experimental edge.[62][63] Her occasional nods to reggae and punk roots add rhythmic depth and raw energy, grounding the tracks in her multicultural heritage.[64] Crookes's vocal style draws from classic soul traditions, delivering silky, jazz-inflected performances with a modern twist through layered harmonies and emotive phrasing.[24][59] She pairs this with contemporary production techniques, favoring minimalistic beats, warm instrumentation, and subtle distortions that highlight vulnerability without overwhelming the narrative.[65][49] On tracks like those from Skin, her voice navigates between hushed confessions and soaring choruses, reminiscent of soul's golden era yet refreshed by indie-pop influences.[66] Lyrically, Crookes explores recurring themes of relationships, cultural identity, vulnerability, and social observation, often through personal introspection and broader commentary.[67] In Skin, she delves into intimacy, racism, gentrification, mental health, and generational trauma, using pop hooks to make these weighty topics accessible and urgent.[41][24] Juniper shifts toward self-reclamation, addressing heartbreak, loss, impermanence, mental health, and music industry critiques with raw honesty and resilience.[68][59] These motifs underscore her commitment to authenticity, blending individual stories with societal reflections. Her artistry has evolved from the genre-hopping experimentation of her early EPs—such as Influence (2017), which mixed soul, jazz, and trip-hop—to the more polished, cohesive production of her full-length albums.[69][70] While the EPs showcased raw, home-recorded versatility across styles, Skin and Juniper refine this into sophisticated arrangements that amplify her thematic depth without losing improvisational spirit.[71][72]

Key influences

Joy Crookes's music draws from a rich tapestry of soul, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and post-punk traditions, shaped by her diverse heritage and early exposure to eclectic sounds. In interviews, she has frequently cited soul and jazz icons as foundational influences, including Nina Simone, whose commanding vocal delivery and socially conscious lyrics resonate deeply with Crookes's own thematic explorations.[73][64][49] Similarly, Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, D'Angelo, and Solange have informed her emotive phrasing and genre-blending approach, with Crookes noting that discovering Black female jazz artists like Holiday and Vaughan at age 14 felt revelatory, inspiring her to pursue songwriting as a means of personal expression.[49][74][75][76][77][78] These artists contribute to the soulful depth evident in works like her debut album Skin, where introspective narratives echo their vulnerability and resilience.[73][64] Reggae and dub elements also play a pivotal role in Crookes's sound, reflecting her Bangladeshi-Irish roots and her father's encouragement to explore global rhythms. She has highlighted dub pioneer King Tubby and reggae legend Gregory Isaacs as key figures, alongside highlife artist Ebo Taylor, whose intricate grooves and cultural storytelling influence her rhythmic layering and fusion of traditional and modern elements.[74][79] These inspirations manifest in the reggae-infused rhythms of her early singles, adding a propulsive, bass-driven energy to her compositions.[64] In the hip-hop realm, Crookes has expressed admiration for Kendrick Lamar, particularly his album To Pimp a Butterfly, which she credits with expanding her understanding of narrative-driven rap and social commentary, informing her lyrical precision and thematic boldness.[49][79] Post-punk and alternative acts further diversify her palette, with Crookes drawing from The Clash's punk-infused activism and raw energy—evident in her purchase of their single "London Calling" as her first record—as well as Massive Attack's atmospheric trip-hop, Joy Division's brooding intensity, and Kate Nash's witty indie edge.[74][80][64][49][75] Amy Winehouse's soul-punk hybrid also looms large, blending vulnerability with defiant vocals that echo in Crookes's genre-fusing style.[73] Collectively, these influences enable Crookes to weave reggae rhythms, punk urgency, and soulful introspection into a cohesive, boundary-pushing sound that honors her multicultural background.[64]

Personal life

Heritage and identity

Joy Crookes was born in South London to a Bengali mother from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and an Irish father from Dublin, Ireland, embodying a British-Irish-Bangladeshi heritage that has shaped her multicultural identity.[81][67] Growing up in the diverse yet challenging environment of South London, she navigated the complexities of mixed-race experiences, often confronting societal projections that complicated her sense of belonging.[82] In interviews, Crookes has discussed feeling "othered" due to these projections, noting that being mixed-race invites external assumptions about her identity, which she has firmly asserted as her own responsibility without needing permission from others.[67] She has highlighted how Irish identity is typically not associated with Black or brown individuals, despite their historical presence, underscoring the hybridity she embraces as a resilient blend of her parents' backgrounds.[82] During the promotion of her 2025 album Juniper, Crookes delved into themes of self-discovery, describing the record as a deeper exploration of her identity with unapologetic honesty and a rejection of perfectionism.[83] She likened her evolving sense of self to the juniper plant—adaptable and strong, native to Ireland yet able to thrive anywhere—symbolizing her embrace of a multifaceted heritage amid personal growth.[49] This period marked a phase of introspection following mental health challenges, where she focused on reclaiming her narrative, stating, "The most important messaging... is that I just want to be me. More comfortable with myself, unapologetic, and unashamed."[84] Crookes's connections to her Bangladeshi roots were prominently featured in the music video for "Perfect Crime", a single from Juniper, which she self-directed and filmed entirely in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in July 2025—her first project shot there.[85] The video captures the city's chaotic vibrancy through improvised scenes, such as riding a moving train amid urban and rural landscapes, allowing her to authentically represent her maternal heritage and challenge misconceptions about Bangladesh.[54] She emphasized the importance of this trip for Desi representation, encouraging others from similar backgrounds to pursue their passions unapologetically.[54] As part of her identity reclamation, Crookes has openly discussed her sexuality, influenced by her Irish Catholic upbringing, where she grappled with guilt over same-sex attraction from a young age, feeling isolated and terrified in church settings.[49] In Juniper, tracks like "Paris" reflect on past relationships with women and the grief of lost freedom to express queerness, rejecting imposed Catholic guilt to explore her desires on her own terms.[49][84] This personal growth has fostered greater self-assurance, integrating her ethnic hybridity with fluid aspects of her identity into a cohesive, empowered narrative.[86]

Interests and public persona

Joy Crookes is a lifelong fan of Arsenal FC, having grown up immersed in the sport from a young age. She has described the club's community as providing a strong sense of family, while also appreciating the competitive spirit it fosters.[87] Her enthusiasm for football extends to supporting both the men's and women's teams, with favorites including Leah Williamson and Myles Lewis-Skelly, and she often integrates football culture into her personal style, such as planning outfits inspired by kits.[87] Crookes cultivates an authentic and introspective public persona, frequently sharing vulnerable insights in interviews and emphasizing genuineness over industry expectations. She has openly discussed experiencing a severe mental health crisis following the release of her debut album, including periods of anxiety exacerbated by an abusive relationship, which manifested physically and required intensive therapy to address.[84][74] In conversations, she highlights the importance of unlearning harmful patterns and embracing self-acceptance, positioning herself as relatable and unapologetic in her self-presentation.[84] Crookes actively supports community initiatives in South London, particularly through partnerships aimed at empowering local youth. In collaboration with Timberland's "My Community, Our Nature" campaign, she has championed the InSpire Youth Club in Elephant & Castle by funding creative arts workshops, introducing green spaces for well-being, and organizing field trips to foster nature connections among underserved young people.[88] This involvement also includes developing apprenticeship programs with the Young Urban Arts Foundation to provide access to creative industry opportunities, countering the impacts of reduced youth services in the area.[89]

Discography

Studio albums

Joy Crookes's debut studio album, Skin, was released on October 15, 2021, through Insanity Records.[39] The 12-track project features orchestral string arrangements and draws from soul, jazz, and R&B influences, with production primarily handled at Konk Studios in London and strings recorded at Abbey Road Studios.[90][91] Standout tracks include the lead single "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," which addresses social injustice with upbeat rhythms; "19th Floor," a reflective piece on immigrant family experiences; and the title track "Skin," an introspective closer exploring personal identity.[60] The album's artwork, photographed by Carlota Guerrero, depicts Crookes in a symbolic "skin armor" to represent vulnerability and protection.[39] Critically acclaimed for its autobiographical depth and vibrant storytelling, Skin earned a 4/5 rating from NME, praising its blend of curiosity and hope amid hardship, and an overall score of 85/100 on Album of the Year.[92][93] Commercially, it peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.[40] Crookes's sophomore studio album, Juniper, followed on September 19, 2025, also via Insanity Records, marking a four-year gap after Skin.[94] The standard 10-track record, with a deluxe edition released on October 31, 2025, adding two further tracks including "Forever," initially recorded with vocals captured via voice notes over a year and a half, emphasizes themes of personal growth, mental health, and resilience, incorporating retro soul, trip-hop, and jazz elements with collaborations like Vince Staples on "Pass the Salt" and Kano on "Mathematics."[11][49][95] Key highlights include opener "Brave," a sultry soul track with orchestral backing; "Carmen," a poetic exploration of queer love; and closer "Paris," a neo-soul instrumental building to layered sounds.[71] Production focused on raw authenticity, with Crookes co-writing and directing elements to capture upheaval and self-discovery.[83] Initial reception has been positive, with DIY Magazine awarding 4/5 stars for its fearless depiction of thriving in harsh conditions, and The Line of Best Fit giving 8/10 for its bare-soul narratives and vocal prowess.[96][59] On the UK Albums Chart, Juniper reached number 13.

Extended plays

Joy Crookes released her debut extended play, Influence, on 21 July 2017 through Speakerbox Recordings under exclusive license to Insanity Records and Sony Music Entertainment UK.[26] The five-track project, featuring songs such as "Sinatra," "Bad Feeling," "New Manhattan," "Mother May I Sleep With Danger?," and "Power," introduced her signature blend of soulful vocals and hip-hop influences, drawing from her South London roots and personal storytelling.[97][98] Tracks like "Bad Feeling" exemplify this early style, with its introspective lyrics on emotional vulnerability set against rhythmic, genre-fusing production that highlighted Crookes's emerging songwriting prowess at age 18.[99] This EP marked her initial foray into recording, establishing a foundation for her thematic exploration of identity and relationships while garnering attention for its raw, confident energy.[100] Following the success of her debut, Crookes issued Reminiscence on 25 January 2019, again via Speakerbox Recordings and Insanity Records.[101] Comprising five tracks—"Two Nights," "Man's World," "Lover Don't," "Don't Let Me Down (Demo)," and "For a Minute"—the EP delves into themes of memory, nostalgia, and familial connections, inspired by Crookes's first trip to Bangladesh, where she felt a profound sense of heritage and belonging.[30][31] "Man's World," for instance, addresses gender dynamics and empowerment through poignant lyrics and a soul-infused melody, reflecting Crookes's growing maturity in blending personal reflection with broader social commentary.[102] This release solidified her reputation for emotionally resonant music, serving as a bridge in her artistic evolution by incorporating more orchestral elements and deepening her narrative voice.[103] Crookes's third EP, Perception, arrived on 31 May 2019 under the same label imprint.[104] The five-song collection, including "Hurts," "No Hands," "London Mine," "Since I Left You (Demo)," and "Darkest Hour," explores interpersonal dynamics and self-awareness, with production that evokes a sense of introspection and urban grit.[32] A standout like "No Hands" captures fleeting relationships and emotional distance through minimalist beats and Crookes's evocative delivery, underscoring her ability to weave vulnerability with resilience.[105] Building on prior works, Perception refined her neo-soul sound, emphasizing thematic cohesion around perception and growth, which paved the way for her transition to full-length albums by demonstrating her command of diverse influences and lyrical depth.[33][106]

Singles and features

Joy Crookes released her debut single "New Manhattan" in February 2016, a cinematic pop track co-written with producer Michael Percy that drew comparisons to Lana Del Rey's style.[21][23] The song, inspired by a Brussels neighborhood she visited with her boyfriend, marked her early entry into the music scene at age 17.[70] In June 2021, Crookes issued "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," which topped the UK Asian Music Chart and became her third single to reach number one there.[107] The track, featured on her debut album Skin, was accompanied by a music video directed by Taz Tron Delix, blending her Bengali heritage with London influences and earning wins for Best Hair & Make-Up and other craft categories at the 2021 UK Music Video Awards.[108][109][110] From her second album Juniper, Crookes released several singles in 2025, including "Pass the Salt" (featuring Vince Staples) on January 10, "Mathematics" (featuring Kano) on February 5, "I Know You'd Kill" on March 20, "Carmen" on May 16, "Perfect Crime" on June 18, "Somebody To You" (co-produced with Harvey Grant) on August 13, and "Fade Your Heart" on September 25.[11] The video for "Somebody To You," directed by Blue May, was released in September 2025.[111] As a featured artist, Crookes collaborated with The Blessed Madonna on "Strength (R U Ready)," a dance track released October 18, 2024, emphasizing themes of readiness and resilience.[112] No prominent B-sides have been associated with these releases.

Awards and nominations

Awards won

Joy Crookes has received recognition for her innovative music videos and overall artistry through several prestigious awards. In 2021, she secured two wins at the UK Music Video Awards for the video accompanying "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," the lead single from her debut album Skin. These accolades highlighted the creative excellence in her visual storytelling, which played a key role in elevating the album's profile during its release period.[113]
YearAwardCategoryWork
2021UK Music Video AwardsBest Hair & Make-Up in a Video"Feet Don't Fail Me Now"
2021UK Music Video AwardsBest Wardrobe Styling in a Video"Feet Don't Fail Me Now"
2022Stylist's Remarkable Women AwardsMusician of the YearN/A
The 2021 UK Music Video Awards victories for "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" underscored Crookes' ability to blend soulful music with striking visuals, contributing to increased media attention and fan engagement following Skin's October release, which helped propel the album to UK Top 5 chart success.[109][114] Her 2022 win as Musician of the Year at Stylist's Remarkable Women Awards further affirmed her rising status as a boundary-pushing artist, enhancing her visibility among diverse audiences and solidifying her reputation for introspective, genre-blending work.[115] These honors marked early career milestones that boosted her trajectory in the UK music scene.

Nominations

Joy Crookes has received several nominations for major music awards, highlighting her rising prominence in the alternative R&B and soul genres. These recognitions span newcomer accolades to album-specific honors, underscoring her impact on contemporary British music scenes.[116][117] In early 2020, Crookes placed fourth in the BBC Music Sound of 2020 poll, selected by a panel of over 170 industry experts including critics and broadcasters for her emerging talent. Later that year, she was shortlisted for the Rising Star Award at the 2020 Brit Awards, alongside artists like Celeste and Beabadoobee, recognizing her breakthrough potential in pop and R&B.[116][117] The following year, Crookes earned a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2021 MOBO Awards, celebrating her debut album Skin and its role in elevating Black and South Asian voices in UK music. In 2022, she received three further nominations: Best New Artist and Best Pop/R&B Act at the Brit Awards, and the Mercury Prize Album of the Year for Skin, which positioned her among established acts like Harry Styles and Little Simz for its innovative blend of soul, hip-hop, and personal storytelling.[118][119][120] More recently, in 2025, Crookes was nominated for the Artist Award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards, reflecting ongoing acclaim for her genre-blending artistry and cultural influence. These nominations across newcomer, genre-specific, and prestigious album categories illustrate Crookes' consistent recognition for bridging soulful introspection with modern R&B innovation.[121]

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