Beginnings and songwriting (2005–2018) In 2005, when he was 19, Daye competed on
season 4 of American Idol. He auditioned with a cover of "
A Change Is Gonna Come" by
Sam Cooke and received four "yes" votes. Soon after reaching the Top 20 he was eliminated from the competition. Daye established himself, with his pseudonym, as a songwriter and background vocalist and landed credits in 2008 on songs by
Keith Sweat on his album
Just Me and
Ne-Yo on "
She Got Her Own". In 2014, he wrote for
Boyz II Men on the song "Believe Us". During 2016 and 2017, he co-wrote songs released by
Keke Palmer ("Enemiez"),
Ella Mai ("10,000 Hours", "Down"),
Trey Songz ("Song Goes Off"), and two tracks from the album
Strength of a Woman by
Mary J. Blige. In 2017 he worked with
Ariana Grande on the song "More" which was scrapped from the latter's fourth studio album
Sweetener. Breakthrough with Painted (2018–2020) In 2018, Lucky Daye signed with
Keep Cool and
RCA Records. Later that year, he released his debut single, "Roll Some Mo", which garnered attention for its smooth production and nostalgic R&B feel. The song was included in his debut album,
Painted, released on May 24, 2019.
Painted received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album. Daye supported the album with a nationwide tour and performed at major festivals.
Painted (2019) Lucky Daye's debut studio album,
Painted, was released on May 24, 2019, by Keep Cool Records and RCA Records. The album compiled songs from his earlier EPs,
I and
II, and introduced four new tracks, culminating in a 13-song collection.
Painted received critical acclaim for its modern take on R&B, earning a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards. The lead single, "Roll Some Mo", was particularly lauded, receiving nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. The album was praised for its rich instrumentation, innovative production, and Daye's ability to blend classic soul influences with contemporary R&B. In May 2020, a deluxe edition of the album was released to commemorate its first anniversary, featuring new mixes, alternative versions, and four additional tracks.
Table for Two and Candydrip (2020–2023) On February 12, 2021, Daye released his third EP,
Table for Two. It charted at number ninety-six on the
US Billboard 200 and would go on to win the 2022
Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album. On May 21, 2021, Daye released a cover of
Marvin Gaye's "
Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gaye's album ''
What's Going On''.
Candydrip (2022–2023) Released on March 10, 2022,
Candydrip is Lucky Daye's sophomore studio album, continuing his collaboration with producer D'Mile. The album explores themes of love, intimacy, and desire, blending elements of R&B, funk, and neo-soul.
Candydrip received critical acclaim for its cohesive production and Daye's vocal performance, solidifying his place in contemporary R&B. The album was his first album on the
Billboard Hot 200, debuting at number sixty-nine. And the lead single, "
Over", became his first entry on the
Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album was lauded for its experimental production, deeply personal lyrics, and intricate harmonies, showcasing a more mature and evolved sound from the artist. Critics highlighted its ability to merge traditional R&B foundations with electronic and alternative influences, making it one of his most adventurous projects to date.
2025 Grammy Awards The album was nominated for
Best R&B Album and
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical at the
67th Annual Grammy Awards. The lead single, "That's You", won the
Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. == Musical style and influences ==