Jessie Reyez on Drake, Lauryn Hill, More

Jessie Reyez got emotional in the studio while filming the latest episode of Rolling Stone Recommends. She wasn’t talking about her new studio album Pain in Memories, which arrived last week, on which she unpacks reflections on her relationship with success, becoming a healthier version of herself, and finding the silver lining in heartbreak. No, what brought her nearly to tears was actually the idea of introducing aliens to love by showing them a video captured while she was playing with her niece. But this is where Reyez is right now, loving unapologetically and embracing what’s good for the soul. Her recommendation is that we all do the same.

“I’m currently sober, well, alcohol sober. I haven’t had a drink for about two years,” Reyez tells Rolling Stone, noting that she opts for mushrooms instead. “I don’t do it hella recreationally, I do it more so ritualistically, with intention. Sometimes my intention is to heal, sometimes my intention is to find peace.” Then comes the seed that would soon sprout into a tear-jerker: “You know some people think mushrooms are aliens, have you heard that? Not from this Earth or that they have like significant consciousnesses in of itself and that just — I mean this is a whole YouTube wormhole, go check it out.”

Reyez is also particularly fond of musical wormholes, the kind that really make you feel something. “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is up there for me,” she said. “That’s a masterpiece. It was good for you, and not often are things that good for you palatable. For example, spinach. Who the fuck likes eating spinach? But that album was spinach for your soul that was so good, but it was delivered in a way that tasted like steak.”

Thinking about the escapism element of her favorite records, the singer-songwriter added: “On a bad day, I’m seeking out refuge sonically. And to me, refuge is Bob Marley. Refuge is ‘Redemption Song.’ Refuge is ‘This Love.’ Refuge is ‘Waiting in Vain.’ It immediately soothes me. Like it could dry tears, which is really beautiful.”

And few things provide refuge in the way that the feeling of being at home does. As a Toronto native, Reyez was quick to recommend poutine, the combo of French fries, cheese, and gravy that she insists must be consumed while it’s hot enough to get a solid pull of cheese. She recommends Harvey’s Poutine as the best spot to grab some. But her other favorite dish can’t be bought at a restaurant: “The secret to the best empanadas is having my mom make it.”

Reyez kept the Toronto spirit alive as she praised the legacy of her friend and one-time collaborator Drake. “I love that guy, man. The city loves that man. The country loves that man,” she said, adding: “As everyone should for everything he’s done for the country, for the city. Yeah, I love him. He’s great.”