If there’s one thing Genia knows how to do, it’s set the mood—and she’s doing just that with her lovestruck new single, “Crush,” out now via Def Jam Recordings. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter is making sure your your playlists are complete with this flirty anthem that screams butterflies, heart-eyes, and non-stop replay.
The track’s infectious guitar riff and bouncy beat pull you in, but it’s Genia’s smooth, dynamic vocals that keep you hooked. “I got a little crush on somebody, and I been on the hunt since the day that you caught me,” she confesses over the electric production, embodying that dizzying rush of new love. With dreamy harmonies and an undeniably catchy hook, “Crush” perfectly captures the intoxicating mix of excitement and nervous energy that comes with falling for someone new. It’s the type of song you blast on repeat, windows down, envisioning your latest heartthrob in a cinematic montage of your own making.
And fun fact — while it was the perfect V-Day bop this year, Genia revealed to Celeb Secrets that dropping the song around the holiday was actually a happy accident. “I had another song lined up, but then I changed my mind. It just worked out like that,” she said.
Genia’s journey from a small desert town to the big leagues is nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from Victorville, CA, where music industry connections were scarce, she built her career from the ground up. Singing at school talent shows and belting the national anthem at football games was just the beginning. Then came TikTok — where a viral cover of Deborah Cox’s “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” racked up over 2 million views overnight, catapulting her into the spotlight.
At the time, she was balancing shifts at Walmart and studying to be a nurse, but the sudden explosion of attention changed everything. “I always had faith that if I kept my head down and kept working, it would happen,” she shared. And it did. Labels came calling, and before she knew it, she was living out her teenage prophecy — becoming a singer and moving to LA.
Over the past few years, Genia has been experimenting, evolving, and fine-tuning her artistry. Her early projects, 4PM in the Ville and 4AM in the Ville, leaned into a more R&B-heavy sound. But her latest singles, “10 Out Of 10,” “Damage” and “Give,” have her stepping boldly into the pop lane. “I finally feel like I’ve found my voice in music,” she told Celeb Secrets. “I used to feel boxed in, but now I know exactly what I want to do — and I’m doing it.”
That confidence translates into “Crush,” a song that feels effortlessly fun while showing off her signature style. Her goal? To make music that resonates with women who want to feel both badass and vulnerable — just like she does. “I make music for everybody,” she explained. “But mainly for women to feel empowered, to feel seen.”
Her diverse musical inspirations fuel her genre-blending sound. Growing up, she was mesmerized by the artistry of Prince, especially “Purple Rain,” which pushed her to pursue music fearlessly. She also takes cues from modern icons like Rihanna, SZA, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, and Drake, pulling elements from R&B, pop, and even rock and country. “It’s a big melting pot of everything I listened to growing up,” she said. “I love to experiment, just like Prince did. There are no rules in music.”
While “Crush” is currently dominating playlists, Genia isn’t slowing down. She teased that she’s been working on a bigger project— maybe even her debut album? “I would love to put out an album,” she hinted. “I already have two EPs, but I finally feel like I know exactly what I’m going for. So, hopefully soon.”
And don’t expect her to hold back on the storytelling. From cheeky, sarcastic anthems to emotional deep cuts disguised as dance tracks, Genia promises a full spectrum of feels. “If I’m feeling like s**t one day, I’m gonna write about it — and you might be able to dance to it,” she laughed.
Of course, we had to get some exclusive tea from Genia herself. Before every studio session, she has a hilariously specific ritual—watching half an episode of The Vampire Diaries in her car. “I don’t know why, but it just gets my mind going,” she said. And when it comes to recording, there’s one non-negotiable: gummy bears. “I swear it helps me sing better,” she claimed. Science may not back that up, but hey, whatever works!
As for her current era? “Not giving a f***,” she declared. “Just being my authentic self, having fun, and doing what I love.” And with bops like “Crush” leading the way, Genia is making it clear—2025 is hers for the taking.
Listen to “Crush” below and don’t forget to let us know what you think of Genia’s music by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
You can connect with Genia by giving her a follow on TikTok at @geniawashere and Instagram at @geniawashere.
