Papa Peachez

Papa Peachez’ voice is dramatic, yet uplifting and at times, angelic. With roots in delta blues and gospel, his lyrics touch on social issues including gay rights, poverty and racial injustice.  Papa’s songs are powerful and thought-provoking tributes to the human condition.

"Papa Peachez can sing like an angel, write like a poet and rap hard. He's a Big Witchy Black Girl trapped in a White Trash Mississippi Boy body.  His music is very spiritual, very real, very funky... a heavenly hybrid between Nina Simone, Mary J. Blige and Rufus Wainwright."     ~ John Cameron Mitchell

Born Robert Alford Gilchrist Jr. in Jackson, Mississippi, Papa Peachez grew up singing gospel in church. The name “Papa Peachez” was coined by the homeless he worked with in Jackson. It can be said that Papa became his own person among the homeless he befriended because it was amongst these souls that he felt the most acceptance and peace and first began to write songs.  

"Papa Peachez is a remarkable individual whose music is passionate, authentic, and poised to challenge the racial and sexual barriers still present in our country.  His artistry and ability to create his way through this life is extraordinary.” -Keith Gary, Producer/Engineer

During his memorable debut on American Idol Season 12, Papa Peachez endeared himself to Nicki Minaj who called him a “superstar” after he debuted his original song, “Native Negro,” an intense and hypnotic rap on the plight of the homeless in the South. 

Currently, Peachez lives in Austin, Texas, where he recently finished recording his debut album, allone, with Austin-based producer/engineer, Keith Gary and award-winning pianist/composer, Harlan Hodges. The record boasts straight-up hip-hop, dance, and southern delta soul juxtaposed with beautifully lush ballads and haunting familiarities of Nina Simone and Rufus Wainwright.