Yebba

Abigail Elizabeth Smith, (born January 16, 1995) known professionally as Yebba, is an American Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter from West Memphis, Arkansas. She first became known for her backing vocal performance on Chance the Rapper's SNL performance of the song "Same Drugs" in 2016, and released her debut single "Evergreen" in 2017. She has also collaborated with a number of artists, including PJ Morton, Sam Smith, Mark Ronson, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Drake.

Born Abigail Elizabeth Smith in West Memphis, Arkansas, the singer-songwriter professionally known as Yebba is a technical vocalist and songwriter rooted in gospel, jazz, and contemporary R&B. Her stage name is a reverse spelling of her childhood nickname, Abbey, adopted in memory of her mother.

Background and Musical Foundation

Yebba’s vocal foundation was formed in the church, where she was heavily influenced by the harmonic structures of The Clark Sisters. She first gained industry attention in 2016 following a performance of her original song "My Mind" for Sofar Sounds, which led to a recording contract and high-profile session work.

Professional Achievements

While building her solo career, Yebba became a prominent featured artist:

Collaborations: She has recorded with Drake ("Yebba’s Heartbreak"), Ed Sheeran ("Best Part of Me"), and Sam Smith ("No Peace").

Awards: In 2019, she received the Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her collaboration with PJ Morton on "How Deep Is Your Love."

Studio Work: She contributed heavily to Mark Ronson’s 2019 album Late Night Feelings, appearing on three tracks, including the single "Don't Leave Me Lonely."

Debut Album

In 2021, she released her full-length debut, Dawn, via RCA Records. Produced primarily by Mark Ronson, the project focused on themes of grief and resilience, blending organic instrumentation with complex vocal arrangements. The album featured guest appearances from Smino and A$AP Rocky, further establishing her position within the alternative R&B circuit.