Mark Stefanos
In the twenty-teens, GIVĒON was working as a server at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. down at the Pike in Long Beach, with music being his passionate hobby. This week, he sold out back-to-back nights at the Greek Theatre as part of his “Dear Beloved, The Tour,” with attendees, many dressed to the nines, screaming every one of his lyrics back to him.
The seven-time Grammy nominated singer took the stage on Oct. 7 and 8 with the classic swagger of the R&B and soul singers that inspire him — Sinatra, Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass — backed up by a mini orchestra, and lit up by the warm tones of the stage and a nearly full moon. He then proceeded to deliver his pitch-perfect, rich baritone through the brisk October night, performing much of his acclaimed album Beloved, including hits “Don’t Leave” and “Twenties,” before closing out the night with his 2020 solo breakout hit “Heartbreak Anniversary.”
(Sarah Del Angel)
The Long Beach Poly High graduate, now 30, was raised by a tough-loving single mom who named him “Giveon” with the mission for him to grow into a giver (alongside three brothers who all have pretty normal names). At 18, he got into a music education program at the Recording Academy’s Grammy Museum, where he was introduced to Frank Sinatra and Barry White, sparking his love of soul and creating a vision to modernize that vintage sound.
His break came when a song he self-dropped on SoundCloud in 2018 caught a producer’s ear in a random playlist, landing him at Epic Records. Then came the rocket fuel: a feature on Drake’s “Chicago Freestyle” in 2020, collabs with Justin Bieber (“Peaches”), and more followed — Billboard Hot 100, Grammy nods for first EP Take Time, and viral heartbreak anthems like the quadruple-platinum “Heartbreak Anniversary.”
There aren’t many R&B acts these days with that flair of a bygone era that attain the mantle of a true sensation. What sets GIVĒON apart in a TikTok-fueled industry of quick hooks and fly-by-night artists, is the raw, unfiltered confession his music indeed gives, carried through his smooth, booming voice.
His new album Beloved, he said, was inspired by a relationship that had come and gone, from which he’s learned a lot. At points at this week’s shows, GIVĒON apologized for getting too carried away, saying that when he sings the songs, he transports himself to the moments and emotions that inspired them. His songs pour out the ache of loving too hard, all delivered in a voice so haunting it tricks fans into thinking he’s got a British lilt.
Through it all, he’s kept tight to his Long Beach roots. He reps his city large, and has even partnered with Tres Generaciones Tequila to donate a state-of-the-art recording studio at Long Beach’s historic World Famous VIP Records, giving local kids the resources he never had.
We caught up with GIVĒON ahead of the Greek shows to get a little insight into the man behind the voice.
Two nights at the Greek will be amazing — what will it mean to translate your intimate songs to crowds of thousands?
When I recorded this album, everything was played live, so I can’t wait for everyone to hear how it’s performed for the first time in front of an audience. I’ve always said it’s going to be a special moment to perform them for the first time and I’m excited about giving my fans this experience, especially these performances at the Greek Theatre. These are outdoor shows in my hometown, so it feels special to give this performance to not only my fans but close family and friends.
You’ve spoken about entering an “accountability era” in your personal life. How has that mindset changed the way you approach love and vulnerability in your music?
The inspiration always comes from real experiences, and in this case, the album was written from a male point of view. It’s always up for interpretation whether right or wrong, but it’s just my honesty.
(Danielle Ernst)
Clearly your mom has been huge in defining who you are. What lessons has she imparted on you, and how does she feel about what you’ve been able to achieve?
My mom has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and she has always supported me throughout my career. She’s always believed in my gift so it’s surreal to perform in front of thousands of people and have her there to watch.
What music are you getting into right now?
Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass, James Brown, Luther Vandross were all iconic artists that inspired me, all helped me get into the zone to create this album so I’m also watching their performances to help me as I get ready to take the stage every night.
R&B seems to be evolving with more live instrumentation and emotional depth. What role do you see yourself playing in pushing the genre forward?
It’s exciting to see how the genre is moving, with so many R&B artists challenging the genre. I hope this album helps push the bar and inspires people to see the evolution of where it can go. Even if it’s just making emotions for black men more palatable and more acceptable.
See all of GIVĒON’s “Dear Beloved, The Tour” dates at giveonofficial.com/tour, and follow him on Instagram @giveon.
GIVĒON on the Oct. 10, 2025 cover of LA Weekly. (Photo: Danielle Ernst; cover design: Mark Stefanos)