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] His debut album, Vibe Responsibly, Vol. 1 was released on June 21, 2024, after signing a record deal with 10K Projects.
Early life
Curtis Jackson II was born on August 2, 1995, 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][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]
2021–2022: "Gyalis" and breakthrough
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 BillboardHot 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]
2023–present: Vibe Responsibly, Vol. 1
In January 2023, Capella Grey announced the tentative release date for his debut album for January 27 which was later delayed.[22] On July 17, 2023, Capella Grey released the EP Here, Damn as a teaser and placeholder before his debut.[23] In October 2023, he released two singles independently, "How I Am" and "Baechester".[24] On December 18, he released his first Holiday album titled Nah It’s Brick: A Holiday Vibe.[25]
Allepac the Family ("Capella" spelled backwards) is an American record label based in New York City founded by Capella Grey.[28] He calls the genre of the label's music "RNBOP", which was coined by his frequent collaborator BBearded.[30]
