Durand Bernarr

Bernarr Durand Ferebee Jr. (born September 16, 1988), In 2026, he earned his first Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album for his album BLOOM.

Early life Bernarr was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He was raised an only child by his mother, a professional music teacher and vocal coach, and his father, an audio engineer who worked with artists like Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Jill Scott, and Whitney Houston. At 16, Bernarr accompanied his father on tour for Earth, Wind & Fire as a production assistant. He cites Erykah Badu, Rick James and Little Richard as his biggest influences. In 2009, he released his first mixtape titled alcoholharmony: The MixT@pe consisting of studio versions of his popular covers from YouTube and original content via Bandcamp.

Bernarr competed on BET's 2019 reality music competition series The Next Big Thing. He both rapped and sang, and eventually finished as one of the top three performers. In a review, Lucas Aubry of Numéro stated that the album "once again shows his incredible ability to go up in the highs like D’Angelo and down into the low and groovy frequencies of Nate Dogg in numerous rapped moments." On the accompanying tour he began DJing under the moniker DJ TBD aka Bra Coley.

Bernarr released the album En Route in 2024. En Route earned a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album, his first nomination. Meagan Jordan of Rolling Stone stated in a positive review: "Bloom pulls on Bernarr’s musical knowledge and appreciation of many genres, while still remaining unique and authentic to his own vocal style." and won the award for Best Progressive R&B Album, which was his first win. His acceptance speech was referred to as "radiating joy."

He released the album Bernarr on May 1, 2026. The album is named for his father, Bernarr Ferebee Sr. The album features Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, Sevyn Streeter, Khalid, James Fauntleroy, and Vic Mensa.

Personal life Bernarr resides in Los Angeles. "Talk Like God" Mr. Ivory Snow Rugged "Moon Springs, Natural" (also featuring Rome Fortune) 2014 Lorenzo Asher Numismatics "Fade"

Mr. Ivory Snow Snow "One More Time" Uptowne Buddha Bravo "Freefall"

Kaytranada Bubba "Houzkatz" Adam Ness Sagittarius "Shut up & Groove" Romero Mosley Forever Is for Dreamers "Self Aware"

Qveen Herby EP 8 "Facetime (Remix)" Ari Lennox Shea Butter Baby (Remix EP) "Dance to My Heart" Mr. Ivory Snow Unreleased II (Light) "Can't Wait to Go Outside" Nanna.B QuaranTina "minding_my business"(also featuring Rose Gold) Knxwledge 1988 "I Like It"

Terrell Grice The Terrell One Million Show "Sugar Coat Me"

"Root Chakra" (also featuring Munir Hossn and Jeff Coffin) "Whisper (Want You)" (also featuring Allen Love and Steve Lacy) Patrick Paige II If I Fail Are We Still Cool? "Move On"

Khé I'll Be OKhé "Perspective" (also featuring Aron Hodek and Philip Lassiter) Candy Dulfer We Never Stop "Midnight" Kendre Streeter Facets of Love "That Bag" Elijah Boothe Wake Up Call "Wonderland" Metta Euphoric Misery "Stuck"

"Girlfriend" "Red Aura" (also featuring Qveen Herby)

Tech N9ne Bliss "Own It All" Soul from the O Queens and Pharaohs "Repent - Live" (also featuring Candy Dulfer)

"Make America Love Again - Live" "Bump The Man - Live" "Sugar Coat Me - Live" "Wings Of Love - Live" "Soul Music - Live" "Weird"

Kaytranada Timeless "Tuesday Afternoon" Sara Lina The Fool "Eat The Rich" VVitch King VVitch King "Le Départ" Adi Oasis Lotus Glow (Deluxe) "on the way" Solomon Fox speedrun "Let It Drop"

Estelle Stay Alta "Last Lovers" Aria Lanelle The Quiet Parts Out Loud "Lover" (also featuring Tiffany Gouché)

Scent of a Woman "Lover - Acapella" (also featuring Tiffany Gouché)

"Lover - Freeverse" (also featuring Tiffany Gouché) "Falling"

"Bossa Bossa" "How Can I" "Moonlight" Miranda Rae Soul Food

Awards and nominations Grammy Awards The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Bernarr has earned 1 award from 4 nominations. Year Award Nominated work Result 2025 Best Progressive R&B Album En Route 2026 Bloom Best R&B Song "Overqualified" Best Traditional R&B Performance "Here We Are"

Miscellaneous awards Year Organization Award Nominated work Result Ref. 2025 GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist Himself 2026 Outstanding Music Artist Bloom Queerty Awards Anthem "Overqualified" BET Awards Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Himself Native Son Awards Honoree