The story of Hakeem Romance is one that travels far beyond a single hometown or genre. Born at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Hakeem didn’t spend his childhood in one city. As a proud Army Brat, his life was filled with constant movement—new schools, different cities, and diverse cultures, all while his parents served over twenty years in the United States Army. His father rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, while his mother became a Master Sergeant. That discipline, exposure, and adaptability would later become central to his approach to music.
With every move came new perspectives, new sounds. Whether it was watching Family Matters and dancing to the theme song or remixing songs he heard on the radio, Hakeem started using music as his language. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment in Newark, New Jersey, when he visited his cousin Khadijah at the legendary Arts High School, that he saw what was truly possible.
Choir rehearsals, raw talent, and live performances fueled a fire that had been quietly building inside him.
By the time he reached his senior year at East Side High in Newark, the decision was clear—he wasn’t just passionate about music, he was destined for it. That decision transformed into a career that’s still climbing new heights. Today, Hakeem Romance blends the soul of the ’90s with the sleek production of modern R&B, drawing comparisons to legends like Usher and Tank, but always adding his own twist.
In 2022, his hard work was recognized when he won the ISSA Male Emerging Artist of the Year. That same year, he earned a prestigious certification from NYU/Tisch x Billboard’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, proving he’s as dedicated to the business side of music as he is to the art. Through his independent record label, Sing On Everything LLC, he’s helping other artists rise with him—offering guidance, mentorship, and a platform to grow.
His latest single, Elevated, released in May 2025, shows just how much he’s evolved. Inspired by a night out in Tampa with his siblings, the track represents a creative leap—infusing club energy and workout motivation into a style that still stays true to his R&B roots. It’s fun, fresh, and made to move.
But the truth behind his success isn’t just in the songs—it’s in the story. From constant relocation as a child to planting artistic roots in Newark, to becoming an award-winning singer, certified music pro, and label head, Hakeem’s story is a blueprint for transformation, resilience, and vision.
Get closer to the story and vibe with him across all platforms. Follow Hakeem on Instagram for his everyday moments and music previews, catch his charisma and edits on TikTok, tap into his journey on Facebook, stream his music on SoundCloud, and explore all things Hakeem at his official website.
His sound may be rooted in R&B, but his journey? That’s a genre of its own.
