Laila! is a singer, songwriter, and producer of airy bedroom R&B songs with semi-rapped vocals and strong melodic hooks. After finding online success with her 2023 single "Like That!," the Brooklyn-based artist built on her momentum with releases like the 2024 EP IN CTRL! and a follow-up single "Not My Problem."

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Laila Smith grew up on R&B icons like Aaliyah, Brandy, and Whitney Houston, and started writing songs at a young age. During the global pandemic, just as she was beginning high school, Smith started creating beats and learning to record her own music. She quickly developed a personal style fusing modern bedroom production with hip-hop elements and R&B vocals that fell somewhere between Brandy and SZA. With its sophisticated arrangement, rapped verses, and memorable chorus, "Like That!" became a breakout success online, reaching the Top 20 of the TikTok chart. Only 17 at the time, Laila! quickly responded with "Whassup," followed in early 2024 by her debut EP, IN CTRL! Songs like "SOFT SERVE" and "80 in a 55" further revealed her knack for tasteful, ambient instrumental tracks and strong vocals. "Not My Problem" and "Flyer Than U" appeared later that year while Laila! continued building toward her first full-length release.