Contemporary R&B artist Mikhala Jené made a strong first impression with the 2018 single "Mad Bitches." By the time the characteristically candid and thoughtful ballad was featured in the fifth season of the television series Insecure (with an added appearance from Ro James), the singer and songwriter had issued her independent debut EP, Carolina Blues. Its success has led the way to a deal with Def Jam and the 2022 release of The Missing Peace, Jené's second EP.