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]
Capella Grey | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Curtis Anthony Jackson II |
| Also known as | The Mayor |
| Born | August 2, 1995 New Rochelle, New York, U.S. |
| Origin | Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instrument(s) |
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| Years active | 2016–present |
| Labels |
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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][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 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]
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]
In May 2024, Capella Grey announced the release date for his anticipated debut album. On June 11, he released the single "Strings" with Fivio Foreign and French Montana under his new licensing deal with 10K Projects.
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.[26][27]
Allepac the Family
| Allepac the Family | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Capella Grey |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | |
| Location | New York City, U.S. |
Allepac the Family ("Capella" spelled backwards) is an American record label based in New York City founded by Capella Grey.[26] He calls the genre of the label's music "RNBOP", which was coined by his frequent collaborator BBearded.[28]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Vibe Responsibly Vol. 1 |
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Extended plays
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| HERE, damn. |
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| Nah, It's Brick: A Holiday Vibe |
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Mixtapes
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Yea Nah I'm Out |
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| The QuaranTape Vibe 1. |
|
Singles
As lead artist
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [29] | US R&B /HH [30] | CAN [31] | 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 $ign) | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "How I Am" | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | Vibe Responsibly Vol. 1 | |
| "Baechester" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Strings" (with Fivio Foreign & French Montana) | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
As featured artist
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B /HH | CAN | NZ Hot | |||
| "Bestie" (Culture Jam featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie & Capella Grey) | 2021 | — | — | — | — | Kawhi Leonard Presents: Culture Jam (Vol. 1) |
| "You know My Body"[33] (DreamDoll featuring Capella Grey) | — | — | — | — | Life in Plastic 3: The Finale | |
| "Seduce"[34] (Russ featuring Capella Grey & Tamae) | —[A] | 10 | 79 | 2 | Non-album single | |
| "Forever" (DJ Drama featuring Fabolous, Benny the Butcher, Jim Jones & Capella Grey) | 2022 | — | — | — | — | I'm Really Like That |
| "Werk" (Karlie Redd featuring Spice & Capella Grey) | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "Round & Round" (Kai Ca$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[36] | 66 | Breezy |
Guest appearances
| 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"[37] | 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"[38] | Haddy Racks | — | |
| "1hunnid (Remix)"[39] | 2021 | Rico Tarantino, Jdhane, Ryan Ramirez | Clarity |
| "Outside" | Hannibal | — | |
| "Gyalis Summer" | Yung Gemini | — | |
| "Mid Night Drive" | Khaleel Rei | The Other Side | |
| "Too Late"[40] | Jdhane | — | |
| "Driver"[41] | WhyThree | Balloon Boy | |
| "Still My Baby"[42] | Quentin Gilmore, MoneyGangDeeDee | — | |
| "Find My Way 2 U" | Rayven M. | — | |
| "Facetime" | Queenferrari | — | |
| "Let Me Know"[43] | 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"[44] | 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
| Title | Year | Artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Love You Better"[45] | 2018 | King Combs, Chris Brown | Non-album single |
| "Everything (Intro)" | 2019 | Rèign | Ii, Say That[46] |
| "CLA" | Rèign, DJ Myte, Jazzi Corleone | ||
| "Want Me" | Rèign | ||
| "Girlfriend" | Rèign | ||
| "Draggin' It" | Rèign, JusQuinn | ||
| "Are You Dumb" | Rèign, Kai Ca$h, Niko Brim | ||
| "Chances" | Rèign | ||
| "Mad Face" | Rèign, Lady London | ||
| "Dyckman" | Rèign, Terrele Rose | ||
| "G's Joint (Interlude)" | Rèign | ||
| "Done" | Rèign | ||
| "Don't Tempt Me" | Rèign | ||
| "One More" | Rèign | ||
| "Reasons" | Rèign | ||
| "Intro"[47] | 2020 | Tierra B. | Tierra B. |
| "Toxic"[48] | Miriam Sintim | — | |
| "Perfect Girl"[49] | Karyl | — | |
| "Incoming Call"[50] | 2021 | Khaleel Rei | — |
Production discography
| Title | Year | Artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Anything Like Your Mother" | 2016 | Capella Grey | — |
| "Junior's Interlude" | Wilbert "Busta" Francis | 4 Square Peace Project[51] | |
| "City of Mine" | DJ Myte, Capella Grey, TheMoneyManDot, MoneyGangDeeDee, Quentin Gilmore, S.O, T-Mac | ||
| "Nostalgia" | Spades Saratoga, ManFromDaVideo, PlayBoiiTwan, Capella Grey, Jayy | ||
| "Getaway ♀" | Màz, MoneyGangDeeDee, Lyph, Omega, Sals, Slayla | ||
| "Incredible" | Quentin Gilmore, Màz, TheMoneyManDot, MoneyGangDeeDee, JodyJo | ||
| "Getaway ♂" | Dre Dot, Moriece, Y.A.C (Young and Comfortable), Capella Grey, Chris Denim | ||
| "Be The Change" | Carson Stapleton, Darnella Fountain, Dre Dot, Franceska Marie, Chris Denim, Devyn, Sals, Capella Grey, Kaveh | ||
| "Black Sheep" | 2017 | Capella Grey | — |
| "Like I Do" | 2019 | Branford, Capella Grey | |
| "CLA" | Rèign, DJ Myte, Jazzi Corleone | Ii, Say That[46] | |
| "Want Me" | Rèign | ||
| "Girlfriend" | Rèign | ||
| "Draggin' It" | Rèign, JusQuinn | ||
| "Are You Dumb" | Rèign, Kai Ca$h, Niko Brim | ||
| "Chances" | Rèign | ||
| "Mad Face" | Rèign, Lady London | ||
| "2 Fif" | Rèign, DJ Kanai | ||
| "Dyckman" | Rèign, Terrele Rose | ||
| "Done" | Rèign | ||
| "Reasons" | Rèign | ||
| "Flexx"[52] | 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
| 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
| 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
- 1999-2000 Tour (Joey Badass) (2022)
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Train Music Awards | 2021 | Best New Artist | Himself | Nominated | [45] |