Muni Long is a name that has been making waves in the music industry lately. The singer and songwriter, who was formerly known as Priscilla Renea, has been nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2023, including Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song for her hit single “Hrs and Hrs”. But who is Muni Long related to? And how did she go from being a YouTube sensation to a chart-topping artist? Here are some facts you need to know about the rising star.
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Muni Long’s Ethnicity and Family Background
Muni Long was born as Priscilla Renea Hamilton on September 14, 1988, in Vero Beach, Florida. She is of African American ethnicity and has one younger brother. Her father was a member of the Navy, which influenced her love for traveling and exploring different cultures. According to Hollywood Life, Muni Long’s parents always encouraged her to pursue her passion in life and supported her musical aspirations.
Muni Long’s Early Career and YouTube Fame
Muni Long started singing at the age of two, but she was not comfortable with performing in front of people until she was older. She discovered YouTube when she was a teenager and began posting videos of herself singing in her room. Her first video was a rendition of Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River”, which she submitted to a contest whose winner would sing with him at the Grammy Awards. She did not win, but she gained a lot of attention and followers on the platform. She also participated in MTV’s Say What? Karaoke show and showcased her vocal skills and charisma.
Muni Long’s Transition to Songwriting and Working with Big Names
In 2009, Muni Long signed with Capitol Records under her birth name and released her debut album Jukebox. The album featured pop and R&B songs that showcased her versatility and personality. However, the album did not perform well commercially and received mixed reviews from critics. Muni Long then decided to focus on songwriting for other artists and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry. She co-wrote songs such as “California King Bed” by Rihanna, “Worth It” by Fifth Harmony, “Love So Soft” by Kelly Clarkson, “Imagine” by Ariana Grande, and “Timber” by Pitbull featuring Kesha. She also worked with Mariah Carey, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, Miranda Lambert, and many more.
Muni Long’s Return to Solo Music and Rebranding
After spending a decade as a successful songwriter, Muni Long felt the urge to return to her solo career and express herself as an artist. She released her second studio album Coloured in 2018 under the name Priscilla Renea, which explored Americana and country soul genres. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans, but it did not achieve mainstream success. Muni Long then decided to rebrand herself and adopt a new stage name that reflected her growth and vision. She chose the name Muni Long (pronounced “money long”), which she explained as “a mantra for abundance”. She also changed her musical style to a more contemporary R&B sound that blended elements of hip-hop, pop, and soul.
Muni Long’s Breakthrough Success and Grammy Nominations
Muni Long released her first single under her new name in 2020, titled “Hrs & Hrs”. The song was a catchy and sensual R&B track that showcased her smooth vocals and witty lyrics. The song went viral on TikTok and became a huge hit on streaming platforms. It also reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned her a record deal with Def Jam Recordings. Muni Long followed up with more singles such as “Time Machine”, “Plot Twist”, “Butterfly Effect”, and “Horas y Horas”, which was a Spanish version of “Hrs & Hrs”. She also released her first album under the name Muni Long in 2021, titled Public Displays of Affection. The album featured collaborations with John Legend, Ty Dolla $ign, Yung Bleu, French Montana, Trey Songz, and Jacob Latimore. The album received critical acclaim and was praised for its diversity, creativity, and authenticity. It also earned her three Grammy nominations in 2023, making her one of the most promising new artists in the music scene.
Muni Long is related to many talented artists through her songwriting credits and collaborations, but she is also related to herself through her multiple identities and transformations. She is a versatile and dynamic singer who has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. She is also an inspiration for anyone who wants to pursue their dreams and reinvent themselves. Muni Long is a name that you should remember, because she is here to stay.
