Capella Grey

American musician from New York

  • R&B
  • dancehall
  • hip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
  • record producer
Instrument(s)
  • Piano
  • guitar
  • drums
  • bass guitar
  • saxophone
Years active2016–presentLabels
  • Allepac the Family
Musical artist

Curtis Anthony Jackson II (born August 2, 1995), known professionally as Capella Grey, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper and record producer from the Bronx, New York. He is the founder of Allepac the Family and released two songwriter mixtapes in 2020 and received widespread recognition in 2021 with his breakout single "Gyalis".[1]

Early life

Curtis Jackson II was born in New Rochelle, New York. He grew up in a Jamaican family and started playing instruments at a young age, learning how to play music from church.[2] He was raised in the Bronx where he went to Harry S. Truman High School.[3] He developed his musical career in Mount Vernon, New York after graduating high school.[4]

Musical career

2016–2020: Career beginnings and early mixtapes

Capella Grey started his musical career writing and producing for other artists, including "Love You Better" by King Combs featuring Chris Brown. He signed an R&B girl group called Rèign to Allepac Records, and wrote and produced their debut album released in 2019.[5][6] On January 8, 2020, he released his debut mixtape Yea Nah I'm Out, followed by his second mixtape The QuaranTape Vibe 1.[7]

2021–present: Vibe Responsibly Vol. 1

On January 4, 2021, he released the single "Gyalis", which samples Juvenile's "Back That Azz Up". The song went viral in New York and on social media platforms, spawning unofficial remixes from A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Kranium, Tory Lanez, Angel and Haile, among others. The song reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and was called the "song of the summer" by multiple publications.[8][9] The official remix was released on October 1, 2021, featuring Popcaan and Chris Brown.[10] Later that month on October 15, 2021 Capella was featured on fellow New York rapper DreamDoll‘s single ‘You Know My Body’, the song was a hit and received heavy radio play in New York.[11] He signed with Capitol in 2021, saying they are "not trying to change me as an artist to meet the standards or expectations of music now, which is why I went with them."[12] He also said, "they are a great team of record breakers and I am excited to work with them."[13]

On December 17, 2021, Capella Grey released the single "Talk Nice".[14] On March 18, 2022, he released the single "Confujawn" with Nija.[15] On May 6, he released the music video for "Sas Crise" featuring Alayzha Sky and Ghost, and directed by Mikey Scho.[16] On June 10, Capella Grey released the single "OT" featuring Ty Dolla Sign.[17]

He appeared on Chris Brown's album Breezy, on the song "Till The Wheels Fall Off" featuring Lil Durk.[18] On July 1, he was featured on DJ Drama's single "Forever" featuring Fabolous, Benny the Butcher, and Jim Jones.[19] Capella Grey was the opening act for Joey Badass on a 20-date summer concert tour, the 1999-2000 Tour.[20] On July 22, he also featured on the song "Welcome Back" with Joey Badass and Chris Brown, on the album 2000.[21]

Artistry

Capella Grey described his musical style as "singing at the tempo of a rapper", and cited Kranium, Ty Dolla Sign, Charlie Wilson, Jodeci, Diddy, 50 Cent, and Dipset as his musical influences.[22][23]

Allepac the Family

Allepac the Family
Founded2016
FounderCapella Grey
StatusActive
Genre
LocationNew York City, U.S.

Allepac the Family ("Capella" spelled backwards) is an American record label based in New York City founded by Capella Grey.[22] He calls the genre of the label's music "RNBOP", which was coined by his frequent collaborator BBearded.[24]

Discography

Albums

Title Album details
Vibe Responsibly Vol. 1
  • Scheduled: 2023
  • Label: Allepac the Family
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

Title Album details
HERE, damn.
  • Released: July 16, 2023
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Nah, It's Brick: A Holiday Vibe
  • Released: December 18, 2023
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Mixtapes

Title Album details
Yea Nah I'm Out
The QuaranTape Vibe 1.
  • Released: April 17, 2020
  • Label: Allepac the Family
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Singles

As lead artist

Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[25]
US
R&B
/HH
[26]
CAN
[27]
UK UK
R&B
"One More Chance" 2020 Vibe Responsibly Vol. 1
"Sas Crise"
(featuring Alayzha Sky and Ghost)
Non-album single
"Gyalis" 2021 38 10 84 65 26
"Gyalis (Remix)"
(featuring Chris Brown and Popcaan)
"Talk Nice"
"Confujawn"
(with Nija)
2022
"OT"
(with Ty Dolla $ign)
"How I Am" 2023 Vibe Responsibly Vol. 1
"Baechester"

As featured artist

List of singles as a featured artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B
/HH
CAN NZ
Hot
"Bestie"
(Culture Jam featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie & Capella Grey)
2021 Kawhi Leonard Presents: Culture Jam (Vol. 1)
"You know My Body"[29]
(DreamDoll featuring Capella Grey)
Life in Plastic 3: The Finale
"Seduce"[30]
(Russ featuring Capella Grey & Tamae)
[A] 10 79 2 Non-album single
"Forever"
(DJ Drama featuring Fabolous, Benny the Butcher, Jim Jones & Capella Grey)
2022 I'm Really Like That
"Werk"
(Karlie Redd featuring Spice & Capella Grey)
Non-album single
"Round & Round"
(Kai Ca$h featuring Capella Grey)
Non-album single
"Impatient"
(Neila featuring Capella Grey)
2023 Bite Me
"Don't Vibe And Tell"
(Red Café featuring Capella Grey & Fabolous)
Non-album single
"Having My Way"
(ShaqnLivin featuring Capella Grey)
Non-album single
"Skin Out"
(Monroe X featuring CJ & Capella Grey)
Non-album single
"Facetime"
(Byrd Gang & Jim Jones featuring Capella Grey, Dyce Payso & DramaB2R)
Non-album single

Other charted songs

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
NZ
Hot
UK
"Till The Wheels Fall Off"
(Chris Brown featuring Lil Durk & Capella Grey)
2022 8[32] 66 Breezy

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Never Mind" 2016 Niko
"City of Mine" DJ Myte, TheMoneyManDot,
MoneyGangDeeDee, Quentin Gilmore, S.O, T-Mac
4 Square Peace Project
"Nostalgia" Spades Saratoga, ManFromDaVideo, PlayBoiiTwan, Jayy
"Black & Blue" Ella Avolu, Quentin Gilmore, Topik, Deputy Commissioner Anthony Mitchell
"Getaway ♂" Dre Dot, Moriece, Y.A.C (Young and Comfortable), Chris Denim
"Be The Change" Carson Stapleton, Darnella Fountain, Dre Dot, Franceska Marie,
Chris Denim, Devyn, Sals, Kaveh
"Our Ting" Quentin Gilmore
"Up To You / Away" Brandon Brown
"Vibe Right" 2018 DJ Kanai, Haddy Hadd
"Like I Do" 2019 Branford
"Up On Time" 2020 Earl Young, 40 Kash
"Mutual"[33] Yungin' Miyagi Back From That Fall Off
"Kittylude, Pt. 2" MoneyGangDeeDee Dee Dee F. Baby
"Ari's Interlude Pt. 5" Tony Smeezy, Branford Fuck Tony Smeezy
"Don't Have Time (Remix)" Xotica
"Again & Again" 31sbillz, Jayy B, 31stdre Trap Luv
"Say Less, Do More" Chubbs Guapo, Sbam Khi Journal Entries
"Painful Silence"[34] Haddy Racks
"1hunnid (Remix)"[35] 2021 Rico Tarantino, Jdhane, Ryan Ramirez Clarity
"Outside" Hannibal
"Gyalis Summer" Yung Gemini
"Mid Night Drive" Khaleel Rei The Other Side
"Too Late"[36] Jdhane
"Driver"[37] WhyThree Balloon Boy
"Still My Baby"[38] Quentin Gilmore, MoneyGangDeeDee
"Find My Way 2 U" Rayven M.
"Facetime" Queenferrari
"Let Me Know"[39] Rush33
"Me Vs You" 2022 PJ tha Balla
"Frontin For The Gram" Haddy Racks Trench Talk
"Whatever On Whatever" Zae France
"When I Call You" Su'Lan
"Outside" ViddyOnDaBeat
"King of the City"[40] Lobby Boyz, Jim Jones, Maino The Lobby Boyz
"Welcome Back" Joey Badass, Chris Brown 2000
"Same Gang" DJ Big Skipp, Mr.Chicken
"Cruise Control" Young Devyn Baby Goat 2
"You Be Ight" Loopy Ferrell, Sada James Long Story Short
"Run It Up" Busta Rhymes The Fuse Is Lit
"What She Wants" 2023 DJ E-STYLEZ, Rico Rozay
"Selfish" JR JustReal, Mally Stakz
"Badly" Jadda Ann
"Talk that Talk" Alder Motta
"Te Quiero A Ti" Anabel Itoha
"Stranger" Ryan Witherspoon
"Act Like You Know" Lady London S.O.U.L.

Writing discography

List of non-performed songs as writer, showing performing artists, year released and album name
Title Year Artist(s) Album
"Love You Better"[41] 2018 King Combs, Chris Brown Non-album single
"Everything (Intro)" 2019 Rèign Ii, Say That[42]
"CLA" Rèign, DJ Myte, Jazzi Corleone
"Want Me" Rèign
"Girlfriend" Rèign
"Draggin' It" Rèign, JusQuinn
"Are You Dumb" Rèign, Kai Ca$h, Niko Brim
"Chances" Rèign
"Mad Face" Rèign, Lady London
"Dyckman" Rèign, Terrele Rose
"G's Joint (Interlude)" Rèign
"Done" Rèign
"Don't Tempt Me" Rèign
"One More" Rèign
"Reasons" Rèign
"Intro"[43] 2020 Tierra B. Tierra B.
"Toxic"[44] Miriam Sintim
"Perfect Girl"[45] Karyl
"Incoming Call"[46] 2021 Khaleel Rei

Production discography

List of songs as producer or co-producer, showing year released, performing artists and album name
Title Year Artist(s) Album
"Anything Like Your Mother" 2016 Capella Grey
"Junior's Interlude" Wilbert "Busta" Francis 4 Square Peace Project[47]
"City of Mine" DJ Myte, Capella Grey, TheMoneyManDot,
MoneyGangDeeDee, Quentin Gilmore, S.O, T-Mac
"Nostalgia" Spades Saratoga, ManFromDaVideo, PlayBoiiTwan,
Capella Grey, Jayy
"Getaway ♀" Màz, MoneyGangDeeDee, Lyph,
Omega, Sals, Slayla
"Incredible" Quentin Gilmore, Màz, TheMoneyManDot,
MoneyGangDeeDee, JodyJo
"Getaway ♂" Dre Dot, Moriece, Y.A.C (Young and Comfortable),
Capella Grey, Chris Denim
"Be The Change" Carson Stapleton, Darnella Fountain, Dre Dot, Franceska Marie,
Chris Denim, Devyn, Sals, Capella Grey, Kaveh
"Black Sheep" 2017 Capella Grey
"Like I Do" 2019 Branford, Capella Grey
"CLA" Rèign, DJ Myte, Jazzi Corleone Ii, Say That[42]
"Want Me" Rèign
"Girlfriend" Rèign
"Draggin' It" Rèign, JusQuinn
"Are You Dumb" Rèign, Kai Ca$h, Niko Brim
"Chances" Rèign
"Mad Face" Rèign, Lady London
"2 Fif" Rèign, DJ Kanai
"Dyckman" Rèign, Terrele Rose
"Done" Rèign
"Reasons" Rèign
"Flexx"[48] Amirahle
"Favorite Girl" 2020 Capella Grey, JusQuinn Yea Nah I'm Out
"Body!" Capella Grey
"Boyz2Us" Capella Grey, Playboiitwan, DrewSoWavy
"Breathe (nfs)" Capella Grey
"Run The City" Capella Grey, The Frvternity
"Buzz Me In" Capella Grey
"Here She Go" Capella Grey
"Soon Come" Capella Grey, Iman, JusQuinn
"As You Should" Capella Grey, JusQuinn
"Together" Capella Grey, Timeless
"Word?" Capella Grey, Timeless
"Unappreciated" Capella Grey
"Bum" Capella Grey, Nick Barnz, ViddyOnDaBeat, Bsmnt Boy
"WTW" Capella Grey, JusQuinn, Alayzha Sky The QuaranTape Vibe 1.
"Dashout" Capella Grey, Father Z
"Boffum" Capella Grey, Quentin Gilmore, JusQuinn
"So.. Slide" Capella Grey, Bsmnt Boy, Brandon Brown
"Trues" Capella Grey, AO, Spades Saratoga
"One More Chance" Capella Grey
"Gyalis" (Solo or Remix) 2021 Capella Grey, Chris Brown, Popcaan
"Sas Crise" Capella Grey, Alayzha Sky, Ghost
"Toxic" Branford
"LIPO (Intro)" 2023 Capella Grey HERE, damn.
"Roll Up Again" Capella Grey
"1st Last" Capella Grey
"Sun Goes Down" Capella Grey
"Waiting On" Capella Grey

Filmography

Film and television

Year Title Role Notes
2021–22 A Lot Going On Himself Documentary series, 10 episodes

Music videos

As lead artist

List of music videos as lead artist, showing year released and director(s)
Title Year Director(s)
"Gyalis" 2021 Brennan Rowe
"Talk Nice" Oliver Shore
"Whatever on Whatever"
(Capella Grey & Zae France)
2022 Vina Love
"Confujawn"
(featuring Nija)
Cam Busby
"Sas Crise" Mikey Scho
"OT"
(featuring Ty Dolla $ign)
"Gyalibans (Talibans PellaMix)" 2022 Foday Films
"How I Am" Gambino
"Baechester" Jack Trudes
"Water (PellaMix)" Jack Trudes

As featured artist

List of music videos as lead artist, showing year released and director(s)
Title Year Director(s)
"Up On Time"
(Earl Young featuring 40 Kash & Capella Grey)
2020 IHateKngSol
"Too Late"
(J Dhane featuring Capella Grey)
2021 Gambino
"Bestie"
(Culture Jam featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie & Capella Grey)
Rook
"Find My Way 2 U"
(Rayven M. featuring Capella Grey)
Whoa, Rico & Jay Visuals
"You know My Body"
(DreamDoll featuring Capella Grey)
Sara Lacombe
"Driver"
(WhyThree featuring Capella Grey)
Controverse
"Seduce"
(Russ featuring Capella Grey & Tamae)
Logan Fields & Juan Felipe Zuleta
"Me Vs You"
(PJ Tha Balla featuring Capella Grey)
2022 Benji Filmz & Launch Team
"Forever"
(DJ Drama featuring Fabolous, Benny the Butcher, Jim Jones & Capella Grey)
Kid Art
"Werk"
(Karlie Redd featuring Spice & Capella Grey)
"You Be Ight"
(Loopy Ferrell featuring Capella Grey & Sada James)
"Impatient"
(Neila featuring Capella Grey)
2023
"Skin Out"
(Monroe X featuring CJ & Capella Grey)
Foday Films
"Facetime"
(Byrd Gang & Jim Jones featuring Capella Grey, Dyce Payso & DramaB2R)
Jim Jones & Shula The Don

Tours

Supporting

Awards and nominations

Award Year Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Soul Train Music Awards 2021 Best New Artist Himself Nominated [41]

Notes

  1. ^ "Seduce" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number 20 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.[31]

References

  1. ^ Dailey, Hannah. "How Capella Grey's 'No Rules' Mantra Led to Breakthrough Hit 'Gyalis'". Billboard.
  2. ^ "Capella Grey Is No Longer Taking A Back Seat To The Music Industry". Bossip. October 5, 2021.
  3. ^ "914 The Fast Hour (Capella Grey)". YouTube.
  4. ^ F., Arden. "Capella Grey's Energy Is Perfect For Our Movement!". Four Side NY.
  5. ^ "Allepac Records Presents Girl Group Reign". August 28, 2018.
  6. ^ OTV Studios. "OTV LIVE Episode #048 - Allepac Records" – via YouTube.
  7. ^ Benoit, Kevin (December 10, 2021). "The Story of Capella Grey – An Undeniable Force Rises". Parlé Mag.
  8. ^ Lamarre, Carl. "Capella Grey Wants to Rewrite Hip-Hop History: 'I Feel Like We're Cheating Right Now'". Billboard.
  9. ^ Andeson, Trevor (November 12, 2021). "Capella Grey's 'Gyalis' Hits Top 10 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  10. ^ Baugh, Claudine (September 28, 2021). "Capella Grey Announces 'Gyalis' Remix With Popcaan, Chris Brown". Dancehallmag. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  11. ^ "DreamDoll and Capella Grey link up for "You Know My Body" visual".
  12. ^ "Capella Grey's Music Sounds Like a New York Summer". Vice. July 2, 2021.
  13. ^ "Capella Grey, born Gyalis". Jamaica Observer. September 17, 2021.
  14. ^ "Capella Grey says they should "Talk Nice" in new video". Revolt.
  15. ^ "Capella Grey And Nija Want No 'Confujawn' Through Romance In Their Flirtatious New Video". Uproxx. March 19, 2022.
  16. ^ "Capella Grey Releases New Visual, "SAS CRISE" ft. Alayzha Sky and Ghost". This Is 50. May 6, 2022.
  17. ^ "Capella Grey Announces His Upcoming Single 'OT' Featuring Ty Dolla Sign". Uproxx. May 26, 2022.
  18. ^ "Chris Brown Reveals "Breezy" Tracklist featuring Lil Durk, Fivio Foreign, Lil Wayne & More". All Hip Hop. June 23, 2022.
  19. ^ "DJ Drama Drops "Forever" Ft. Jim Jones, Benny The Butcher, Fabolous, & Capella Grey". Hotnewhiphop. July 2022.
  20. ^ "Joey Bada$$ announces new album and North American summer tour". The Fader.
  21. ^ "JOEY BADA$$ TAPS DIDDY, CHRIS BROWN, WESTSIDE GUNN + MORE FOR '2000' TRACKLIST". HipHopDX. July 20, 2022.
  22. ^ a b "THE BREAK PRESENTS – CAPELLA GREY". XXL. August 25, 2021.
  23. ^ Hot 97. "Capella Grey on A.Boogie Remixing Gyalis, Andre 3000 and Relationship Insecurities" – via YouTube.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ OTV Studios. "Who is BBEARDED? BBeareded speaks on working with Capella Grey , Justin Timberlake and his childhood" – via YouTube.
  25. ^ "Hot 100 Chart: October 16, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  26. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: November 13, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  27. ^ "Billboard Global 200: October 16, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  28. ^ "British certifications – Capella Grey". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 9, 2024. Type Capella Grey in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  29. ^ "DreamDoll and Capella Grey link up for "You Know My Body" visual". Revolt.
  30. ^ "Seduce" – via Apple Music.
  31. ^ "Russ Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 23, 2019. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  32. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 4, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  33. ^ "Mutual" – via Apple Music.
  34. ^ "Painful Silence" – via Apple Music.
  35. ^ "1hunnid" – via Apple Music.
  36. ^ "Too Late" – via Apple Music.
  37. ^ "DRIVER" – via Apple Music.
  38. ^ "Still My Baby" – via Apple Music.
  39. ^ "Let Me Know" – via Apple Music.
  40. ^ "Jim Jones and Maino join forces for 'The Lobby Boyz' project". Revolt.
  41. ^ a b "2021 Soul Train Awards: 3 Things to Know About Soul Train Awards' "Best New Artist" Nominee Capella Grey". BET.
  42. ^ a b "Ii, Say That - Rèign". Tidal.
  43. ^ "Intro - Tierra B." Tidal.
  44. ^ "Toxic - Miriam Sintim". Tidal.
  45. ^ "Perfect Girl - Karyl". Tidal.
  46. ^ "Incoming Call - Khaleel Rei". Tidal.
  47. ^ "BWTV – 4 Square Peace Project". Black Westchester. December 2016.
  48. ^ "Flexx". Tidal.