Presented anonymously, contemporary R&B singer H.E.R. debuted on major label RCA in 2016. "H.E.R. Volume 1", released for stream/download in September, was a 7-track EP of downcast post-breakup material, mostly ballads, that sounded both vulnerable and assured.

The promotion was limited, but labelmates Alicia Keys and Bryson Tiller helped spread the word through social media.

Among the selections, was a cover of Drake's song "Jungle", which helped send the set to n° 28 on the Billboard Top Hip-Hop/R&B Albums chart.

A similarly styled follow-up, "H.E.R. Volume 2", was released in June 2017.