Cobin
Corbin Beckner Smidzik, known mononymously as Corbin and formerly as Spooky Black and Lil Spook, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer born on February 20, 1998, in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Corbin gained significant attention in the music industry through his early releases on SoundCloud, particularly with the viral success of his song "Without You" in 2014. The video for "Without You" became an internet sensation, earning over a million views and sparking discussions about its unique blend of R&B and internet culture.
Initially performing under the name Spooky Black, Corbin was known for his melancholic R&B style and distinctive visual aesthetic. He was a member of the hip hop/R&B collective Thestand4rd, alongside fellow Minnesota artists Allan Kingdom, Bobby Raps, and Psymun. The group released their self-titled debut album in 2014 and embarked on a successful U.S. tour.
Corbin's career has been marked by his reluctance to engage in traditional promotional activities, often releasing music without prior announcements and declining interviews. In 2017, he released his debut studio album, "Mourn," followed by "Ghost With Skin" in 2021 and "Crisis Kid" in 2025. Despite facing challenges such as losing access to his Spotify account, Corbin has continued to release music and maintain a dedicated fanbase.
Throughout his career, Corbin has navigated the complexities of viral fame and personal struggles, including addiction, while evolving as an artist. His work has been characterized by a blend of cloud rap, alternative R&B, electronic, and new wave influences, and he remains a notable figure in the music scene for his innovative approach and introspective songwriting.