Miguel Jontel Pimentel, known mononymously as Miguel, is an American singer and songwriter celebrated for his distinctive fusion of contemporary and alternative R&B. Born on October 23, 1985, and raised in San Pedro, California, Miguel began pursuing music at the age of 13, driven by a passion for genre-defying sound and emotive storytelling.
In the early 2000s, Miguel signed a production deal with Drop Squad and later joined independent label Black Ice, where he worked on a shelved debut album titled Young & Free. Although an early single, “Getcha Hands Up,” aired on 106 & Park, Miguel felt disconnected from the image and sound being crafted for him and ultimately left the label, later reflecting on the experience with humor and perspective.
Miguel’s major breakthrough came after signing with Jive Records in 2007. His debut studio album, All I Want Is You (2010), initially flew under the radar but gained momentum over time, becoming a sleeper hit. The album’s second single, “Sure Thing,” received a surprising resurgence in 2023 after going viral on TikTok, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming his most commercially successful single to date.
Following the dissolution of Jive in 2011, Miguel transitioned to RCA Records, where he released his critically acclaimed second album, Kaleidoscope Dream (2012). The project spawned the Grammy-winning single “Adorn,” cementing Miguel’s place in modern R&B. He continued to evolve his artistry with Wildheart (2015), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, and War & Leisure (2017), which featured the triple platinum hit “Sky Walker” with Travis Scott.
Known for his genre-blending style, Miguel weaves R&B, funk, hip hop, pop, rock, and electronic elements into his music. His sensual vocals and experimental approach have drawn comparisons to icons like Babyface and Prince, yet he remains a singular force with a style all his own.
From underground beginnings to chart-topping success, Miguel’s journey reflects his commitment to artistic integrity and sonic exploration, making him one of the most compelling voices in modern music.