Eli Derby is a rising R&B voice from Maryland whose sound lives in the intersection of classic soul and Gen-Z vulnerability. Signed to Atlanta’s LVRN (home to 6lack and Summer Walker), Derby’s music leans into stripped-down instrumentation, warm vocal layering, and soft-spoken storytelling. Whether crooning over lo-fi guitar loops or spacey synths, his control and restraint feel mature beyond his years. Like Leon Thomas, Derby isn’t chasing radio formulas—he’s crafting vibe-driven slow burners that reward close listening. With his soft charisma and lyrical sensitivity, he’s a natural for fans who like their R&B smooth, sad, and sophisticated.