Phony Ppl

Phony Ppl

Phony Ppl are a Brooklyn-based group active since 2010, rooted in R&B and hip-hop but known for drawing on funk, jazz and soul as well. The band is co-founded by vocalist Elbee Thrie and keyboardist Aja Grant. Its continuing line-up includes Bari Bass, Aja Grant, Maffyuu, Elijah Rawk, Sheriff PJ and Elbee Thrie. Earlier members and aliases named in the group’s history include bassist Bari Bass, whose full name is Omar Jabari Grant, guitarist Elijah Rawk, whose full name is Elijah Austin, and drummer Matthew Byas.

Early years and releases

Phony Ppl begin in Brooklyn and first perform at Edward R. Murrow High School. Their recorded debut is WTF Is Phonyland?, followed by self-released digital downloads including Phonyland and Nothing Special in 2012. Their sound develops through a series of releases distributed by 300 Entertainment.

Label releases and chart success

The band’s first widely distributed release is Yesterday's Tomorrow (2015), which charts on Billboard’s Heatseekers list. They later release mō'zā-ik in 2018 and Euphonyus in 2022, both also associated with 300 Entertainment.

Live work and collaborations

In early 2016, Phony Ppl hold a residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club. By this point, they have performed with artists including Erykah Badu and The Roots. Individual members also take on collaborative work with Domo Genesis, Mac Miller and Princess Nokia. In 2020, the group issues the singles “Fkn Around” and “On My Shit”; Megan Thee Stallion appears on a version of the former, and Joey Bada$$ contributes a guest verse to the latter.