Singer-songwriter Genia has released her new EP Intense Lover via Def Jam Recordings. The project focuses its attention on Genia’s experiences with love, desire, independence, and emotional vulnerability.
Two previously released singles showcase that range perfectly. “Can’t Wait” finds Genia directly expressing desire and asserting what she wants, while “Miss Your Touch” focuses on the difficulty of denying a connection she genuinely needs. The songs approach intimacy from different positions: one is built around certainty and pursuit, while the other acknowledges the emotional cost of trying to keep your distance. Together, they establish the tension at the center of Intense Lover, where being open to another person does not require surrendering a sense of independence.
The EP follows a run of singles Genia released earlier in 2026, including “Baby Ima Star,” “Downfall,” “Doomsday,” and “Toastyyy,” the latter featuring Timbaland. The releases introduced several sides of the sound and writing that led into the new project. “Toastyyy” leaned into a more futuristic rhythmic direction, while “Downfall” centered a more vulnerable emotional perspective. “Baby Ima Star” took a more declarative approach, placing Genia squarely in the spotlight. Across the four releases, the changes in tempo and tone established a broader palette around Genia’s work rather than tying the run to a single mood. Last year, meanwhile, one of Genia’s biggest highlights was her return to the fan favorite “Give.” A new version of the song featuring Monaleo was released. Among many heralding its release, Global Grind included the Monaleo version of “Give” in its weekly “New Music Roundup” upon its release.
Listen to Intense Lover here.
