We would like to introduce you to upcoming artist Maithili Raelle and her brand new single and video titled “Used To Love”.
Rising R&B artist Maithili Raelle is tapping into the nostalgia of R&B’s golden era while putting her own unmistakable stamp on it with her latest single, “Used To Love.” Built around a rare cleared sample of Usher’s iconic 2000s hit “U Remind Me,” the track finds Maithili transforming a familiar piece of R&B history into a deeply personal reflection on love, growth, and the emotions that remain after a relationship has changed.
Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, “Used To Love” uses its connection to the early-2000s sound as a foundation for something distinctly contemporary. The warmth of the sample immediately evokes an era when smooth melodies, intimate songwriting, and emotionally charged vocals dominated R&B, while Maithili’s delivery brings a fresh perspective to those familiar textures. The result is a song that feels both comforting and new, balancing the sounds of yesterday with the emotional honesty of today.
The accompanying visual reinforces that timeless quality. Blending contemporary aesthetics with the smooth, heartfelt energy of classic R&B, the visual world surrounding “Used To Love” gives the song another dimension while allowing Maithili’s personality and artistry to remain at the forefront.
At the heart of the record is an artist who has been preparing for this moment for much of her life.
A New Jersey native and NYU freshman, Maithili has lived and breathed music since childhood. Her earliest memories include waking up to her parents blasting everything from Bollywood music to ’70s and ’80s pop throughout their New Jersey home. At just five years old, she began training in classical Hindi music, establishing a musical foundation that would eventually become part of her broader artistic identity.
For Maithili, music has always represented more than entertainment. She describes it as “a diary with underlying messages that we can all relate to,” and that philosophy is evident in the vulnerability behind “Used To Love.” Her ability to turn personal emotions into something universal is becoming one of the defining characteristics of her emerging artistry.
Vocally, Maithili possesses an intriguing combination of intimacy and power. Her sweet, breathy delivery gives her songs an effortless warmth, while her ability to move into both deeper and higher whistle registers adds an unexpected dimension to her performances. Inspired by vocal powerhouses including Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston, she is developing a sound that allows technical ability and emotional expression to coexist naturally.
Her cultural identity is equally central to that journey.
With both parents of Indian descent, Maithili carries a heritage that stretches from India to Uganda and New Jersey. As she establishes herself within mainstream R&B, she is determined to represent that identity rather than hide it. In an industry where emerging artists can sometimes feel pressure to reshape themselves to fit expectations, Maithili sees authenticity as an essential part of her mission.
“So many times, I’ve seen new artists change who they are in order to achieve mainstream success,” she explains. “I am proud of my heritage and am committed to staying true to who I am as I reach for the stars.”
That conviction gives “Used To Love” significance beyond its impressive sample clearance. The song represents an emerging artist looking backward without becoming stuck in the past. Maithili honors one of R&B’s most recognizable eras while using its influence to tell her own story, on her own terms.
With a standout visual, an instantly recognizable musical foundation, and a voice capable of moving between delicate intimacy and striking vocal heights, “Used To Love” makes a compelling introduction to an artist with ambitions far beyond simply recreating the sounds that inspired her.
Maithili Raelle was born to touch nations with her voice. With “Used To Love,” she is taking another meaningful step toward doing exactly that.
Listen and watch below: