ABOUT (SHORT VERSION)
The NuBeing Collective is a Greensboro-born live music ensemble blending hip-hop, soul, jazz, funk, and cultural storytelling. Known for high-energy performances and community-centered artistry, the group creates immersive experiences that connect music, identity, and culture through powerful musicianship and intentional narrative.
OFFICIAL BIO
The NuBeing Collective is a genre-blending live music ensemble rooted in Greensboro, North Carolina. Combining hip-hop, soul, jazz, funk, and spoken narrative, the group creates performances that feel both electric and deeply intentional. Their sound is shaped by live musicianship, cultural storytelling, and a commitment to community-centered artistry.
NuBeing’s shows move between high-energy moments, emotional reflection, and improvisational musicianship, offering audiences a musical experience that is both contemporary and timeless. The collective has performed across festivals, universities, cultural institutions, and creative spaces, building a reputation for authenticity, versatility, and artistic depth.
Whether on stage with their 6–8 piece band, collaborating with orchestras, or presenting their documentary and panel series, The NuBeing Collective stands at the intersection of music, identity, and culture — creating work that resonates across generations.
EXTENDED BIO
The NuBeing Collective is a Greensboro-born live music ensemble that blends hip-hop, soul, jazz, funk, and cultural storytelling into a powerful, community-centered artistic experience. Formed by artists who believe in the transformative power of live musicianship, NuBeing brings together lyricists, vocalists, instrumentalists, and creatives to build a sound that is both rooted and forward-thinking.
At the heart of the collective is a commitment to authenticity — music that reflects lived experience, celebrates Black creativity, and connects audiences through shared emotion and narrative. Their performances move fluidly between high-energy hip-hop, soulful melodies, improvisational jazz moments, and cinematic arrangements, creating a dynamic experience that feels alive, intentional, and deeply human.
The group has performed across festivals, universities, cultural institutions, and community spaces, earning recognition for their ability to engage diverse audiences. Their work extends beyond the stage through educational conversations, cultural programming, and multimedia storytelling, including their documentary and panel series exploring identity, artistry, and creative community.
In 2026, The NuBeing Collective expanded their sound with the NuBeing Orchestra Hip-Hopera, a milestone collaboration that merged their live band with orchestral arrangements to create a larger, cinematic concert experience. This project showcased the collective’s ability to bridge genres, generations, and cultural spaces through intentional artistry.
Whether performing as a 6–8 piece band, collaborating with orchestras, or presenting their documentary and panel experience, The NuBeing Collective stands as a modern expression of music, culture, and community — a movement grounded in storytelling, musicianship, and connection.
Cyril Howell (DaFantom336)
music director | composer | founding member
With over twenty years in music production, songwriting, and marketing, Cyril shapes the NuBeing Collective’s sonic identity. His blend of hip‑hop, soul, and experimental jazz creates warm, layered, emotionally rich soundscapes. As a creative strategist, he brings sharp insight into audience engagement and brand development, making his presence both magnetic and essential.
Matthew Miller
LEAD VOCALIST | SAXOPHONIST
A dynamic saxophonist and composer, Matt blends jazz, soul, and hip‑hop into a signature sound. His improvisational energy and musical precision make him a key force in the NuBeing Collective’s live performances.
PHILLIP LYNCH (Dr. PhilGood)
bass player
Phillip Lynch is a versatile musician, actor, and storyteller known for his signature Phil Good Experience. A skilled bassist and powerful vocalist, he moves effortlessly from pit to spotlight. His background in musical theater, directing, and production gives him a rare 360° creative perspective. Phillip brings authenticity, precision, and undeniable feel to every project.
Justin Tanks ( Kyran Scott)
emcee | DJ | founding member
A founding member of the NuBeing Collective, Kyran blends hip‑hop, soul, design, and cultural storytelling into immersive creative experiences. With 20+ years in music and marketing, he shapes the Collective’s artistic identity and community‑driven vision.
Kay Marion
vocalist
A dynamic multi‑genre vocalist from High Point, NC, Kay blends classical training, jazz, R&B, and theatre into a powerful, soulful presence. With advanced training from UNC‑Chapel Hill and Longy School of Music, she brings both artistry and intention to the NuBeing Collective.
LEROY PRIGDEN IV
TROMBONE PLAYER
A seasoned trombonist who began performing professionally at 16, Leroy has worked with artists including Charlie Hunter, Fantasia, and Shamarr Allen, and appeared at major regional festivals. He directs the Too Phat Brass Band and leads his own ensemble, showcasing original works from his 2025 debut album Nefertiti’s Dream.
Jasmine Tranai
LEAD VOCALIST | FOUNDING MEMBER
A soulful vocalist and spoken word artist, Jasmine blends poetic lyricism with rich vocal textures rooted in Black and Indigenous traditions. Her performances explore identity, liberation, and healing, bringing magnetic presence and transformative energy to the NuBeing Collective.