In the bustling streets of Amman, Jordan, a young girl with big dreams and an even bigger voice was born. Meet Taleen: a singer-songwriter who’s carving a unique space in the world of soul and R&B while staying deeply connected to her roots. Her story is one of resilience, cultural fusion, and an undeniable love for music.
Taleen’s first taste of music wasn’t on a stage or in a studio — it was sneaking early-morning MTV sessions in her family’s home. Growing up in a conservative household, she wasn’t allowed to listen to music freely, but that didn’t stop her. “I would wake up super early to watch music videos before anyone else was awake,” she says with a laugh. Her favorites? Icons like Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Fairuz, who continue to inspire her sound today.
Raised in Los Angeles but now based in Houston, Taleen’s journey has taken her across cultures, continents, and challenges. She describes her music as “modern with a vintage feel,” a perfect blend of Middle Eastern soul and Western R&B. Her debut single, “Time Traveler,” dropped in March 2023, quickly followed by “DML (Deepen My Love)” in April 2024. Each track feels like a time capsule — both rooted in nostalgia and pushing boundaries into the future.
But getting here hasn’t been easy. Taleen admits that pursuing music wasn’t always supported by her family. “When I first started, my parents weren’t convinced that this could be a career,” she shares. Despite the lack of initial support, she trusted her gut, started vocal training in 2018, and hasn’t looked back since.
Her resilience has been her secret weapon. “I’m very stubborn when it comes to my dreams,” she says. And it’s paid off. Her songs are gaining traction, live performances are building buzz, and her fanbase is growing by the day.
Taleen’s music isn’t just about the sound; it’s about the story. Whether she’s drawing from her Palestinian-Jordanian roots or her experiences navigating life in America, there’s always a message in her art. “I want to inspire people to heal and find themselves,” she explains. For Taleen, music is advocacy, especially for women who might feel they need to shrink themselves to fit societal expectations.
Her latest single, “DML,” captures this spirit. Written in her home, the song dives into themes of love, trust, and self-worth. “It’s about refusing to settle for anything less than something real,” she says. And that sentiment is woven through every lyric, every melody, every beat.
So, what’s next for Taleen? She’s sitting on a vault of unreleased music, with plans to release a mixtape before diving into a full-length album. Dream collaborations with artists like Cleo Sol and producers like Timbaland and Kaytranada are on her horizon. But for now, she’s taking it one song, one performance, and one moment of gratitude at a time.
Every morning, she starts her day with a simple ritual: listing a few things she’s grateful for and affirming her worth. “Gratitude has been my greatest lesson,” she reflects. It’s this grounded approach that keeps her connected to herself, her roots, and her art.
Taleen’s journey — from the streets of Amman to the stages of Houston — is a testament to her determination, her talent, and her heart. She’s not just creating music; she’s creating a movement. One that’s all about love, resilience, and staying true to who you are.
Keep an eye on Taleen — she’s just getting started.
Sponsored by 97OTIS
This coverage is brought to you by 97OTIS, an independent artist redefining alternative hip-hop with poetic lyricism and raw creativity. Explore his music and join the movement to support independent art!
SUMBMIT ON INSTAGRAM IN COMMENTS @MAJORPOTIS
