UK-raised Tiana Major9 will forever rep East London, which is perfect as the area is impacting digital streaming platforms and airwaves in a (pun intended) major way.

The now globally-visible R&B-soul singer-songwriter did not let the pandemic slow her roll, as she churned out projects like Back At Sixes and Sevens (plus the wicked remix album At Sixes and Sevens), Major Mantras, and put in the work alongside talents like Vince Staples and Smino.

Alongside the latter, they present a winning formula on “2 Seater,” which was the first offering from her forthcoming EP, Fool Me Once, out Mar. 15. The British-Jamaican wunderkind makes it known on “Try Peace” that she’s more of a homebody who’d prefer to be reclusive with that special someone than visit her fave local spots.

With a welcomed sound that obscures genres, Tiana Major9’s music makes for a truly original and captivating sound that is future-facing yet laced with tinges of her Pentecostal church COGIC (Calvary Church of God in Christ) foundation. At present, Major9 is taking a break from Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales Tour, where she’s the opening act.

BET.com got a chance to speak with her ahead of the pending four-track release about Fool Me Once, who is on her Mount Rushmore of R&B, and which artists she hopes to work with in the near future.

BET.com: We’re delving deeper into Women’s History Month and the first question being asked is who is on your Mount Rushmore of Women R&B singer-songwriters, and why?

Tiana Major9: Whitney Houston, Brandy, Beyoncé, and Lauryn Hill [are on my Mount Rushmore] because they’ve all trailblazed their era of R&B. As well as being some of the greatest vocalists to grace this earth, they all literally changed the rules and were ahead of their time. They have all inspired my musical journey in some way.

BET.com: You achieved global recognition for “Collide,” your Grammy-nominated single from the Queen & Slim soundtrack. From that moment on, what changed in your life + career that you’ve most enjoyed? Also, can you explain your authentic approach to making music directly for film/TV versus the process you have for your own albums?

Tiana Major9: Since releasing “Collide,” my fanbase has drastically shot up in numbers! The love has been immense, genuine, and has come from all over the world which was sort of a new experience for me. Every time I perform the song the crowd sings it back to me and that feeling is just incomparable. Prior to Queen & Slim, I had never written with intention of writing for a film but I feel so blessed that my music has been associated with such an iconic production.

BET.com: As an artist with international appeal, you’ve worked with stars such as Lucky Daye, Stormzy, and Kojey Radical. Who are some artists you want to collaborate with as 2022 continues? Also, who are some musicians you feel aren’t getting enough shine that you’d like to spotlight using this interview as a platform to share?

Tiana Major9: I’d love to work with Kendrick Lamar, Summer Walker, Anderson .Paak, Giveon, Snoh Aalegra, and the list could go on! As far as some artists that I feel people should check out are MiniKingz (as a collective + individually), India Shawn, Enny, and Debbie. The last two I mentioned are talented queens from the UK who I know the world will soon embrace.

BET.com: Speaking of collaborations, on “2 Seater,” you and Smino showcase vulnerable chemistry on the record. Can you detail/share reactions about how the studio session and video shoot came to be? How does the song fit into your latest release, Fool Me Once?

Tiana Major9: My A&R suggested the session to me and I was down to do it. I love Smino's music so, of course, I was open to it.

We had a great time writing and recording “2 Seater.” It was the first time we had met but didn't feel like it. The session was smooth, the vibes were instant and a great song came from it.

I had a lot of fun on the music video set too. It was a full day shoot, Smino came towards the end so we could shoot our last scenes together. We just caught a little vibe. By shoot day, we had already met at the studio a few times so we already had that familiarity. It was an easy day — very smooth — he’s a cool guy!

BET.com: You’re also hitting the road as part of Jazmine Sullivan’s recently-paused Heaux Tales tour. Before COVID-19 hit, how did the opportunity fall your way? What do you hope audiences learn about your sound when you hit the stage? And lastly, with the Grammys coming up, what would be your reaction when/if Jazmine takes home that Golden Statuette?

Tiana Major9: With all the new music that I’ve released since the pandemic, I knew I wanted to be on tour. I was just waiting for the right one. I hope the audience learns that I am a “singer’s singer.” I really do this! I hope they learn that I am actually British-Jamaican. I use my culture and all of my inspirations from reggae, jazz, hip hop, and R&B and fuse them into one.

And if Jazmine [Sullivan] wins a Grammy, I'd be very happy for her because I feel like she utterly deserves it!

BET.com: Lastly, what are some non-spoiler surprises that your fans — both new and longtime — can enjoy when Fool Me Once releases Mar. 15?

Tiana Major9: [Laughs] The surprise is that the music is amazing!

Tiana Major9’s forthcoming EP, Fool Me Once, is arriving at all digital streaming platforms on Tuesday, Mar. 15th.

Kevin L. Clark is a screenwriter and entertainment director for BET Digital, who covers the intersection of music, film, pop culture, and social justice. Follow him on @KevitoClark.