Miguel

Early Life

Miguel Jontel Pimentel was born on October 23, 1985, in San Pedro, California. Growing up in a musically rich environment, he was influenced by his mother’s love for older R&B and his father’s eclectic tastes, which included funk, hip hop, jazz, and classic rock. His parents divorced when he was eight, but Miguel found solace in music, learning about recording studios during high school. He became close friends with rapper Blu, who also shared his passion for music.

Career

Miguel's music career began in earnest when he signed a production deal with Drop Squad in 2000. After a series of setbacks, including a shelved album with Black Ice Records, he signed with Jive Records in 2007. His debut album, "All I Want Is You," was released in 2010 and featured the hit single "Sure Thing," which gained renewed popularity on TikTok in 2023, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, Miguel has released several successful albums, including "Kaleidoscope Dream," "Wildheart," and "War & Leisure," showcasing his unique blend of R&B, funk, hip hop, and rock.

Artistic Development

Miguel identifies with a new wave of R&B artists and draws inspiration from a diverse range of musicians, including Prince, David Bowie, and the Notorious B.I.G. His music is characterized as eclectic and artsy, often described as "fly, funkadelic, intergalactic-hip-hop-meets-sexy-orgasmic crazy, dope shit." He is also known for his impressive vocal range and guitar skills, often incorporating dance into his performances.

Personal Life

Miguel has been open about his personal life, including his long-term relationship with model Nazanin Mandi, whom he married in 2018. The couple announced their separation in 2021, but later reconciled before Mandi filed for divorce in 2022. In 2025, Miguel revealed he has a child with former VOGUE China editor-in-chief Margaret Zhang. He also engages in creative discussions as a Scholar-in-Residence at NYU, focusing on artistic control and commerce.