Homeboy Sandman

Born Angel Del Villar II and hailing from Elmhurst, in Queens, New York, Homeboy Sandman has since the late 2000s developed an independent rap rooted in alternative hip-hop, with dense, often conversational writing, where everyday observation, dry humor and linguistic deviations play a central role. After a first EP Nourishment, followed by the Nourishment (Second Helpings) album in 2007, Homeboy Sandman established himself on the New York underground scene with Actual Factual Pterodactyl in 2008 and then expanded radio appearances, concerts and mixed formats between rap, spoken word and live performance, notably at the Nuyorican Poets Café. His career subsequently centers around several notable labels and collaborations: The Good Sun in 2010, then a period at Stones Throw with Subject: Matter and Chimera in 2012, First of a Living Breed the same year, Hallways in 2014 and Kindness for Weakness in 2016. Homeboy Sandman regularly works with producers such as Paul White, Edan, Quelle Chris, Mono en Stereo or Aesop Rock, with whom he also forms the duo Lice. His recent discography continues this line with Dusty (2019), Don’t Feed the Monster (2020), There in Spirit and Still Champion (2022), Rich (2023) and Rich II (2024). With Homeboy Sandman, the smooth flow, tonal shifts and loops of soul, jazz or lo-fi serve a precise rap, often introspective, staying attached to a form of formal freedom.