5 Times Giveon's Voice Gave Us All The Feels
In 2020, Giveon told BET that his mother chose his name because she knew he would be a giver to the world. He’s more than lived up so far, gifting us breathtaking vocals that are helping cement him as a fan favorite and rising superstar. Giveon’s one-of-a-kind baritone pricked up ears in early 2020 when he was featured on Drake’s hit single “Chicago Freestyle.” He’s continued to flourish as a songwriter and vocalist ever since, releasing his 2021 debut EPs Take Time and When It's All Said and Done and with a guest appearance on “Peaches” by Justin Bieber. “Hopefully I’m giving you guys something now and I will continue to give,” the 26-year-old told BET. His bold and beautiful voice hasn’t come up short and we thank him greatly.
Nominated for Best New Artist and Best Male R&B / Pop Artist at this year’s BET Awards, here are the five times Giveon’s voice had us in our feelings.
His Haunting Solos Steal The Show
Legend has it Drake discovered Giveon after he was an opener on Snoh Alegra’s tour. We can assume Drizzy was just as blown away by Giveon’s voice as we are, since he promptly tapped putting the California native for a feature on his 2020 single, “Chicago Freestyle.” The young serenader knocked the opportunity out of the park, highlighting Drake’s bars with a beautiful, hushed chorus that pushed the track up the Billboard Hot 100 charts, allowing him to claim his first Billboard-charting single in multiple countries.
His Live Vocals Are Out Of This World
For anyone who questioned if he was deserving of Drake’s early co-sign, Giveon regularly proves that his voice is not to be played with. Backed by soothing piano keys, Giveon’s 2020 performance of “Stuck On You” for Jimmy Kimmel Live put the masses on notice not to sleep on his serious pipes. Every time he hits the stage, Giveon proves to doubters that his supernatural voice isn’t being boosted by special effects in a studio.
“Heartbreak University”Is a Lesson in Joy and Pain
Giveon’s EP Take Time was great from start to finish, but we couldn’t stop running back one song in particular. “Heartbreak University” is a masterclass in emotional manipulation, with lyrics and vocal runs that will have you missing your toxic ex even if you don’t have one. Giveon’s voice is flexible enough to reach the highs and lows that come with every heartbreak, allowing us to relive the joy and pain over and over and marveling at his talents at the same time.
His Unlimited Range Keeps Us Wanting More
On his hit "Like I Want You," Giveon’ uses his voice's light highs and deep lows to pull his ex-back into their rollercoaster relationship. He starts by singing, “Sometimes I wish you knew/But I disguise the truth/I say I’m happy, but I’m still stuck on us,” before exploding with a chorus that makes you want to go back to the bedroom of that one lover you wish we could forget. Skills like that only come around a few times every generation, which is why Giveon has already earned a nomination for Best Male R&B / Pop Artist alongside certified legends like Tank.
His Skills Were Seasoned By Mama’s Cooking
Giveon’s mom didn’t just give him his name, she also gave him the tools to become the performer he is today. His versatile vocals were honed after his mom forced him to sing at birthday parties growing up. All those years of practice were what made the Long Beach native ready to bless features on hit tracks by Justin Beiber and Drake, and puts no question in our minds that Giveon’s career will soar, like that of his musical inspiration Frank Sinatra.
Watch the 2021 BET Awards on June 27 at 8/9C p.m.
