sombr Calls ‘Nepo Baby’ Label ‘Incredibly Insane’: ‘I Will Forever Respect My Dad & My Mom’

Sombr, the 21-year-old singer/songwriter, has been asked about the "nepo baby" label attached to his name as his music career has surged. In an ELLE cover story published on September 22, he addressed the speculation, revealing that he doesn't understand why his family name is being brought up. Born Shane Boose, Sombr explained that he finds it "incredibly insane" to consider his parents' work as the reason behind his success.

His father, Andy Boose, used to be a musician and now works with HIV/AIDS organizations, while his mother, Bennah Serfaty, works in HIV/AIDS prevention. Despite his parents' dedication to their causes, Sombr remains proud of them and cannot comprehend how their work could have facilitated his rise to fame. His career took off after the release of his 2022 song "Caroline," which gained traction on TikTok and caught the attention of record labels.

He eventually signed with Warner Records, signing with the label he deemed "hungriest" for him. However, the early momentum didn't result in instant hits, and Sombr faced a challenging period, releasing several songs that didn't gain significant traction. It wasn't until the release of "Back to Friends" in December 2024 that his career took a significant turn.

This song debuted at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 7, marking his first top 10 chart appearance. The success of "Back to Friends" led to his debut album, "I Barely Know Her," which debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 in August 2025. Another hit, "12 to 12," followed, solidifying his position in the music industry.