Breaking Cycles, Building Faith: Jenae Inez Offers Visual Masterpiece ‘No Hellos’
Houston’s very own Jenae Inez is definitely back, and she’s bringing a raw, emotional, and eye-catching masterpiece with her music video for “No Hellos.” Taken from her debut EP “Serendipity,” this track is a journey of self-reflection, resilience, and spiritual growth, wrapped in the edgy yet soulful cadence that has become her signature.
From the moment the beat drops, “No Hellos” feels like a conversation you didn’t know you needed. The song dives into the struggle of breaking free from toxic habits and routines, a cycle so ingrained it almost feels impossible to escape. Yet, instead of giving into defeat, Jenae takes a bold stance, using her foundation of faith to persevere.
“I wrote the song during a time of grief,” Jenae shares. “I couldn’t find music that celebrated someone who’s in the thick of things. I wanted a song that’s fun to listen to while discussing something serious.” And she delivers just that—combining introspective lyrics with an empowering beat, creating an anthem for anyone fighting silent battles.
“No Hellos” explores the tension between the old and new self, the bittersweet reality of letting go, and the courage it takes to evolve. Jenae’s transparent storytelling hits a nerve, especially in the lines: “But a broken house can be fixed / It’s merely bricks and some sticks / And it’s no longer a gift / But that change won’t come for free.” It tells that transformation is painful but always worth the cost.
The music video for “No Hellos” is where the magic truly unfolds. Animated by Pete Gavrovski, the video uses stop-motion animation to weave a rich narrative that’s equal parts whimsical and profound. While stop-motion often carries a playful aesthetic, Jenae flips the script, using the medium to underscore the weighty themes of self-reflection and growth. The video captures the journey of wrestling with inner demons and finding freedom on the other side. The art direction mirrors the song’s duality—serious topics presented through a fresh, engaging lens.
Jenae Inez has a knack for blending vulnerability with strength, and “No Hellos” is no exception. Her lyrical delivery, both introspective and sharp, makes you want to sit with her words, unpack them, and maybe replay the track a couple more times just to catch all the layers. The song’s production is equally compelling, with Jasbir “Woah” Sehra crafting a beat that feels like a heartbeat—steady, grounding, and alive. The melodic undertones soften the edges, creating a balanced soundscape that mirrors the song’s emotional highs and lows.
Jenae’s connection to music is deeply personal and rooted in family and faith. Growing up, she watched her mom share stages with legends like Run D.M.C., which sparked her early love for hip-hop. From freestyling in car rides to turning her emotions into diary-like raps, music has always been her safe space.
Her EP Serendipity, where “No Hellos” originates, was born out of a transformative period. After leaving the Navy and grappling with loss, Jenae strengthened her relationship with Christ and used music to process her grief. The EP is a testament to her resilience, featuring tracks that explore themes of love, growth, and healing. “No Hellos,” in particular, stands out as a bold declaration of self-love and faith. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of life’s chaos, there’s a way forward.
If there’s one thing Jenae wants you to take away from “No Hellos,” it’s a sense of empowerment. “I hope listeners feel inspired that whatever they’re battling behind closed doors, a breakthrough is coming,” she says. “Stay the course and enjoy the ride to your new self in the meantime.” Let Jenae’s words remind you: change may not come easy, but with faith and determination, it will come.
