The Grammy-winning singer opens up about his groovy new album, becoming 2026’s meme king, and turning kikis into stand-up comedy.

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UpRising: You’ve been well respected and tapped in with the artist community for years, but have things changed for you after your Grammy win for Bloom in February? 

Durand Bernarr: Having people request that I give them a Durand Bernarr record; or getting phone calls from folks who raised me, folks who I imitate; or being invited to record or perform … I'm glad people are tapping in. It's all about alignment. Some people will say, “Y'all late, I was trying to get you on him 10, 15 years ago.” Ten years ago, I didn’t have “Stuck.” That’s when people started to post about me. You never know what's going to stick. You just have to keep trying and love what you do. 

Your new album, Bernarr., began as a deluxe version of Bloom before becoming its own project. In what ways is it an extension of that album, and how does it feel distinct?

I'm still talking about platonic friendship in songs like “Sharp!” and “Effort.” Talking about how we can be gentle with each other. But there were other things [emerging from] the music. And my attention span is chile. I went through 28 tracks. It was like that character on Family Guy: “Ooh, piece of candy!” The music was amazing. There was no way we could just put five new songs on this. And I still hadn't talked about anything spicy.

When you're put in a position to be guided by people who really know what they are doing, because they also raised you [and] respect you enough to want to pour into you, that is not common. Raphael [Saadiq] re-arranging his schedule to get into the studio with me and creating something for me the night before. Or having Bryan-Michael Cox, Johntá Austin, and Troy Taylor all in the same room. For me.

Kandi Burress wrote on my song with Big Sean. I didn't even know the song was for me. I'm thinking the song was for his project. Once we finished the hook, he was like, “Nah, nigga, this is for you.” I'm just glad I am who I am at this time in my life, because I've put in so much work. I've grinded. I've sacrificed. I'm ready to receive. 

What moods and sounds were you drawn to while recording Bernarr?

I'm sonically drawn to things I've never done before. I've never done a record like “Waiting” with Big Sean. I know it's going to have serious replay value at day parties and the club. I'm loving the palette cleansers where I get more simplistic and let things breathe. I might not do harmony right there because that unison… that unison is hitting. Tapping into my version of “less is more.”“

Am I Okay?” is such a powerful song focusing on mental health and therapy. Can you talk about the emotion and inspiration behind that song?

The idea of this record is 16 years old. That idea was laid by Miguel around [the recording of] his first album. The “Teach Me” sessions, which is like my favorite song off that album [All I Want Is You]. So I get what it is. Sister Sevyn Streeter came in swinging on that second verse. My God. And then Choklate gave us the rest of it. But it's about feeling like you're gonna crash out or burn out. Talking ’bout, “Do you lift, bro?” Yeah, that's cute. But do you go to therapy, bro? There have been situations where I’ve had both my therapists on a three-way [call], all hands on deck.

You’ve had multiple therapists at the same time?

I just like perspectives. And also, it's the availability, just in case I need to talk right now. It's cool to get things out and discover certain things about yourself. We're never healed, but we are always in a state of healing.

On May 6, you’ll be showing off your comedy chops for Netflix Is a Joke Fest. How have you been prepping, and what should viewers expect?

I want to do a variety show. However, this is more in the realm of stand-up. I have some musical numbers, but for the most part, I'm just telling stories about my life. I did two test runs [in Los Angeles] to get my bearings. I did an hour at Live at the Sun Rose. Then I did an hour and 20 minutes at the Belly Room at the Comedy Store. The reception has been great. The laughs and reactions have all been genuine. If they didn't think something was funny, they didn’t laugh. But the stuff that they thought was funny, baby, they laughed. So I have a good idea of what works. Now that I know the formula for writing jokes, it’s a wrap. I've done improv classes. I've gotten in with some dope writers: James Davis, Scott Evans, Nore Davis, Shug Avery. I'm really excited for people to see this side of me, because I have always incorporated comedy and humor into music. However, I extracted it and let it be its own thing. They're going to hear some songs that are not out, because I have stories that can fit those songs. It's gonna be tight.

Very few entertainers have merged comedy and music in this way. 

The last time that somebody was as [musically] talented as they were funny was Jamie Foxx. I really delve into that. My comedy is… she's different.

Who are your comedic influences?

Bo Burnham, Steven Wright, Jenifer Lewis—the way I be yelling, I'm like, Jesus, that's my avatar. Arnez J. Jim Carrey, because my parents took me to see The Mask. Eddie Murphy, because my parents took me to see The Nutty Professor. Just being exposed to comedy all my life. Even the way I bug my eyes is so Little Richard and Richard Pryor. Even Monique, Sheryl Underwood, and Bugs Bunny. The characteristics, the animation, the timing. I already know how to work a crowd. But trying to be funny while working the crowd? That's a different set of intentions. I'm so excited for people to see.

People have been having fun with your reaction GIFs, screenshots, and video clips. How did you become 2026’s meme king?

After the Grammys, I started seeing my memes everywhere, on TikTok, on Instagram. But Threads was where I was responding the most—with my memes of myself! So it became a thing. I’ve been doing it since February, commenting on Threads with my [memes]. I started creating meme packs.

Why do you think people gravitate to videos or screenshots of you for memes? And do you have a favorite?

They're just very expressive. It started with things I was saying on The Terrell Show, especially that episode where I did Adina Howard [“Freak Like Me”]. That will circulate. My favorite? There's one I just started using where I'm scrolling through something and popping gum. There's just so many. I need my own app.
 
Once your memes began to go viral, Threads users playfully appointed you as mayor of the platform. What has that been like for you?

I'ma tell you why it excites me. I saw a video of this girl on TikTok saying people need hobbies—something that gets you excited that you can get lost in for hours. Something that has no monetary value. That used to be music. Then it became my career. I couldn't remember the last time I created music for the sake of creating. That made me sad because I was like, “Damn, what do I genuinely enjoy that doesn't have to be attached to something monetary?” So when that opportunity was presented to me—by my people, no less—I was like, “If I can be in a position to encourage people to be better versions of themselves and to be kind, why not lean into that?”

I made my initial statement with mild delusion and great honor to accept the appointment as mayor. This is not an act of leadership. This is me acknowledging that I am a solutionist who just happens to have a platform. We're over here having fun. This is Threadsville. It's not a real place, but it's a place for Black folks to have fun in the midst of all this bullshit. Twitter became something else, so we just need somewhere to kick it. Let us have some joy. My inner child is delighted to be the mayor of Threadsville. 

When I told the Threads community we would be chatting, someone asked if reparations would be on the docket at the next Threads council meeting.

[Laughs] Okay! Listen. This is why we have our commissioners of accountability: Dominique Morgan, Lynae [Vanee] from Parking Lot Pimpin', and Deante Kyle on the Men of Valor assembly. I would like Black women for the original cabinet. The Men of Valor assembly is helping. I started tagging the homies who I follow and feel are very goal- and solution-oriented. I'm looking forward to seeing the growth and the positive things that can come out of it.

—John Kennedy

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Durand Bernarr’s new album, Bernarr., is now available for streaming. His sold-out Netflix Is a Joke Fest set takes place at Pacific Electric on May 6. You can also catch him cuttin’ up on Threads. 

[PLAYLIST]

PUT YOU ON GAME

Three rising artists you should have in your rotation.

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Jai'Len Josey

From Atlanta to Broadway and back again, this sultry R&B songbird makes music for the bold and the beautifully complex. The Def Jam signee’s new debut album, Serial Romantic, shows off her range, offering peppy uppers (“New Girl”), mellow ballads (“Truce”), and “Housewife,” an ode to settling down. 

Elmiene 

If you dig Sampha or Brent Faiyaz, you’re gonna wanna tap in with Elmiene’s catalog. The British-Sudanese singer’s voice is a balm (“Told You I’ll Make It”), and his introspective, confessional songwriting hits you in your soul (“Honour”). He’s got bops too; you can't help but hit a two-step to “Reclusive.”

Filmore 

Born to a country-loving dad and a salsa-dancing Colombian mom, this Nashville-bred artist found his lane by leaning into eclectic influences. You can hear it in the Pitbull-featured “Yeehaw,” his infectious single that recalls Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and Nelly’s mid-2000s earworms. Elsewhere, he blends pop, Latin, and rock sounds. But “Betcha Gonna” is firmly a guitar-strumming country rocker. Giddy up!

[TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT]

"I think he getting dissed... You can hide in the China league all you want, them ni**as love Drake, too."

The wait for Drake’s next album, Iceman, has felt like watching a glacier melt. But one hip-hop commentator has some predictions about what listeners may hear when it drops on May 15—and who will likely be hit with some lyrical darts. Tap in to see who said it, and who is the target.

[LET'S LINK]

• An Open Love Letter to Megan Thee Stallion [The Root]

• 100 Hottest Rappers Right Now [Complex]

• Michael Jackson and the Night the Super Bowl Stood Still [Andscape]

• Kara Young Just Became Broadway’s New Queen. Is Hollywood Next? [The Hollywood Reporter]

• Eric Robles Is the Mexican-Salvadoran Behind Netflix’s Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 [Remezcla]

• The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters [The New York Times]

[OUTRO]

Take This Audio Doggie Bag With You

“Boy in Red,” Isaiah Rashad Feat. SZA

Isaiah Rashad and SZA became music giants as Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates. They reunite on this feel-good track from Rashad’s new album, It’s Been Awful. Get into it!