Recently, the Howard Theatre housed a sold-out crowd eagerly awaiting Jorja Smith’s final U.S. tour stop. Her rapid rise to stardom begun only just two years ago at the age of 18 when “Blue Lights” was released on Soundcloud. Since then, she has released numerous singles and an exceptionally well-received EP, Project 11. Despite hailing from the U.K., she’s gained a strong international following stemming from touring North America with Bruno Mars in 2017 and also being featured on projects by two of hip hop’s biggest juggernauts in Drake and Kendrick Lamar. With a debut album soon to release and a 2018 Brit Critics Choice Award, it’s easy to see why the hype around her is warranted.