“Every song, every session, it did kind of feel like a therapy session for me.” For Jayson Tatum’s girlfriend Ella Mai, returning to the recording studio after a long gap back in 2020 gave her the same feeling, as her beau might’ve felt upon dribbling the ball after his summer break! After all, music has been Mai’s craft, her calling across the last decade, and she’s released many R&B tracks and EPs (solo extended plays). Her latest track seems to aim to pay tribute to one particular individual in her life: Jayson Tatum.

Earlier today, the Grammy Award-winning singer took to her official Instagram account to reveal details of her new album. Titled ‘3’, the surprise EP celebrates her reaching 30! It is made up of 3 tracks titled ‘Hearts on Deck’, ‘One of These’, and ‘Little Things.’

According to NBA reporter, Bobby Krivitsky, ‘Little Things’ is a tribute to Jayson Tatum himself!

After all, according to Just Jared, it is a track that “celebrates love in its simplest forms, showcasing Mai’s appreciation for small acts of devotion and how these ‘little things’ build meaningful relationships.”

With lyrics like “Be right hеre when you’re wakin’ up / Breakfast on the table, know you like / Eggs, and they’re all scrambled up / Pancakes, bacon, OJ on the side,” is there any doubt that the unspecified individual can be none other than her reported longtime partner aka the Celtics champion?

If those lines aren’t enough, then all one needs to do is listen further. “Packed your bag with extra clothes, your toothbrush in the Louis tote / Love notes for when you on the road / Cleaned your watch and Cuban links / Silk pillowcase for you to take / Boy, you deserve the little things.” Now, think about it, someone like Jayson Tatum has an ever-demanding NBA schedule and has to be “on the road” for almost half of his team’s regular season games every year!

According to a report by People, JT and Ella have been together for the last 4 years. From attending Michael Rubin’s iconic ‘White Party’ to being present during Marcus Smart’s wedding last year, they’ve made several public appearances over the years.

In the 2024 NBA Finals, photographers captured her standing alongside a group of other people near the locker rooms. To make things interesting, she was visibly sporting a baby bump! Fans didn’t have to wait for long before the good news arrived.

Tatum and Mai’s newborn made his first public appearance in mid-August when the former was celebrating his Paris Olympics win. Celtics enthusiasts have already come to love and appreciate the little bundle of cuteness, that is Deuce Tatum. Now, they have another mini-Tatum to love and adore!

Till today, despite having their baby now, the couple has never publicly acknowledged their relationship. While Tatum and Mai themselves have chosen not to do so, however, others have done it for them.

Usher made a reference to Jayson Tatum during a live performance with Ella Mai: “She got a boo already!”

Weeks after her appearance alongside Jayson Tatum during the Team USA’s celebration, Ella Mai was invited to Usher’s show in Boston. The 4x Grammy-nominated artist, who eventually won the award for ‘Boo’d Up’ back in 2019, had joined the renowned music artist, as part of a special crossover performance of his ‘Past Present Future Tour’. As she made her appearance on the stage, Usher put out an introduction by stating “She (Ella Mai) already got a boo. And I ain’t got no smoke from Tatum. Not in Boston.” Wow!

From having their first kid together, to Ella Mai paying tribute through the song, it won’t be long now before the couple publicly declares their relationship. When it happens, they’re sure to rise as another prominent NBA power couple of this modern generation!