Neace Robinson
Neace Robinson | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, gospel |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2018–present |
Neace Robinson, also known as the Funeral Stud, is an American singer and songwriter from Louisiana.[1] She gained widespread attention in November 2025 when a video of her performing her 2018 song "I Wished That Heaven Had a Phone" at a balloon release ceremony in Jeanerette, Louisiana, went viral on TikTok.[2][3]
Background
Robinson wrote "I Wished That Heaven Had a Phone" after experiencing several losses, including the deaths of her mother, sister, and grandmother.[4] She released it on December 2, 2018.[5] Prior to going viral, Robinson was known locally in Louisiana for performing the song at funerals and memorial services, with a signature call-and-response where attendees release balloons on the line "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, release 'em".[4][3]
Career
On November 2, 2025, Robinson posted a video of a funeral performance to TikTok, which accumulated over 31.5 million views.[3] The sound was used in over 78,000 TikTok posts, with the "1, 2, 3, release 'em" ad lib becoming a popular meme format—often used in videos joking about teachers releasing students for holiday break or issuing final grades.[3] Billboard characterized the song as "R&B and gospel-infused" and called it "easily the most-consumed song of her recording career."[3]
Robinson was in Texas when her nieces and nephews informed her of her sudden fame, texting her: "Tee Tee, you famous."[2] The nickname "Funeral Stud" emerged from social media posts about the trend.[6]
In December 2025, The Shade Room released an exclusive music video for the song.[6] Robinson subsequently received record deal offers from multiple labels and reported interest from rapper Lil Baby.[2] She announced plans for a national tour and an album titled Old Versus New.[2][4]
In February 2026, it was announced that Robinson would be performing at Keith Lee's Familee Day in New Orleans, Louisiana, in May 2026.[7][8]
References
- ↑ Mendez II, Moises. "9 viral queer moments of 2025: From Nicki's right turn, to the 'Funeral Stud' | Out.com". www.out.com. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Price, Kye (December 2, 2025). "Lafayette artist gains national attention for viral TikTok performance". KLFY-TV. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Denis, Kyle; Unterberger, Andrew (December 3, 2025). "'Stranger Things' Songs From ABBA, Diana Ross, Kate Bush (Again) and More All Up Double or Triple Following Season Five Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- 1 2 3 Agers, Erykah (December 15, 2025). "Interview: Viral song 'Heaven Had A Phone' artist Neace Robinson discusses new projects and more". KTAL-TV. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ "I Wished That Heaven Had a Phone - Song by Neace Robinson". Apple Music. Apple Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- 1 2 Solomon, Jadriena (December 11, 2025). "Neace Robinson Gives Cinematic Performance For 'I Wish That Heaven Had A Phone (1,2,3, Release Em)' (EXCLUSIVE)". The Shade Room. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ Giacomazzo, Bernadette (February 9, 2026). "Keith Lee Announces Familee Day Lineup in New Orleans". Complex. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ↑ Spera, Keith (February 9, 2026). "Kirk Franklin, Tobe Nwigwe to headline Keith Lee's FamiLee Day in NOLA. Here's the lineup". NOLA.com. Retrieved February 17, 2026.