Nija – Things We Do: From Hit Songwriter to R&B Solo Star

From Ghostwriting for Giants to Owning the Mic: Nija Returns with “Things We Do”

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when the person who writes the hits finally decides to keep the best ones for themselves. We’ve seen it with stars like SZA and Ne-Yo, and right now, Nija Charles is proving exactly why she belongs in that elite bracket.

With the release of her latest single, “Things We Do,” Nija isn’t just releasing another pop track; she’s cementing her status as the most dangerous “triple threat” in R&B today.

The Dorm Room Prodigy

Before she was a household name in the credits of your favorite albums, Nija was just a student at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, balancing textbooks with beat-making in her dorm room. Most students are just trying to pass finals; Nija was busy building the foundation of a career that would see her sign with Universal Music Publishing Group by 2017.

What makes her transition so seamless is that she’s spent years as the “secret weapon” for the biggest names in music. She learned the architecture of a hit from the inside out, mastering the art of the lilting pop hook and adventurous instrumentals long before she ever stepped into the booth for herself.

Why “Things We Do” Hits Different

If 2022’s Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You was her “hello” to the world, “Things We Do” is her “I’m here to stay.”

The track feels like a natural evolution. It’s got that polished, mainstream pop appeal, but it’s grounded in the grit and soul of New Jersey R&B. It’s smooth, it’s slightly hypnotic, and it showcases a level of vocal confidence we haven’t seen from her before.

What stands out most about Nija’s solo work:

• The Production: Because she’s a producer first, the layers in her tracks are intentional. Nothing is “filler.”

• The Relatability: She writes about love and life with a conversational ease that makes you feel like you’re catching up with a friend.

• The Versatility: She can pivot from a hard-hitting rap cadence to a floating R&B melody in a single breath.

More Than Just a Songwriter

It’s easy to label someone as “the person who wrote [Insert Hit Song Here],” but Nija is outgrowing that title fast. “Things We Do” is a reminder that she isn’t just a facilitator for other people’s stardom—she’s the main event.

With multi-platinum plaques already on her wall and a creative vision that’s sharper than ever, Nija is no longer the industry’s best-kept secret. She’s the blueprint.

“Things We Do” is out now. Go give it a spin and see why the songwriter of your favorite hits is about to become your favorite artist.