From Billboard · Alicia Urrea · · 1m 10s
Sombr Rejects 'Nepo Baby' Label
Sombr calls 'nepo baby' label 'incredibly insane' after family's HIV/AIDS work.
In brief
Sombr calls 'nepo baby' label 'incredibly insane' after family's HIV/AIDS work. Sombr rejects 'nepo baby' label, stating his parents' HIV/AIDS advocacy helped his music career. Originally reported by Billboard.
Sombr on nepo baby label
Sombr says the 'nepo baby' label is 'incredibly insane' after hearing it attached to his name during his rapid rise to stardom.
“Every time I see an artist blow up, I’m like, ‘OK, this artist is great. I love them so much. They’re so talented.’ Three months later, somehow they’re a nepo baby.”
Sombr's parents' work
Sombr’s father, Andy Boose, worked with HIV/AIDS organizations, while his mother, Bennah Serfaty, focused on HIV/AIDS prevention.
“I will forever respect my dad and my mom. I’m so f, ing proud of them, because to devote your life to something like that is so incredible and important.”
Career timeline
Sombr dropped out of New York’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts after his music career took priority.
Early career
Sombr’s 2022 song 'Caroline' gained TikTok attention and led to interest from Warner Records, the 'hungriest' label for him.
Breakthrough hit
Sombr’s 2024 song 'Back to Friends' debuted at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 2025, climbing to No. 7.
Debut album success
Sombr’s debut album 'I Barely Know Her' debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 in August 2025, with a second Hot 100 hit '12 to 12'.
What matters most
Sombr rejects 'nepo baby' label, stating his parents' HIV/AIDS advocacy helped his music career.
