SAINT JHN’s COMEUP
From Songwriter to Viral Star
Carlos St. John Phillips, better known as SAINt JHN, has been in the hip-hop game for years. Did you know him when he released his debut album in 2018? How about his collaboration with Beyonce on a track for The Lion King live-action adaptation? Or maybe it’s from his recent hit “Roses.”
If you’re a new fan of SAINt JHN or haven’t yet heard his name, all you need to know is he’s on his way up the ladder to superstardom.
Phillips was born in Brooklyn and spent much of his childhood living in Guyana, where his family is from. Like so many musicians, he started songwriting at a young age. Drawing inspiration from his older brother, Phillips wrote his first track at age 12. His composing passion would help him get a foot in the music industry’s door as a writer for others.
For a few months, Phillips tried his hand at writing for Rihanna. Later, he co-wrote the Hoodie Allen hit “No Interruption.” After a few writing credits for Usher and several international acts, Phillips again began pursuing his performance career.
In 2016, Phillips released his first batch of songs under the moniker SAINt JHN. Not long after, he announced he would be an opening act for Post Malone at several shows on the West Coast. People were taking notice of Phillips and his distinguished hip-hop style.
After two album releases, Phillips finally got his big break in 2019 when the EDM producer Imanbek put a fresh spin on a track from 2016. “Roses” was a slow groove with a solid melody that had the potential to be a hit. With an amped-up tempo and some creative vocal distortion, Imanbek transformed the track into a hit that would take over TikTok and eventually the Billboard Hot 100, too.
SAINt JHN’s next move is anyone’s guess. But based on who he’s been collaborating with recently (which includes Post Malone, Future, and J Balvin), we’re guessing it’s going to be big.
