Giveon Believes Having a Distinctive Voice “Like Whitney & Mariah” Has Led Others to Jack His Style: “I Don’t Mind the Thievery,” [But] “I Don’t Like” Copying

Let Giveon tell it, imitation isn’t always the sincerest form of flattery.

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While hot on the promo trail for his latest Billboard 200 top 10 album, ‘Beloved,’ Giveon (born Giveon Evans) dropped by Streetz Atlanta to chat it up with resident radio DJ ET Cali.

When not discussing his meteoric rise in the industry, Evans discussed the album in detail, early influences, and so much more. On the topic of influence, Giveon was quizzed on his thoughts about the number of up-and-coming R&B singers whose styles are similar to his.

“I would say ‘yes,'” Giveon replied when asked if he puts himself in the category of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey when it comes to having “distinctive” voices. “I entered [the industry] at a time where literally no one sounded like [me]. I think now I’ve heard a couple of songs [from other artists], and I would check like ‘When did I drop this?'”

And while the GRAMMY nominee was clear he’s not offended by the singers who have seemingly borrowed elements of his performance style, he did express not appreciating those who took a direct copy-paste approach.

“I don’t mind the thievery, because I’m heavily inspired by a lot of people. I just put it through my own filter, but I don’t mind influencing people at all,” he relayed before saying, “[Copying] is cowardly…if someone comes up behind me and just copies [my tone], I don’t like that.”

Notice has been served to the copycats!

That’s not all he said. Click PLAY on the clip above to hear Giveon detail his thoughts on vocal imitators.