NBDY: Controlling The Narrative

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for NBDY?

Not too many options where I came from. Everyone either did sports, or music, to make it out. My whole family is basically full of musicians. I wasn’t aware I could sing until my 7th grade music teacher threw me a solo and everyone went crazy. Since then, I’ve just been taking my craft seriously and try’na leave no stone unturned in the business.

Now you’re a native of New Jersey, correct? So growing up in ‘The Garden State,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I’m not into idols, but I came up listening to all different types of music. Mainly, my mom and dad’s songs; Musiq Soulchild, Stevie (Wonder), Mike (Jackson), Lauryn, Usher, Chris Brown, Duke (Ellington), Ella Fitzgerald, The Pharcyde, Tribe, Thelonious Monk, John Mayer, Frank (Ocean), The Beatles and more artists in those spaces.. The stories that their music tells had a big influence on what I do now.

Having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

Real, dreamy, sultry, and a new classic R&B. Best thing is, I’m just getting started…there’s a lot more depth in my new music, but I’m always try’na dig deeper and bring my fans closer to me and what I go through.

Where does your moniker originally derive from?

Generally, I just don’t care about egos. You’re either born with “it” or you not. Simple. I believe that at some point everyone feels like a nobody, but how you handle yourself and the people around you speak louder than all that noise. I know I’m valid when it comes to what I do and how I move, so I just wear that. Regardless of what people think, NBDY is clever. People receive it as a double entendre; a great conversation starter.

Your latest single is entitled “FEELS” — Talk to me about this particular composition?

You know when there’s too much liquor in your system and all your feelings been bottled up for a minute? You start feeling bold and text that person a bunch of shi–?! I avoided the embarrassment and went and got it all out in the booth instead of sending that risky text, hahaha!

“FEELS” comes courtesy of your brand new EP, Take Control — What exactly prompted your decision to call the project this?

Well, I look at it like this – I graduated into the game and now I get to build my career differently and work with great minds in the game. I’m just getting started out here. Plus, I’m owning my catalog, and distributing it all through my own label. That’s what I wanted to do before I hit the gas and went turbo. I went through a lot of b.s. try’na set me back. Learning curves though – I’m still in control of my narrative.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

Nostalgia! A soundtrack to every mood, and I hope they can really take away from the pen and pay attention to some gems and grow with me.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Right now, my top bucket list collabs are J. Cole, H.E.R. – both their work ethic and approach to writing.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?

It’s really gate-kept and I’m independent so I’m definitely not that much in the loop. I like the artists that are carrying it right now for me – like Brent Faiyaz, Coco Jones,Muni Long, and Jacquees. They make moments happen for them outside of being great artists.

What do you feel it is that’ll continue to sustain you in this industry?

Outside of singing? To be real, keeping loyal and stand-up people around me. My moms told me never hang around people who don’t f/w me how I f/w them or water me how I water them.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I wanna be on a show in the Power universe – but 50 aint discover me yet, so till then, realistically, I want to be a writer on some TV shows and start my own production company next. Just keep building and be a vessel for others who love the craft.

Photo by Lao Media

What’s an average day like for you?

Too hectic most days…I’m either traveling or doing meetings, calls, emails and interviews. I definitely get a good workout in between to decompress, but the to-do list is always flooded!

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I’m straightforward AF with them ‘cause they don’t play ‘bout me. I let them text me. I also like to host events on the side for my fans…take the extra mile to show them my appreciation.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part about the game is the potential of how far you could go, and how It could change your life and the people around you. But when I wanna rest and lay low there’s still work coming in, plus work already on the table that’s gotta get handled, no matter what. So juggling that with self care and my personal life is my personal hell some days, hahaha! I wish there were 2 of me!

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

On a world tour and / or In my estate…still doing music and, hopefully, I put on an artist or two.

As for the immediate, what’s next for NBDY?

Expect more new music, tour, music videos, collabs. You might find me in the cut at a party somewhere try’na decompress.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

Next time we link, I can’t wait to talk more about some pivotal moments in my career so far, men’s mental health, and relationship advice. Aside from themes in my music and hardships, I learned a lot about just surviving and keeping my head on a swivel I think the readers would appreciate.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

Thank you for reading! I hope you finish this article feeling inspired, wanting to know more about me and this journey. My new EP, Take Control, is out now on all streaming platforms! Listen and tap in with NBDY! Support indie music! Much love to The HYPE Magazine for having me.