About Soul Papi
Born John Zabala in Reading, Pennsylvania, Soul Papi is a rapper, poet, and producer whose sound is rooted in memory, culture, and lived experience. Raised in an Afro-Dominican household, music was always present: bachata in the morning, jazz in the afternoon, Quiet Storm at night, and hip hop running through it all. His family’s bodega, both a livelihood and a gathering place, exposed him to the daily rhythms, voices, and struggles of his community. Between the warmth of home and the weight of the streets, he came to understand the poverty and crime around him while working to rise above the struggles of his upbringing. His story is also one of identity, as he often felt like an outcast due to his ethnicity and race, caught between cultures while searching for belonging. Rather than allowing that struggle to silence him, Soul Papi turned it into purpose, shaping an artistry that blends the smooth elegance of jazz and R&B with the raw authenticity of conscious East Coast hip hop.
Soul Papi’s journey as a performer began in 2016 when he opened for platinum-selling artist PnB Rock, setting the stage for future opportunities. On February 1, 2023, he released his debut album, Ready to Fly, a milestone project that showcased his storytelling through smooth vocals, jazz-infused production, and poetic lyricism. In 2024, his craft was further recognized when he became a finalist for Poet Laureate of Reading, Pennsylvania, affirming the literary depth behind his music. That same year, he displayed his skills in the 2024 SWAMPRAT Cypher on WITF and was honored as a recipient of the Berks Arts Council Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Grant. Continuing his upward trajectory, Soul Papi reached another major milestone in 2025 when he performed as an opening act for Grammy-nominated R&B legend Musiq Soulchild. In 2026, he brought his artistry back home by performing at the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone in his hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania, a full-circle moment that connected his local roots to a global celebration.
More than a musician, Soul Papi is on a mission to create opportunities for fellow artists while curating immersive experiences for fans through music. He is currently working on his next album, Asención, slated for release in 2026, a concept project reflecting on his upbringing, the loss of his grandmother, and the struggles of faith that followed. The lessons of the bodega, the sound of Latin nights, the tension of identity, and the storytelling tradition of East Coast hip hop all live in his work. With one foot in memory and the other pushing forward, Soul Papi continues to evolve as a rapper, poet, and producer, crafting music that embodies emotion, authenticity, and a timeless groove that honors the past while reaching toward the future.
Music Featured On
