Exclusive Interview with El DeBarge Jr.: New Music, Award Recognition, and Carrying a Legendary Legacy

El DeBarge Jr., singer, rapper, and songwriter, and the eldest son of legendary R&B icon El DeBarge, is rapidly establishing his own mark on contemporary R&B and modern-soul.

Recently, he was honored with the Best R&B Male Award at the 2025 Radio Connect Awards in Las Vegas, a recognition of both his artistry and dedication to music.In this exclusive interview, El opens up about his latest single, “I’m A Prince,” his creative process, his family’s musical legacy, and what fans can expect next from him.

Q: Can you tell us about your latest single “I’m A Prince”?

El DeBarge Jr.: “‘I’m A Prince’ is a song I wrote to honor my father and the legacy of our family’s music. It’s a groove-driven record where I had something to get off my chest, so you’ll hear me both rapping and singing. My goal was to pay homage to where I come from while stepping fully into who I am as an artist today.”

Q: What does carrying the DeBarge name mean to you?

El DeBarge Jr.: “Music was the heartbeat of my home growing up. I learned from my father and mother, and from the legacy that surrounded me. Carrying the DeBarge name is an honor, its heritage, responsibility, and a constant source of inspiration. I’m also here to share my own story and my own sound. This weekend in Las Vegas reminded me just how powerfully music brings people together.”

Q: How did it feel to win Best R&B Male at the Radio Connect Awards?

El DeBarge Jr.: “Receiving the Best R&B Male Award was a tremendous honor. It reflects not just my recent work, but the growth, learning, and exploration that continue to shape me as an artist. Being recognized among so many talented creators was inspiring, and it motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of R&B and modern-soul.”

Q: Who else was recognized at the Radio Connect Awards?

El DeBarge Jr.: “The weekend was full of incredible talent. Some of the standout honorees included Deb Antney (Hip-Hop Mogul Award), Craig Knight (Icon Award), Don Cody (Urban Radio Visionary Award), Bonita Jalane (Soul Inspiration Award), Kevin Black (Music Empire Builder Award), Destiny Rydas (Creative Genius Award), Kurupt (Culture Architect Award), Will Rinehart (Legacy Builder Award), Ms. Toi (Cultural Impact Award), DJ Benzino (Rap Radio Pioneer Award), and Dr. Jameelah Wilkerson (Global Influence Award). To be recognized alongside such innovators made the moment even more meaningful.”

Q: Can you talk about your recent work and how your sound has evolved?

El DeBarge Jr.: “I’m constantly growing and expanding musically, collaborating with other artists, experimenting with new textures, and creating music that reflects both my lineage and my individuality. My sound blends R&B and modern-soul with lyrics rooted in love, honesty, and lived experience. While my tone naturally carries echoes of my father, it’s also shaped by my own path and has developed into something richer and uniquely mine. My debut solo album, The Lion’s Den (2012), marked the start of that journey, and it continues to influence where my sound is headed today.”

Q: What can fans expect from you moving forward?

El DeBarge Jr.: “There’s so much more on the way, more growth, more truth, and more evolution in the music. I’m locked in on being authentic, trying new things, and staying connected with the people who ride with me. Expect new songs, unexpected collabs, and more of my story, all grounded in the R&B and soul that raised me.”

El DeBarge Jr. continues to build on his family’s musical legacy while carving out a powerful identity of his own.

With award-winning talent, a new wave of creative projects, and a commitment to honest artistry, he is poised to make an even greater impact in today’s music landscape.

Fans can follow El DeBarge Jr. on social media at:

IG: @rebeldebarge

TikTok: @eldebargejr