Giveon Dezmann Evans isn’t your typical overnight success story. When people hear his name, they often think of “Peaches”—that massive hit with Justin Bieber and Daniel Caesar that topped charts everywhere. But the truth is, this Long Beach-born R&B artist had been working quietly for years before the world even knew his name. He’s the kind of artist who lets his voice do the talking, which is exactly what makes him so compelling in an industry saturated with noise.
What you need to understand about Giveon is this: he’s a storyteller first. He uses his distinctive baritone voice—a vocal range that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern R&B—to paint pictures of heartbreak, reflection, and real human emotion. He’s not trying to be trendy. He’s not chasing what’s hot right now. He’s bringing the soul and jazz influences of the 1960s and 1970s into the contemporary sound, and somehow it feels both old and new at the same time.
Who Is Giveon? The Voice That Captivated Millions
Giveon is a 30-year-old American R&B and neo-soul singer whose career trajectory has been methodical, intentional, and impressive. His real name is Giveon Dezmann Evans, but he goes by just his first name—a mononym that feels both simple and sophisticated. He was born on February 21, 1995, and he’s spent the last several years building one of the most authentic voices in contemporary R&B.
The numbers tell you part of the story. He’s got nearly 3 million followers on Instagram, over 3.6 million on TikTok, and more than 2.8 million YouTube subscribers. On Spotify, he’s passed 33 million monthly listeners. He’s been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, and released albums that debuted high on the Billboard 200. But these numbers don’t capture what makes him special. They don’t explain why people feel something when they listen to his music.
What makes Giveon different is his commitment to authenticity. In a world where artists are often manufactured, packaged, and presented as products, Giveon has always felt like a real person. He’s vulnerable in his music. He doesn’t hide behind production tricks or auto-tuned perfection. His voice is natural, soulful, and distinctly his own.
Early Life in Long Beach: From Singing at Birthday Parties to Grammy Recognition
Giveon’s story starts in Long Beach, California—a city that’s known more for G-funk and gangsta rap than for soulful R&B. But that’s exactly where he’s from, and it says something important about him. He grew up on the Eastside of Long Beach, an area known for gang activity and poverty. It wasn’t the most privileged upbringing, but it was real. It was honest.
He grew up with two older brothers in a home with a single mother. That mother was everything to him. She worked hard to protect her three boys from the streets around them—from gang culture, from the pressures of poverty, from the wrong influences that could’ve easily consumed them. But she also pushed them to dream bigger. She encouraged Giveon to explore music, to develop his talents, to believe that there was a path out and up.
Giveon realized early that singing was his thing. He’d sing at birthday parties as a kid, getting a taste of what it felt like to perform, to have people listen to his voice. It wasn’t about fame or money. It was about the connection. It was about making people feel something through music. His mother recognized this gift and nurtured it. She became his first believer, his first supporter.
Growing up in East Long Beach meant hearing different music. The neighborhood was full of West Coast hip-hop. You’d hear Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, the classics. But Giveon was drawn to something else. He loved R&B and soul music. He listened to it constantly. Maybe it was because he sensed that his own voice and spirit aligned more with those genres. Or maybe he was just looking for an escape into something smoother, something more emotional than what was playing in the streets around him.
He attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where he continued to develop musically. This was his teenage years, the formative time when you start figuring out who you are and what you want to be. For Giveon, it was clear: music was calling him. But he also knew he needed to learn, to grow, to understand the craft beyond just singing.
The Grammy Museum Changed Everything
At 18 years old, Giveon got an opportunity that would shape the rest of his life. He participated in a music education program at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. The Grammy Museum isn’t just some tourist attraction. It’s a serious institution dedicated to music history and education. And for Giveon, this program was a revelation.
In that program, he discovered Frank Sinatra. Not the Vegas lounge guy that most people think of. But the artistry. The way Sinatra could convey emotion through his voice. That bellowing, commanding baritone that could fill a room and make you feel every word. Giveon fell in love with that voice. He fell in love with Sinatra’s approach to singing—the phrasing, the emotion, the storytelling.
He also connected with Barry White, another baritone legend who understood how to use a deep voice to create something beautiful and moving. Giveon learned about music history through the Recording Academy programs, diving into 1960s jazz, exploring the foundations of soul music. He understood that music wasn’t just about sounds. It was about tradition, about building on what came before, about respecting the masters while finding your own voice.
This experience at the Grammy Museum gave Giveon a vision. He wanted to modernize what he heard in those classic recordings. He wanted to take the soul and jazz influences from the 1960s and 1970s and bring them into 2020s R&B. Not by copying, but by understanding the principles and applying them to contemporary sounds. This would become the foundation of everything he created.
Garden Kisses: The Debut Single That Started Everything (August 2018)
In August 2018, at 23 years old, Giveon released his debut single called “Garden Kisses.” He put it out himself on SoundCloud, not knowing if anyone would listen. This was before he had a record deal, before he had a massive following, before the world knew his name. It was just him, his voice, and his music.
“Garden Kisses” didn’t become a viral hit. It didn’t trend on TikTok or get millions of plays overnight. But it was real. It was authentic. It was the sound of a young artist finding his voice, learning how to express himself through music. He was willing to put something out into the world without guaranteed success, which takes courage.
What made this moment significant wasn’t the immediate commercial success. It was what it represented: the beginning of a journey. He was making music not because someone told him to, but because he had to. Because this was his passion, his calling, his way of making sense of the world.
How Sevn Thomas Discovery Changed His Life
The turning point came when Canadian record producer Sevn Thomas found Giveon on SoundCloud. It wasn’t a major connection that happened at some industry event. It was random. Sevn Thomas was browsing SoundCloud, looking at playlists, and he came across Giveon’s music. Something about it grabbed him. He heard the potential. He heard the artistry.
Sevn Thomas decided to sign Giveon to his record label, Not So Fast, and got him signed to Epic Records as well. This wasn’t just a record deal. This was a partnership with someone who understood Giveon’s vision and wanted to help him realize it. Sevn Thomas became not just a producer but a mentor figure in Giveon’s career.
But the deal was important for another reason: it gave Giveon the resources and platform to actually make music professionally. Before this, he’d been working restaurant jobs, serving, trying to make ends meet while pursuing music on the side. After this deal, he could focus entirely on his craft.
The Snoh Aalegra Tour and the Chicago Freestyle Connection
In late 2019, Giveon opened for Swedish R&B singer Snoh Aalegra on her “Ugh, A Mini Tour Again” tour across North America and Europe. At this point, he only had a couple of songs released. So he did something smart: he freestyled a lot. He went out on stage and performed improvised vocals over instrumentals, showing audiences his voice and his abilities even though he didn’t have a catalog to fall back on.
This tour was crucial. He was building a fanbase one show at a time. People were seeing him live, hearing his voice in person, connecting with his artistry. He was making an impression, creating a community of supporters who believed in what he was doing.
And then, something magical happened. Giveon’s manager took one of his freestyle performances from Chicago—a city he happened to be touring in—and sent it to Drake. Drake heard something. He heard the voice, the artistry, the potential. And Drake decided he wanted to work with him.
Chicago Freestyle: The Breakthrough Collaboration (February 2020)
In February 2020, Giveon was featured on Drake’s single “Chicago Freestyle.” The song first appeared on SoundCloud and YouTube. Drake had a particular sound he was going for on this track, and he needed the right voice. Giveon was that voice. The collaboration was perfect. Drake’s verses flowed beautifully over the smooth production, and Giveon’s vocals provided the hook that stuck in your head.
When the song was officially released on streaming platforms in May 2020 (alongside Drake’s mixtape “Dark Lane Demo Tapes”), it became an immediate hit. The song peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. It wasn’t just a number. It was Giveon’s first Billboard-charting single. It was his arrival moment. The song also topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
Interestingly, when people first heard “Chicago Freestyle,” some thought it was Sampha, another R&B singer with a different vocal tone. But Giveon was cool about it. He saw it as a compliment—a sign that his voice had that caliber and quality that people associated with other talented artists. It also meant that everyone quickly learned his name and recognized what was happening.
The most important thing about “Chicago Freestyle” wasn’t just the chart success. It was that it introduced Giveon to millions of people who’d never heard of him before. It was the song that made the music industry sit up and pay attention. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know: who is this voice?
Take Time EP: Grammy Nomination and Critical Acclaim (March 2020)
Just a couple of weeks after “Chicago Freestyle” gained momentum, Giveon released his debut EP called “Take Time” in March 2020. This project was executive produced by Sevn Thomas, and it was exactly what critics and fans needed to hear.
“Take Time” topped Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart, earning Giveon his first charting project. Critics called it “breathtaking” and “polished.” It was sophisticated. It was emotional. It showcased his range as a vocalist and his sensibility as an artist. Each song on the project felt intentional, like he’d chosen every note, every word, every production choice for a reason.
The most significant recognition came when “Take Time” earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Giveon was still relatively new to the scene, and he was already being recognized at the highest levels of the industry. He wasn’t a one-hit wonder. He was an artist with a vision.
During this period, Giveon also made his television debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, performing “Stuck on You.” Television appearances meant he could reach audiences beyond just the music industry. People who’d never heard of him could see him perform, hear his voice, feel his artistry in real time.
Heartbreak Anniversary: The Song That Peaked at #16
One of the standout singles from the “Take Time” era was “Heartbreak Anniversary.” This song became huge. When it was released as a single in February 2021, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 74. But then it climbed. It eventually peaked at number 16 on the chart. And it kept climbing in terms of commercial success.
“Heartbreak Anniversary” was certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). That’s not just gold or platinum. That’s five times platinum, meaning the song had been streamed and purchased on a scale that put it among the biggest hits of that year.
What made “Heartbreak Anniversary” so successful? It was the lyrics. It was the melody. It was Giveon’s delivery of a message that so many people could relate to: the pain of an anniversary date that used to mean love but now just means loss. Every relationship has these moments. Every heartbreak comes with dates that haunt you. Giveon captured that feeling perfectly.
When It’s All Said and Done: The Second EP
In October 2020, Giveon announced his second EP, “When It’s All Said and Done,” with “Stuck on You” as the lead single. This project showed growth. It showed that the success of “Take Time” wasn’t a fluke. He could continue to create music that resonated with people.
The EP debuted at number 93 on the Billboard 200. His singles “Stuck on You” and “Like I Want You” began appearing on numerous Billboard R&B charts. This was the period where Giveon’s mainstream attention was growing rapidly. He was becoming a name that people recognized, a voice that stood out.
What was smart about his strategy was the compilation he released in March 2021: “When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time.” This combined both of his EPs into one project, with a new song called “All to Me” included. Why do this? Because he’d gained new fans since releasing “Take Time.” This compilation allowed those fans to experience both projects as one coherent story. It also didn’t require him to put out brand new material while he was building toward his next big project.
Peaches: The Global Phenomenon (March 2021)
Just a week after the compilation release, something huge happened. Justin Bieber released a new album called “Justice,” and one of the standout tracks featured Giveon alongside Daniel Caesar. The song was called “Peaches.”
“Peaches” was different from anything Giveon had done before. It was playful. It was fun. But it still had his soulful voice carrying the emotional weight. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Global 200, the Billboard Hot 100, and the Canadian Hot 100. It became a global phenomenon. Everyone was listening to “Peaches.” Kids were dancing to it. It was inescapable.
And then came the Grammy Award nominations. “Peaches” received four Grammy nominations, including for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Giveon’s voice was now part of a song that was being recognized at the highest levels of the music industry. He was no longer an emerging artist. He was established.
The Distinctive Baritone Voice: Understanding His Secret Weapon
If there’s one thing that defines Giveon above everything else, it’s his voice. Specifically, his baritone vocal range. Not many male R&B singers have a true baritone. Most modern R&B singers sing in a higher range. But Giveon’s voice is deep, rich, and commanding.
A baritone is the middle range for men’s voices—lower than a tenor, higher than a bass. It’s the range of legends like Frank Sinatra and Barry White. It’s a voice that carries authority, emotion, and maturity. When you hear a baritone, you hear someone who sounds like they’ve lived, who understands loss and pain, who can express complex emotions.
Giveon’s baritone sets him apart in a crowded marketplace. In an era where so much music is produced to feel light and disposable, his voice reminds you that music can be substantial. It can matter. You can’t ignore a baritone voice. It commands your attention. It makes you listen.
This vocal range was something he developed and trained. It wasn’t something that just happened. The Grammy Museum education, the influence of Sinatra and Barry White, the mentorship of producers like Sevn Thomas—all of this contributed to him understanding and mastering his voice.
Give or Take: His Debut Studio Album (June 2022)
On June 2, 2022, Giveon announced his debut studio album, “Give or Take,” with a 47-second trailer posted to social media. The full album was released on June 24, 2022. This was his major label debut. This was the moment where he was stepping into the full role of being a solo artist with a proper album.
The album featured production from some of the biggest names in music: Boi-1da, Cardo Got Wings, Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, Rogét Chahayed, and Giveon himself. These were people who understood what made his music special. They created a sonic landscape that allowed his voice to shine.
“Give or Take” debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200. The critical reception was favorable. Critics appreciated the cohesiveness of the album, the way it flowed from song to song. He’d successfully made the transition from EPs to a full album without losing the essence of what made his music special.
The singles from the album told a story. “For Tonight” became a fan favorite and was certified platinum by the RIAA. “Lie Again” and “Lost Me” were certified gold. Each song explored different aspects of love and heartbreak, showcasing Giveon’s range as a songwriter and vocalist.
Working With Legends: The Producer Masterclass
One thing that stands out about Giveon’s career is the caliber of people he’s worked with. Boi-1da, for example, is a legendary hip-hop and R&B producer who’s worked with Drake extensively. When Giveon worked with him, he wasn’t just recording. He was learning from a master.
In interviews, Giveon has spoken about working with Boi-1da on tracks like “The Beach.” He described Boi-1da as “one of those legends who doesn’t mind reaching out to the next wave of creators and just giving advice.” When Boi-1da came to his camp, Giveon was a student. He was absorbing information. He was learning how to approach production, how to think about songwriting, how to be humble despite success.
Boi-1da taught him something simple but powerful: be humble at all times. No matter what accolades you have, no matter how big you become, stay down to earth. Stay grounded. This lesson has stuck with Giveon throughout his career.
Sevn Thomas, the producer who discovered him, has remained a consistent collaborator and mentor. Their working relationship has evolved over time, but the trust and understanding between them is evident in the music they create together.
The Songwriting Philosophy: Music as a Diary
Giveon once said something that perfectly encapsulates his approach to music: “Music is a diary. Sometimes people make music as if no one’s going to hear it, as if they can just be completely honest.”
This is how Giveon approaches his craft. He’s not thinking about what will chart or what will trend. He’s thinking about being honest. He’s thinking about expressing real emotion in a way that will resonate with people because it’s true.
His lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, reflection, desire, and loss. They’re not overly poetic or abstract. They’re direct. They’re relatable. When he sings about heartbreak anniversaries or about being stuck on someone, you feel it because he clearly feels it when he sings it.
This authenticity is rare in modern music. So many artists are focused on creating content that’s consumable, that’s designed to be forgotten. Giveon is creating something that lingers. It stays with you. It makes you think about your own relationships, your own experiences.
Beloved: The Sophomore Album and New Era (July 2025)
After a period of smaller features and hiatus, Giveon announced his sophomore album, “Beloved,” on May 28, 2025. The album was released on July 11, 2025. This was a significant moment because it represented his return as a full album artist with a renewed vision.
“Beloved” marked a return to the 1960s and 1970s R&B influences that have always been central to Giveon’s sound, but with a matured perspective. He credits the Grammy Museum again for introducing him to the musicians that inspired the album’s sound. Even after all his success, he’s still drawing from the education and foundation that institution gave him.
The album was supported by singles “Twenties” and “Rather Be.” “Twenties” was released in February 2025 and served as an introduction to the new era. The song is introspective, reflecting on his twenties and the experiences that shaped him. It’s a mature perspective from someone who’s now 30.
“Beloved” debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200, proving that Giveon still has a dedicated fanbase and still has the ability to create music that people want to listen to. The critical reception was high, with reviewers praising the maturity of his sound and the depth of his songwriting.
The Baritone Singer in 2025 and Beyond
Where does Giveon go from here? In an industry that’s constantly chasing the next trend, he’s building something more sustainable. He’s building a catalog of music that will matter five, ten, twenty years from now. He’s the kind of artist that future generations will discover and appreciate because the music is timeless.
His “Dear Beloved, The Tour” spanning 2025-2026 shows that he’s committed to connecting with audiences live. Live performance is where music comes alive. It’s where the connection between artist and listener becomes real and tangible. For someone with Giveon’s voice, live performance is where his artistry truly shines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Giveon
Who is Giveon?
Giveon (Giveon Dezmann Evans) is an American R&B and neo-soul singer born February 21, 1995, in Long Beach, California. He’s known for his distinctive baritone voice and soulful approach to contemporary R&B music.
How old is Giveon?
Giveon is 30 years old as of 2025, born in February 1995.
What is Giveon’s real name?
His real name is Giveon Dezmann Evans. He uses Giveon mononymously as his stage name.
Why is Giveon famous?
Giveon rose to prominence through his 2020 collaboration “Chicago Freestyle” with Drake, which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. He gained further mainstream success with the song “Peaches” featuring Justin Bieber and Daniel Caesar, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Has Giveon won any Grammys?
While Giveon has been nominated for Grammy Awards (his debut EP “Take Time” was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards), he has not yet won a Grammy Award as of 2025.
What is Giveon’s net worth?
Giveon’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million, primarily earned through his music career, streaming revenue, touring, and collaborations.
Is Giveon still making music?
Yes, Giveon released his sophomore album “Beloved” in July 2025 and is actively touring with “Dear Beloved, The Tour” spanning 2025-2026.
Where is Giveon from?
Giveon is from Long Beach, California, where he grew up in East Long Beach with his single mother and two brothers.