From the singles that have already been distributed, Ivory's new album gives a very chill vibe that can appeal to listeners of different ages. Some tracks are party music, while others establish the perfect date night vibe for the streets.
Recently, Ivory caught up with Santia Bailey for a special interview about his latest project. He shared some very insightful tidbits about his musical journey and how he has evolved as an artist. For one thing, he wants to do more than apply "Pressure" to the music market; he wants to build his legacy.
When people hear the name Ivory Wade, what do you hope immediately comes to mind today — and how has that evolved since your early career?
“When people hear the name Ivory Wade, I want perseverance to immediately come to mind. I want them to think of someone with a good heart — someone who tries to understand all sides, even when I don’t agree. I’ve always believed you don’t have to see eye-to-eye with everyone to respect their perspective. And of course, I want them to recognize me as a great artist — not just because of the music, but because of the growth, consistency, and real-life experiences behind it. Early in my career, it was more about proving myself — showing I belonged. Now it’s evolved into standing on who I am. It’s less about validation and more about legacy. I’ve been through things, learned from them, and grown. So today, the name means resilience, understanding, and elevation.”
You’ve lived a lot of life between your last major release and this new album. What personal chapter do you feel you’re closing — and which one are you opening?
The personal chapter I’m closing is Ivory Wade the artist who was just focused on making music and dropping projects. This new chapter is Ivory Wade the brand. I’m not just creating songs anymore — I’m building something bigger than a moment. This upcoming album represents that shift. It’s not just a body of work, it’s a statement. Every visual, every rollout move, every feature, every conversation around it is intentional. I’m thinking ownership. I’m thinking longevity. I’m thinking legacy. Before, I was chasing records. Now I’m building a catalog. Before, it was about proving I could chart. Now it’s about building a foundation that lives beyond one album cycle. This project isn’t just music — it’s the launch of a new era. Ivory Wade the brand.
What was the emotional spark or life event that ignited the creation of this new album?
There wasn’t one dramatic moment that sparked this album — it was more about clarity. I reached a point where I understood my long-term vision, and I knew staying consistent was key. I’m building my catalog strategically, and every project is a step toward bigger business decisions I’m preparing for. This album came from being locked in mentally and committed to the bigger picture.
Which song on the album challenged you the most to write, and why?
I would say “We Both Cheaters” was the most challenging song for me — not because it was difficult to write or put together creatively, but because of what it represents. Most people don’t like admitting when they’ve been unfaithful or when a relationship isn’t as perfect as it looks. There’s this culture of pretending certain things don’t happen, when in reality they do. The song touches on that uncomfortable truth. It wasn’t about glorifying anything. It was about being honest about real-life situations people go through but don’t openly talk about. And just because I created the song doesn’t mean it reflects my personal lifestyle — it was storytelling and perspective, not a confession.
What’s one message you want to leave with both your day-one supporters and the people meeting you for the first time?
One message I want to leave with my day-ones and the people just discovering me is this — we’re all equal in God’s eyes. I’m no better than anybody. If you’re going through a rough time, just know storms don’t last forever. Look at my story — things could always be worse. Be thankful for the lessons in the struggle, because trouble don’t last always.
To listen to more of Ivory's music, check him out on Apple Music , Spotify, and Tidal
