# Lucky Daye

David Debrandon Brown (born September 25, 1985), known professionally as Lucky Daye, is an American singer-songwriter from New Orleans. He signed with Keep Cool Records and RCA Records to release his first two extended plays, I (2018) and II (2019). The EPs were part of a series leading up to his debut studio album, Painted (2019). His third EP, Table for Two, won Best Progressive R&B Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. His second album, Candydrip (2022), was preceded by his first Billboard Hot 100 entry, "Over". His third album, Algorithm (2024), was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

## Early life

David Debrandon Brown was born on September 25, 1985, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a religious household where secular music was largely prohibited. As a result, he developed his musical abilities by learning melodies through church hymns. After leaving his family's church as a teenager, he immersed himself in R&B, soul, and funk music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Musiq Soulchild. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he pursued a career in music.

## Career
### Beginnings and songwriting (2005–2018)

In 2005, when he was 19, Daye competed on season 4 of American Idol. He auditioned with a cover of "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke and received four "yes" votes. Soon after reaching the Top 20 he was eliminated from the competition.
Daye established himself, with his pseudonym, as a songwriter and background vocalist and landed credits in 2008 on songs by Keith Sweat on his album Just Me and Ne-Yo on "She Got Her Own". In 2014, he wrote for Boyz II Men on the song "Believe Us". During 2016 and 2017, he co-wrote songs released by Keke Palmer ("Enemiez"), Ella Mai ("10,000 Hours", "Down"), Trey Songz ("Song Goes Off"), and two tracks from the album Strength of a Woman by Mary J. Blige. In 2017 he worked with Ariana Grande on the song "More" which was scrapped from the latter's fourth studio album Sweetener.

### Breakthrough with Painted (2018–2020)

In 2018, Lucky Daye signed with Keep Cool and RCA Records. Later that year, he released his debut single, "Roll Some Mo," which garnered attention for its smooth production and nostalgic R&B feel. The song was included in his debut album, Painted, released on May 24, 2019. Painted received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album. Daye supported the album with a nationwide tour and performed at major festivals.

#### Painted (2019)

Lucky Daye's debut studio album, Painted, was released on May 24, 2019, by Keep Cool Records and RCA Records. The album compiled songs from his earlier EPs, I and II, and introduced four new tracks, culminating in a 13-song collection. Painted received critical acclaim for its modern take on R&B, earning a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards. The lead single, "Roll Some Mo," was particularly lauded, receiving nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. The album was praised for its rich instrumentation, innovative production, and Daye's ability to blend classic soul influences with contemporary R&B. In May 2020, a deluxe edition of the album was released to commemorate its first anniversary, featuring new mixes, alternative versions, and four additional tracks.

### Table for Two and Candydrip (2020-2023)

On February 12, 2021, Daye released his third EP, Table for Two. It charted at number ninety-six on the US Billboard 200 and would go on to win the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album.
On May 21, 2021, Daye released a cover of Marvin Gaye’s "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gaye's album What's Going On.

#### Candydrip (2022-2023)

Released on March 10, 2022, Candydrip is Lucky Daye's sophomore studio album, continuing his collaboration with producer D'Mile. The album explores themes of love, intimacy, and desire, blending elements of R&B, funk, and neo-soul. Candydrip received critical acclaim for its cohesive production and Daye's vocal performance, solidifying his place in contemporary R&B. The album was his first album on the Billboard Hot 200, debuting at number sixty-nine. And the lead single, "Over," became his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album was noted for its lush production, sultry lyrics, and seamless blend of nostalgic and futuristic sounds, with critics praising its ability to push the boundaries of R&B while remaining accessible.

#### 2023 Grammy Awards

Candydrip received a nomination for Best R&B Album while its lead single "Over" received a nod in the Best R&B Performance category for the 2023 edition of the Grammy Awards. In addition, he received two nominations for Album of the Year for both Beyoncé's Renaissance and Mary J. Blige's Good Morning Gorgeous albums as a co-writer, as well as a Best R&B Song nod for co-writing title track "Good Morning Gorgeous".

### Algorithm (2024-present)
#### Algorithm (2024)

Lucky Daye's third studio album, Algorithm, was released on June 28, 2024. Reuniting with producer D'Mile, the album features a collection of live-band soul and future-R&B tracks that aim to update the classic seduction jam with modern vulnerability. Algorithm was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, further cementing Daye's reputation as a leading figure in contemporary R&B. The album was lauded for its experimental production, deeply personal lyrics, and intricate harmonies, showcasing a more mature and evolved sound from the artist. Critics highlighted its ability to merge traditional R&B foundations with electronic and alternative influences, making it one of his most adventurous projects to date.

#### 2025 Grammy Awards

The album was nominated for Best R&B Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The lead single, "That's You", won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

## Musical style and influences

Lucky Daye’s music is characterized by its blend of R&B, funk, and neo-soul, often featuring live instrumentation and intricate vocal arrangements. He cites Stevie Wonder, Prince, and D'Angelo as some of his primary influences. His songwriting is known for its use of double & triple entendres, introspective and romantic themes, often exploring love, relationships, and personal growth.

## Discography
### Studio albums

* Painted (2019)
* Candydrip (2022)
* Algorithm (2024)

### Extended Plays

* Table for Two (2021)

## Tours
### Headlining

* The Painted Tour (2019)
* The Candydrip World Tour (2022)
* The Algorithm Tour (2024)

### Opening act

* Ella Mai – The Debut Tour (2019)
* Khalid – Free Spirit World Tour (Leg 3- Oceania) (2019)

## Awards and nominations

Lucky Daye has been nominated for numerous awards including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and Soul Train Awards. He currently holds two wins.
On September 8, 2024, Lucky received the Inaugural "Torchbearer Award" from Billboard Charts No.1s Party for being the "new age blueprint" in R&B after receiving his first No.1 hit with his single "That’s You" on Adult R&B Songs chart.
| Award | Year | Category | Work | Result |
| American Music Award | 2022 | Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| BET Award | 2022 | Best Male R&B/Pop Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2020 | Best R&B Song | "Roll Some Mo" | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2020 | Best R&B Performance | "Roll Some Mo" | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2020 | Best R&B Album | Painted | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2020 | Best Traditional R&B Performance | "Real Games" | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2022 | Best Traditional R&B Performance | "How Much Can A Heart Take" (with Yebba) | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2022 | Best Progressive R&B Album | Table for Two | Won |
| Grammy Award | 2023 | Album of the Year | Renaissance (as songwriter) | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2023 | Album of the Year | Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe) (as songwriter) | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2023 | Best R&B Album | Candydrip | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2023 | Best R&B Performance | "Over" | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2023 | Best R&B Song | "Good Morning Gorgeous" (as songwriter) | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2025 | Best R&B Album | Algorithm | Nominated |
| Grammy Award | 2025 | Best Traditional R&B Performance | "That's You" | Won |
| MTV Video Music Award | 2023 | Best R&B | "Stay" (with Alicia Keys) | Nominated |
| NAACP Image Award | 2020 | Outstanding New Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| NAACP Image Award | 2024 | Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) | "Smoke" (with Victoria Monet) | Nominated |
| Soul Train Music Award | 2019 | Best New Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| Soul Train Music Award | 2021 | Best R&B/Soul Male Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| Soul Train Music Award | 2022 | Best R&B/Soul Male Artist | Himself | Nominated |