In a major milestone for his career, Hakeem Romance’s latest single Elevated debuted at #36 on the iTunes Charts, proving that his unique blend of throwback R&B and modern energy is resonating far and wide. The Newark-raised artist has always stayed true to his soulful roots—but now, he’s making waves in club playlists, gym rotations, and national rankings.
In a world where music often feels mass-produced, few artists stay true to their roots while still evolving with the times. Hakeem Romance is one of those rare few. Born in Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Hakeem grew up traveling across the globe with his parents, both of whom served in the U.S. Army for over two decades. That constant movement as an “Army Brat” shaped him deeply, allowing him to absorb a wide spectrum of cultures and rhythms from a young age.
Though he didn’t stay in one place long, his love for music remained constant. One of his earliest influences? TV and radio. Shows like Family Matters weren’t just entertainment—they were experiences. Hakeem would dance around the house to the theme song, not knowing that years later, music would be the foundation of his professional journey. From remixing radio hits in his childhood room to writing original songs as a teen, it was clear that he had a gift.
That gift was nurtured when his cousin Khadijah—his biggest musical inspiration—brought him into Newark’s legendary Arts High School. Watching live performances and choir rehearsals there unlocked something in him. By his senior year at East Side High School in Newark, he knew music wasn’t just a passion—it was his path.
Hakeem’s style has evolved over the years, but at its core, it’s a love letter to the golden era of R&B. His voice, often compared to Usher and Tank, carries that rich, soulful texture we associate with the ‘90s—yet his sound is anything but dated. His most recent single, Elevated, dropped on May 30, 2025, and stands out as a sonic shift. It was born during a sibling weekend in Tampa, where the club vibes inspired him to craft something upbeat and fresh—an anthem not just for the dance floor but also for workouts and daily motivation.
But Hakeem isn’t just about the music. He’s a certified music industry professional, having earned credentials from NYU/Tisch x Billboard’s Clive Davis Institute in Music Industry Essentials. In 2022, he was crowned Male Emerging Artist of the Year by the International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA), a title he holds proudly alongside his role as an ISSA administrator in Richmond, Virginia.
With a deep commitment to independent artistry, he launched his label, Sing On Everything LLC, to mentor and uplift others navigating the music business. Through that platform, he not only releases his own work but also helps indie artists get their music heard in a challenging and ever-changing industry.
Want to dive into more of his vibe? You can check out exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram, catch creative snippets and performance clips on TikTok, show support on Facebook, stream his sound experiments on SoundCloud, or stay up to date on all things Hakeem at www.hakeemromance.net.
With an ear for timeless soul and a foot firmly planted in the future of sound, Hakeem Romance isn’t just making music—he’s making his mark.