Honestly, trying to keep up with celebrity relationships feels like a full-time job. Especially when the people involved are as low-key as R&B singer Ella Mai. For years, fans played detective, squinting at Instagram backgrounds and tracking flight paths. It was a whole thing. But then, the 2024 NBA Finals happened, and suddenly, the "Boo'd Up" singer wasn't just there to watch basketball.
She was there with a very visible baby bump.
The internet basically exploded. For a long time, the identity of the ella mai baby daddy was the worst-kept secret in Hollywood and the NBA. It’s Jayson Tatum. The Boston Celtics superstar. After years of being "private," things finally became undeniable when they were spotted celebrating the Celtics' championship together, followed by the birth of their son later that summer.
The Mystery of the Ella Mai Baby Daddy Finally Solved
It’s kinda wild how they pulled it off for so long. Most famous couples can't go to dinner without a paparazzi swarm, but Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum managed to date for nearly four years before the public got a real confirmation. They didn't do the whole "Instagram official" launch. No matching outfit shoots. Just vibes and very occasional sightings at high-profile parties like Michael Rubin’s white party in the Hamptons.
Then came August 2024.
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After Jayson helped Team USA snag a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, behind-the-scenes footage showed Ella Mai holding a newborn. It was the confirmation everyone needed. The couple has since reportedly named their son Dylan. He’s the second child for Tatum, who already has his famous sidekick son, Deuce, from a previous relationship with Toriah Lachell.
Life as a "Singing Hooper"
Fast forward to late 2025. Ella Mai finally decided to stop playing coy. During an interview with KISS XTRA’s DJ Ace while promoting her new music, she opened up about motherhood for the first time. She admitted she wasn't always the "maternal" type. She didn't grow up dreaming of white weddings or strollers. She just wanted to be an artist.
But life happens.
She described her son as a "singing hooper." It makes sense, right? With a Grammy-winning mom and an NBA champion dad, the kid has some pretty intense DNA. She joked that he can already "hold a note," even though he’s still just a toddler. It’s a sweet glimpse into a life that they’ve fought very hard to keep away from the cameras.
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Why They Stay So Private
You've probably noticed that Ella Mai doesn't post her kid every five minutes. That’s intentional. She’s been very vocal about the fact that fame is hard enough for adults, let alone a baby who didn't ask for any of this. She told DJ Ace that if you’re "intentional" about how you move, you can actually avoid the cameras.
Basically, she’s not hiding, but she’s not performing her personal life for us either.
It’s a refreshing change of pace from the oversharing culture of 2026. While fans are always hungry for more details about the ella mai baby daddy and their domestic life, the couple seems content to let the music and the basketball do the talking. Jayson has been dealing with his own hurdles, like recovering from a torn Achilles sustained in the 2025 playoffs, and Ella has been right there by his side throughout the rehab process.
A Timeline of the Relationship
- 2020: Rumors first start after Jayson is seen at an Ella Mai concert.
- 2022: They attend the Michael Rubin Fourth of July party together, looking very much like a couple.
- June 2024: Ella is spotted with a baby bump at the Celtics’ championship parade.
- August 2024: The couple welcomes their son, Dylan, around the time of the Olympics.
- December 2025: Ella Mai officially discusses motherhood and her "singing hooper" son for the first time.
What's Next for the Couple?
Ella is gearing up to release her third studio album, Do You Still Love Me?, in early 2026. She’s mentioned that the record was heavily influenced by her journey through pregnancy and postpartum. It’s likely the closest we’ll get to an inside look at her relationship with Tatum.
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On the other side of the house, Jayson Tatum is working his way back to the court. Having a new baby and a major injury at the same time is a lot for anyone, even an NBA superstar. But from what we’ve seen, they’ve built a solid support system.
If you're looking to keep up with their journey, the best move is to watch for Ella's new lyrics. She’s always been better at expressing her heart through a melody than a press release. You can also keep an eye on Tatum's sneakers—he often writes the names of his kids, Deuce and Dylan, on his game-day kicks.
To stay in the loop with authentic updates, follow Ella Mai’s official music channels rather than tabloid gossip sites. Her upcoming album release on February 6th will be the primary source for her "motherhood journey" insights. For those following Jayson’s recovery, official NBA injury reports are the only reliable way to track his return to the Celtics lineup.