OPM icon Jay R and Los Angeles-based pop newcomer Shanice have released a collaborative single, “Never Ever,” featuring Grammy-nominated producer Mark Feist. The song, which explores the theme of love that remains even when the pieces don’t fit, features soulful vocals, lush strings, slow-burning grooves, and hypnotic instrumentation. The song captures the soothing warmth of coming home to a loved one, pledging devotion even through life’s coldest seasons. The single is released on August 22, 2025, via Hitmakers Entertainment and Symphonic Asia.
“Never Ever is about love and wanting it forever,” says Mark Feist, the chart-topping producer behind worldwide hits like Destiny’s Child’s Emotions. “It’s a tale as old as time, and something all people can relate to, whether it manifests in love, loss, or longing.”
The track’s creative journey began with Shanice’s scratch melody, which Feist reimagined from a straightforward 4/4 into a sweeping 6/8 to give the song a more cinematic, flowing quality. From there, he restructured the arrangement, placing the hook at the forefront and refining the chord progression to build emotional momentum.
The recording occurred between Los Angeles and Manila, with Shanice and Jay R laying their vocals in separate studios. Feist incorporated live instrumentation, tapping Erick Walls (Usher, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson) on electric guitar and Courtney Leonard (Chris Brown, Beyoncé) on bass. Every sonic detail was shaped to enhance the emotional arc of the lyrics, from the delicate intro to the soaring, anthemic chorus.
“Once the lyrics were complete and Jay R added his Tagalog parts, the song kind of produced itself,” recalls Feist. “I heard all these amazing string parts in my head, wrote them down, and built the track around that lush foundation. This is one of the productions I’m most proud of—not only for the music, but the way it brought together incredible talent from two continents into one seamless piece of art.”
For Jay R and Shanice, the collaboration brought the best of both worlds, literally and figuratively. “Shanice wrote the song and presented it already perfect,” reveals the King of R&B. “I just added a few Tagalog lyrics to fit our market better. She’s incredibly talented, and we share a natural chemistry on stage.”
Shanice shares the same sentiment, praising Jay R for his commitment to the collaborative process. “Working with Jay R is so cool! The creative process was natural and easy. He’s talented and experienced, and I learned much from him. Never Ever has been one of the highlights of my journey so far.”
Guji Lorenzana oversees the project’s promotional efforts through Symphonic Asia and believes that while Never Ever resonates in today’s music climate, it has a timeless edge that people from different generations would appreciate. He affirms that both artists have a promising future not just in the Philippines, but around the world.
“I think Never Ever feels especially relevant right now because we’re seeing a reemergence of that OG R&B sound, both in the Philippines and the USA,” the record label executive explains. “It’s a style that instantly takes you back but still feels fresh today. For me, this track hits home. The production is top-notch, the vibe is smooth, and the chemistry between Jay R and Shanice is undeniable. I hope listeners feel that same connection, whether love at first listen or something that grows on them with every replay.”
Jay R and Shanice’s “Never Ever” is out on all digital music platforms worldwide this Friday, August 22, 2025, via Hitmakers Entertainment and Symphonic Asia.
