EPK

Artist Biography (Summarized)

Reading, PA rapper and producer Soul Papi is known for his soulful jazz production and heartfelt lyrics that laid bare his battles with loss and confidence. Over the years, his lyrics and soothing style of music would catch the attention of fans and other artists alike, all of which culminated in the release of his seminal self-released debut studio album, Ready to Fly (2023).

Artist Summary - Expanded

Born John Zabala and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, Soul Papi initially had intentions of being a singer before he started developing a love for songwriting and rapping. Inspired equally by the relatable lyrics of Kanye West to the smooth sounds of D'Angelo, he developed a reputation as a respected lyricist before releasing freestyles and singles over a ten year period. After a series of recordings failed to launch and the loss of his beloved mother, Soul Papi scrapped everything he'd work on over the years and started afresh. Writing and recording material over a short period of time, this material would end up on his 2023 debut album Ready to Fly, which was billed as an ode to his mother and honoring her by not wasting his potential as a songwriter and recording artist. The nine-track album was met with praise from fans and critics. At a release party, Soul Papi revealed that Ready to Fly is a part of an album trilogy, with his next album arriving soon.

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