ABOUT
Born John Zabala in Reading, Pennsylvania, Soul Papi is a Rapper, Poet, and Producer. Growing up in an Afro-Dominican household, music was always in the air — bachata in the mornings, jazz in the afternoons, Quiet Storm at night, and hip hop running through it all — a soundtrack that would later echo in his own sound. 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. That duality became the backdrop of his artistry, inspiring a style that blends the smooth elegance of jazz and R&B with the raw authenticity of Conscious East Coast Hip Hop — music that carries the nostalgia of old rhythms while pointing toward something new.
His journey as a performer began in 2016 when he opened for platinum-selling artist PnB Rock, setting the stage for future opportunities. On February 1st, 2023, Soul Papi released his debut album, Ready to Fly, a project that marked a major milestone in his musical career and showcased his storytelling ability through smooth vocals, intricate jazz-infused beats, and poetic lyricism. In 2024, his craft was further recognized when he became a Finalist for the Poet Laureate of Reading, Pennsylvania, affirming the literary quality behind his music. That same year, he also 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 high point in 2025 when he performed as an opening act for Grammy-nominated R&B legend Musiq Soulchild. 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.
More than just a musician, Soul Papi is on a mission to create opportunities for fellow artists while curating an immersive experience for fans through music. The lessons of the bodega, the sound of Latin nights, 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 for the future.
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