Phabo

California-based vocalist Phabo has cultivated a signature sound that merges heartfelt romance with hazy, atmospheric production, pairing a nostalgic '90s groove with forward-thinking innovation. That approach first surfaced on his widely discussed 2020 EP Free and reached fuller expression on the 2022 album Soulquarius. He extended the same cross-decade aesthetic in 2023 with Don't Get Too Cozy.

Phabo entered the world in San Diego before relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida, at age 8 and ultimately establishing himself in Long Beach, California, at 16. During his formative years he studied drums, piano, and guitar, later adding clarinet and performing with his high school jazz ensemble. He also started writing and performing his own material, a pursuit that gained greater importance after losing his father at age 21. In 2016 an opportunity arose to compose material for Atlantic Records while he continued managing a CBD shop in Venice Beach. Although none of those songs secured placements, the experience sharpened his craft and paved the way for his debut EP, Free.

Subsequent endeavors included an initial partnership with producer Kyle for Now, followed by a close creative alliance with Louie Lastic. The pair shaped Phabo's first full-length project, Soulquarius. Issued in 2022, the album reflected the influence of the '90s neo-soul and hip-hop collective the Soulquarians, whose members included D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and J Dilla. Guest spots on the record came from Alex Vaughn, Destin Conrad, and Mntra. Phabo resumed activity in 2023 with his second album, Don't Get Too Cozy, again drawing on production work from Louie Lastic as well as Troy Taylor and Eric Hudson. Among its highlights were "Out of Touch" featuring U.K. singer Shaé Universe, "NYL" with Ambré, and "Your Loss" with Kalan.FrFr.