You’ve heard “Boo’d Up” too many times to count, you know all the words to “Trip.” You think you know Ella Mai, but you don’t!

After an unsuccessful audition as part of a trio for the reality television competiton X Factor, Ella established herself as the Beyonce of the group, went solo, and was soon discovered by DJ Mustard on Instagram in what was one of the most successful and probably one of the only appreciated DM slides of all time.

Ella has gained critical acclaim for her eponymous debut album, released last October, that has since been certified Gold. With a unique creative flair, Ella features spoken word poems throughout the album which spell out her name. She is being credited with bringing back the classic '90's R&B throwback sound that we all know and love.

Let’s take a look behind and beyond her singles to get a better understanding of the new princess of R&B.

1. "Emotion"

She opens the album with a spoken interlude, delivered with incredible confidence, defining the track’s title: “E, emotion /A natural, instinctive state-of-mind deriving from one’s circumstances, mood or relationship with others / A rollercoaster.” Her strong voice sets the tone for the rest of the album.

2. "Good Bad"

This sassy track talks about how Ella's attitude may irritate her man, but that he stays anyway because he secretly loves her "good bad behavior." Take a page from Ella's book and keep them on their toes, ladies!

3. "Dangerous"

This song features extremely emotional, vulnerable content set to a dope DJ Mustard-type beat. Ella talks about how "dangerous" it is for her to love her man so much, but she decides love is worth the risk.

4. "Sauce"

One of my favorite tracks on the album!! This is a sweet, bubbly track that doubles as a bad b*tch anthem! Ella flows about how she's good without a man, and she's got too much sauce for you, regardless. We love an independent woman! Definitely give this track a listen if you're already a fan of "Trip!"

5. "Cheap Shot"

This song talks about a toxic relationship, where her love has her doing things she doesn't normally do, but she can't resist because she's addicted to him. The chorus features a beat break down that allows Mai to change up her flow mid-song and flex her range.

6. "Shot Clock"

This slow track features Ella Mai asking her lover to make a decision about the long-term potential of their relationship, because if he doesn't want her, she can find a million guys who do. Fun fact: the song features an interpolation of Drake's "Legend!" Check out the newly released music video and see if you can hear the similarities!

7. "Boo'd Up"

Need we even go over this track that became a classic overnight? The song that shot Ella Mai to the forefront of the mainstream music scene earned her two Grammy nominations, and a win for Best R&B song. It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 100, and was probably stuck in your head all Summer 2018! Unsurprisingly, it is also the artist's most performed song!

8. "Everything (feat. John Legend)"

With a far more respectable and talented feature by the wonderful John Legend, husband of Chrissy Tiegan, this track talks about a healthy, give-and-take relationship in which Ella's man appreciates and loves her fully. Talk about goals!

9. "Own It"

This song samples "T-Shirt & Panties" by Adina Howard feat. Jamie Foxx, and features Ella embracing her more sexual side, as she lusts after a potential lover.

10. "Run My Mouth"

Continuing the theme from the last track, Mai's voice comes through loud and clear on this slow jam as she shows off her vocal range.

11. "Gut Feeling (feat. H.E.R.)"

Featuring the vocal talents of H.E.R., this song chronicles a troubled relationship in which Ella can't put her finger on what exactly has gone wrong in her relationship, but has a "gut feeling" something isn't right. The spoken outro features another poem by Mai about the concept of awareness, as she reflects on this feeling and realizes she can start afresh. This is also her fourth-most performed song!

12. "Trip"

Her second hit single, and second-most performed song, peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 100, and is a super fun track that channels '90's Destiny's Child and is everything that's good about throwback R&B. We have to thank Ella for bringing this sound back to mainstream music.

13. "Close"

This is another slow jam that's rather sensual in nature, as she sings about being attracted to a stranger on the dance floor as they vibe with one another.

14. "Easy"

This song is absolutely beautiful. Accompanied by a soft piano, Ella sings about how love can be easy, and asks her lover not to complicate it and make it hard for them.

15. "Naked"

This bonus track is my personal favorite from the album! You truly get to appreciate Mai’s vocals as the acoustic track doesn’t have DJ Mustard’s trap distracting from the girl’s beautiful voice (although we love Mustard's beats). She exposes a raw version of herself, asking the question that all women want to ask their lovers: will you be able to love me naked, when the flaws come out? She reveals what we all try to keep a secret: bad b*tches want love, too. The song is the perfect closer to the album, leaving fans feeling satisfied as her voice is drenched in raw emotion. I was thrilled to find out this is her third-most performed song!

We hope you've enjoyed this journey through Ella Mai's debut album and have a new appreciation for the singer beyond just bopping to "Boo'd Up" when it comes on the radio!

She is currently on her sold-out The Debut Tour, but you can check out the setlist and remaining dates below, and try to get some tickets on resale here!

Ella Mai tour dates:

02/27 – Lawrence, Kan. @ The Granada
02/28 – Minneapolis, Minn. @ Varsity Theater
03/02 – Detroit, Mich. @ St. Andrew’s Hall
03/03 – Chicago, Ill. @ Concord Music Hall
03/05 – Cleveland, Ohio @ House of Blues
03/06 – Toronto, ON @ The Danforth
03/07 – Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
03/09 – Boston, Mass @ Royale
03/11 – Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Brooklyn Steel
03/13 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ Theatre of Living Arts
03/15 – Silver Spring, M.D. @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
03/16 – Baltimore, M.D. @ Baltimore Sound Stage
03/19 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Tabernacle
03/20 – Orlando, Fla. @ The Plaza Live
03/21 – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. @ Revolution Live
03/24 – Houston, Texas @ House of Blues
03/26 – Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues
03/27 – Austin, Texas @ Emo’s
03/28 – San Antonio, Texas @ The Aztec Theatre