Last night, Jessie Reyez' song "Great One" was featured prominently in an intro video during the NBA All-Star Game.
It was the latest in a string of big career moments for Reyez, which have included awards show appearances, late night TV performances, and high-profile collaborations. But one of our favorite things about the Toronto artist is that she remains grounded and honest through her ups and downs. Monday morning, she shared an inspiring note on Instagram about the excitement of the moment, and the difficult road it took to make it there.
"Dude shit is fucking crazy," the message begins. "Please know that you can do anything you want in this world if you work your ass off and if you kill your fear of failure. I legit got fired from so many jobs. I legit had people laugh at me when I would tell them this was the dream I wanted to chase. Late nights behind the bar writing songs on drink receipts. I’m so happy I didn’t quit. I have a ways to go but moments like this inspire me. They inspire me to share what helped me."
Messages like this can so often come across as corny and forced, but for some reason, from Jessie it feels natural. You can watch a short clip from the intro below and continue for her full note.
Dude shit is fucking crazy. Please know that you can do anything you want in this world if you work your ass off and if you kill your fear of failure
I legit got fired from so many jobs
I legit had people laugh at me when I would tell them this was the dream I wanted to chase
Late nights behind the bar writing songs on drink receipts
I’m so happy I didn’t quit
I have a ways to go but moments like this inspire me
They inspire me to share what helped me
Bust your ass
Practice
Aim to master your craft
Never get complacent
Don’t be scared of failure
If you fall get back up
Find a mentor
Take constructive criticism
Take your Ls and make them lessons
Meditate or pray and be grateful
Share your testimony
Be kind but be smart
Make opportunities if you have none
Make a list of affirmations
Be great baby
You can do it
Continue for more of Jessie Reyez' story in the video below.
You can watch the full version of "Great One" below.
