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Francis LeBlanc sits comfortably in his own success story. At 24, the Haitian-American singer-songwriter who goes by Fridayy has already earned three Grammy nominations, landed chart-topping collaborations with DJ Khaled’s God Did and Lil Baby’s Forever, and built a devoted following of over 1.5 million on Instagram where he calls himself "Melody God." But his path to recognition wasn't built on viral moments or industry connections. It was forged through years of genuine artistry and an unwavering commitment to melody.

Fridayy's musical foundation began at age six in his father's church in Philadelphia, where he learned to play piano, bass, and guitar. Born February 12, 2000, he grew up surrounded by music, with his pastor father and musical brothers creating an environment where creativity flourished naturally. "Growing up in a Haitian household taught me to create from the heart, to sing and speak in a way that truly reflects what people feel and go through," he reveals. "That foundation has had a powerful impact on my music today."

His brothers became his first and most influential teachers. "I'd say my biggest unexpected mentors were my brothers—Musikspirit, Jean, Leo, and France," he shares. "They weren't formal mentors in the traditional sense, but growing up and making music with them really shaped certain aspects of my sound and how I approach making music. That shared creative environment taught me collaboration, experimentation, and staying true to my voice."

What distinguishes Fridayy is his philosophy that melody reigns supreme. "For me, melody is everything," he explains. "If I can create something that sticks with you, I feel like I've already won. The lyrics come after, once I've captured the feeling." This approach has proven successful; his 2023 single When It Comes to You climbed both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, peaking at No. 97 and No. 29 respectively, while his collaborations with major artists have consistently found commercial success.

The breakthrough came through his work as a songwriter and featured artist. His vocals on DJ Khaled's "God Did" (peaked at No. 17 on the Hot 100) and Lil Baby's "Forever" (peaked at No. 8) both reached the chart's top 20, with "God Did" earning him three Grammy nominations in 2022. These collaborations showcased his ability to complement established artists while maintaining his distinctive sound.

Despite his recent success, Fridayy's journey to artistic authenticity took considerable time. "It took me nearly a decade to truly find my voice," he admits. "I had to unlearn the habit of mimicking those I admire and instead draw inspiration from them to shape a sound that's entirely my own." The pivotal moment came when Timbaland reposted his work on Instagram, a validation that confirmed he was on the right path.

His relationship with R&B reflects this balance between tradition and innovation. "R&B has always been close to my heart, it's a big part of who I am as an artist," he explains. "My music pulls from that deep-rooted tradition, but I also like to stretch its edges and blend it with other influences. Some of my songs feel like classic R&B, while others take it somewhere new."

Even as he pushes boundaries, Fridayy holds tight to what he considers R&B's essential elements. "Background vocals and raw emotion are the pillars of R&B that I'll always hold onto," he states. "There's something timeless about layered harmonies and the kind of vulnerability the genre invites. It's about love, pain, joy and being fully open. No matter how the sound evolves, that emotional honesty is what makes R&B special."

This reverence for tradition, combined with his willingness to experiment, has made him a sought-after collaborator. His work spans from classic R&B sounds to more contemporary productions, always anchored by his distinctive vocal approach and melodic sensibilities.

Success brought hard-earned lessons about the music industry's realities. "Taxes and that this is a business at the end of the day," he says with a laugh. "I've learned to approach everything professionally and not look for friendships in the wrong places. Respect goes a long way, but you've got to stay on point."

His approach to managing expectations reflects this practical wisdom. "I remind myself that I'm driving my own car and trying to be like everyone else will only lead to a crash out," he explains. "The more I stay true to myself, the more I realize there's no traffic in my own lane. Authenticity creates clarity."

Fridayy's songwriting process centers on creating genuine connections with listeners. "I believe we're all dealing with something, and that shared human experience is powerful," he reveals. "I write from a deeply personal place, but I try to leave space for the fans to see themselves in the music. It's not just about my story, it's about creating something that feels honest and relatable."

The emotional impact he seeks goes beyond entertainment. "I want people to feel empowered, to know that they're not alone and that they can push through whatever life throws at them," he states. "My music is about resilience, about finding light in the dark. I want listeners to walk away feeling like they can do anything and they must keep going."

His ambitions extend beyond performing. "Headlining an arena tour and launching my own label are two big goals for me," he reveals. "I want to create a space where I can sign and develop talent, building something bigger than just my own music." His vision for the industry reflects his belief in nurturing authentic talent: "I'd bring back signing artists for their raw talent, not just because they have a viral song. There's something powerful about discovering an artist based on their full potential, not just a moment."

For emerging artists, his advice is straightforward: "Be as different as possible. Don't try to fit in. Really show your true self. The more you share your authentic story, the more people can genuinely connect with you."

When asked about the central theme running through his work, Fridayy's response reveals the spiritual foundation that continues to guide him: "That it only takes one—one idea, one hook, one painting, one person. If you stay consistent and put in the work, God will handle the rest. Keep believing and stay hopeful."

This philosophy has carried him from Philadelphia church services to Grammy nominations and chart success. As he prepares for his upcoming headlining tour and promises that his new album is "something special," Fridayy remains focused on his core mission: creating music that resonates with authentic emotion and inspires resilience.

His journey from church musician to chart-topping artist proves that staying true to your own lane, even when it takes a decade to find it, can lead to success that's both meaningful and lasting. For Fridayy, melody isn't just everything, it's the foundation for building a career that matters.

Fridayy's headlining tour begins this June, see full dates on his official tour page and the announcement press release here, with European dates scheduled for fall 2025. His latest album "Some Days I'm Good, Some Days I'm Not" is available now.

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Deeds Mag Credits

Talent : Fridayy  @Fridayy

Mag: Deeds Magazine

Photographer: Dametreus Ward @meech213

Video Lighting: John Rutlege @jwr_photos

Lighting Asst: @filmedbytim

Photo Asst: @harborgraceco

Photo Asst: @manyshiningfathers

Fashion Dir : Gloria Johnson @styledbyglo_2

Stylist : @haylee_ahumada

Stylist Asst: Tyler Bride @tylerbride4

Stylist Asst:Flossy Will @flossywilll 

Groomer : @busko5150cuts

Production: TMG @tunnelmediagroup

Exec Producer: @daniellehstyles

Casting Dir: @belatisali

Location : @meechstudios

Special thanks @theforefrontgroup

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