By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Newark, NJ, has long served as the epicenter for one of the most infectious movements in modern electronic dance music. At the forefront of this cultural export is Cherrill Cherry, known globally by her stage name UNIIQU3. Often hailed as the "Queen of Jersey Club," the multi-talented producer, DJ, and vocalist has spent the better part of a decade transforming a localized regional sound into a worldwide phenomenon. Her latest offering, "Papi," serves as a testament to this global trajectory. Released via the esteemed Local Action imprint, the single is a high-octane collaboration featuring the technical prowess of Australian producer Swick, alongside vocal contributions from the legendary Spank Rock and the rising Spanish artist Jazz Alonso.
The track "Papi" is not merely a single; it is a sonic bridge connecting the gritty, rhythmic foundations of Newark with the vibrant, percussive energy of Latin American and European club circuits. Drawing heavy inspiration from her extensive touring schedule, UNIIQU3 has crafted a piece of music that reflects the time she spent immersed in the nightlife of Spain and Mexico. The result is a hybrid sound that maintains the breakneck speed and signature triplet kick drums of Jersey Club while layering in the sultry, mysterious textures of Latin dance music. This fusion highlights the artist’s ability to adapt and evolve, proving that Jersey Club is not a static genre but a living, breathing entity capable of absorbing influences from every corner of the globe.
"Papi" marks the third major reveal from UNIIQU3’s highly anticipated debut full-length album. The artist has previously characterized this upcoming project as a "sonic passport," a metaphor that perfectly encapsulates her journey from the local blocks of New Jersey to international festival stages. By documenting her travels through sound, she offers listeners a guided tour of the diverse environments that have shaped her artistic identity. The album follows a period of significant momentum for UNIIQU3, which was ignited by her 2021 breakout EP, Heartbeats. That project cemented her status as a primary innovator in the scene, blending club music with pop sensibilities and vulnerable songwriting.
The production on "Papi" is a masterclass in collaboration. Swick, an Australian producer known for his razor-sharp synth work and idiosyncratic rhythmic structures, provides a foundation that is both playful and aggressive. His style meshes seamlessly with UNIIQU3’s vision, creating a backdrop that allows the vocalists to shine. Spank Rock, a pioneer of the mid-2000s Baltimore Club and alternative hip-hop explosion, brings a seasoned charisma to the track. His presence serves as a nod to the historical ties between Baltimore and Jersey club cultures. Meanwhile, Jazz Alonso adds a layer of authentic international flair, her vocals weaving through the production with an enchanting, mysterious tone that UNIIQU3 specifically sought for this release.
Reflecting on the track’s creation, UNIIQU3 noted that "Papi" was designed to capture the specific adrenaline rush she feels when performing in cities like Barcelona or Mexico City. She describes the production as being "in your face," a necessary quality for any track intended to dominate a crowded dance floor. However, the lyrical content provides a counterbalance, offering a sense of intrigue and enchantment that elevates the song beyond a standard club tool. It is this duality—the raw energy of the beat versus the sophisticated allure of the vocals—that defines UNIIQU3’s current creative era.
The rollout for the debut album has been meticulously paced, with each single showcasing a different facet of her "sonic passport." The journey began with the high-flying energy of "Mile High Club," a track that set the stage for the album’s travel-centric theme. This was followed by "Calling My Name," a collaboration that featured the vocal and production talents of Leonce and the queer rap icon Cakes Da Killa. Each of these releases has demonstrated a commitment to community and collaboration, highlighting UNIIQU3’s role as a curator who brings together diverse voices within the electronic and hip-hop spheres.
UNIIQU3’s relationship with Local Action has also been a crucial element of her recent success. The UK-based label has long been a champion of forward-thinking club music, and their partnership with UNIIQU3 has yielded some of her most influential work. Prior to the current album cycle, she contributed significantly to the label’s "Local Action Remixes: 2010–2025" compilation. This included a high-energy Conducta remix of her single "Microdosing" and a Leonce remix of "Touch," both of which helped maintain her presence in the global club conversation during the transition between major projects.
To understand the significance of "Papi" and the upcoming album, one must understand the context of Jersey Club itself. Originating in the late 90s and early 2000s, the genre was built on the foundations of Baltimore Club but developed its own distinct personality through faster tempos, heavy use of the "bed squeak" sample, and a focus on communal dance battles. For many years, it remained a localized secret, shared via mixtapes and community centers. UNIIQU3 was one of the first artists to break out of this localized circuit, not only by producing her own tracks but by adding her own vocals and songwriting, effectively turning "club tracks" into "songs."
In recent years, the influence of Jersey Club has permeated the highest levels of the music industry, with elements of the sound appearing in the work of superstars like Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, and Coi Leray. While the mainstreaming of the sound has brought it to a wider audience, UNIIQU3 remains the genre’s most authentic ambassador. She ensures that the roots of the culture are respected even as she pushes the boundaries of what the music can sound like. "Papi" is a prime example of this; it is a track that could only be made by someone who understands the soul of Jersey Club but is not afraid to let it travel across the Atlantic or south of the border.
The "sonic passport" concept also serves as a broader commentary on the nature of modern music production. In an era where digital connectivity allows producers in Newark, Melbourne, and London to collaborate instantaneously, the traditional borders of music are dissolving. UNIIQU3 embraces this reality, using her platform to highlight how a rhythm born in the housing projects of New Jersey can resonate with a dancer in a subterranean club in Mexico City. By incorporating Jazz Alonso’s vocals and Swick’s Australian-bred production, she is creating a truly globalized version of her home-grown sound.
As fans await the full release of the debut album, "Papi" stands as a vibrant centerpiece of the campaign. It encapsulates the joy, the mystery, and the relentless energy that have become UNIIQU3’s trademarks. The track is a reminder that while she may be the "Jersey Club Queen," her kingdom has expanded far beyond the borders of the Garden State. With her passport stamped and her bags packed, UNIIQU3 is leading the charge into a new era of electronic music—one where the dance floor knows no boundaries and the rhythm is a universal language.
Looking ahead, the impact of this debut album is expected to be felt across the electronic music landscape. It represents a maturation of the Jersey Club sound, moving it into a space that is as much about storytelling and atmosphere as it is about the dance floor. With "Papi" currently making waves on streaming platforms and in DJ sets worldwide, UNIIQU3 has once again proven that she is one of the most vital and visionary artists in the game today. Whether she is "Microdosing" on new sounds or taking us to the "Mile High Club," her journey is one that every fan of innovative music should be following closely.
