Sabi

Early Life and Cultural Roots

Jenice Dena Portlock, professionally known as Sabi, was born on November 24, 1987, in Inglewood, California. She is of Salvadoran and African American descent, growing up in a bilingual household that embraced both Spanish and English languages. From a young age, Sabi was captivated by the performances of artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Sade, which fueled her passion for music and performance. 

Education and Early Artistic Pursuits

Sabi attended Westchester Senior High School, graduating in 2005, and later pursued communications at California State University, Long Beach. During her academic years, she actively participated in theater productions and was cast in commercials for ABC Family, Universal Studios, and Pepsi. In 2008, she appeared in the independent short film "The Smallest River in Almirante," executive produced by Shia LaBeouf. 

Formation and Journey with The Bangz

In 2009, Sabi's musical career took a significant turn when she was approached by the production team The Co-Stars to form a female duo. She teamed up with Korttney Ann Elliott, known as Ella Ann, to create the hip hop group The Bangz. Their debut single, "Boys With Tattoos (We Jerkin')," gained substantial attention, amassing over a million views on YouTube. The group's rising trajectory was halted when Ella Ann suffered a serious injury in a drive-by shooting, leading to the group's disbandment. 

Transition to Solo Career and Breakthrough Collaborations

Following the disbandment of The Bangz, Sabi embarked on a solo career. She gained prominence in 2011 through collaborations with notable artists. Her feature on Cobra Starship's "You Make Me Feel..." achieved significant success, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, she contributed to Britney Spears' track "(Drop Dead) Beautiful" from the album "Femme Fatale" and joined Spears on the Femme Fatale Tour. 

Solo Projects and Musical Evolution

Sabi's solo endeavors include a range of singles and a mixtape that showcase her versatility across pop, R&B, electropop, and hip hop genres. Notable works include:

• "Wild Heart" (2011): A single produced by Cirkut, also recorded in Simlish for The Sims 3 video game. 

• "Where They Do That At?" (2012): A collaboration with rapper Wale, produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut. 

• "Champagne" (2012): A single produced by Crack For Kids, accompanied by a music video directed by Jakob Owens. 

• "Cali Love" (2013): Featuring Tyga, this track served as the lead single for her mixtape "0–60: Love Sounds." 

• "0–60: Love Sounds" (2013): A mixtape released for free download, including a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams." 

After parting ways with Kemosabe and Warner Bros. Records, Sabi continued her musical journey as an independent artist. In 2020, she released the single "Ready," produced by Malcolm D. McDaniel, marking her return to the music scene. 

Ventures Beyond Music

Beyond her singing career, Sabi has explored various facets of the entertainment industry. In 2012, she hosted a fashion web series titled "Found My Swag," which premiered on the YouTube channel "The Warner Sound." In 2020, she began hosting "Easy Hits Radio with Sabi" on Apple Music, focusing on adult contemporary music. 

Personal Life and Legacy

Sabi's multicultural background and experiences have deeply influenced her artistic expression, allowing her to connect with a diverse audience. Her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges serves as an inspiration to many aspiring artists. With a career spanning over a decade, Sabi continues to evolve as a multifaceted artist, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.