Spooky Black: Artist Feature
In 2014, Corbin put out a music video for his single, “Without You.” A lo-fi alternative R&B with elements of cloud rap and lyrics of both a lust that turns dark. In the video, his clothing changes from white to black turtleneck along with bad lighting and video quality adding a comical element to this smooth track. This video got 10 million views. I don’t think the then 16 year old Corbin, knew that his music persona, Spooky Black, would gain the music realms attention like it did.
Corbin, also known as Spooky Black or Lil Spooky, is a Minnesota native who has been on my listening radar since 2013. He was just shy of 15 years old when he dropped the “Without You” video. I came upon Spooky Black through my obsession with a producer by the name of Psymun (pronounced Simon). Psymun seems to be the prime producer for Corbin and other members of The Stand4rd, whose members were: Spooky Black, Allan Kingdom, Bobby Raps, and Psymun. The Stand4rd’s self titled album in 2014 and went on to perform for a sold out tour a few months after its release in November 2014.
Spooky helped pave the way for the likes of artists like Joji and Danger Incorporated. The male perspective of heartbreak supported by eerie ghostly reverbs, strained echoed vocal feedbacks, and 808 beats. After “Without You” went viral, Spooky Black released a complete mixtape called “Black Silk”. It was one of the first complete projects I heard of the solo artist. The project highlighted talented producers such as: Flue, Dj Luxurious, and Greaf. My favorite tracks are: Forest Sounds, Without U, Ur Song, and Personal Touch.
A few months after Black Silk, he released Leaving EP, his single “DJ Khaled is my father” is the most recognized. Corbin and The Stand4rd were introduced to DJ Khaled while on their sold out US tour.
Corbin’s discography continues to build over the course of three years, 2014 he dropped both “Black Silk” mixtape, “Leaving” EP, along with the studio album for The Stand4rd’s self titled album, in the same year just months apart from each other. Bobby Raps and Corbin collaborative together on an album titled “Couch Potato” in 2015. Corbin’s studio album “Mourn” was released in 2016 and re-released in 2019, when he lost access to his Spotify. Corbin’s Soundcloud is the best place to get access to his new music and past mixtapes.
During his hiatus, he ghost writes for artists like NAV and Future.
