Priscilla Block
Priscilla Block is an American country music singer-songwriter known for her bold, unapologetic style and viral social media presence. Born on August 11, 1995, in Raleigh, North Carolina, she rose to prominence in 2020 through TikTok videos featuring her original songs, which amassed millions of views and led to a record deal with Mercury Nashville.[1][2][3] Block grew up in a large family with four siblings and developed an early interest in music, singing worship songs at church alongside her mother before being encouraged to learn guitar after high school. Shortly thereafter, in 2014, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in country music, supporting herself with various jobs including working at a yogurt shop, nannying, and dog walking while honing her songwriting skills.[1][2][4] Her breakthrough came with the viral singles "Thick Thighs" and "PMS," which contributed to the chart-topping success of "Just About Over You" on the iTunes country and all-genre charts, followed by the release of her debut EP Priscilla Block and full-length album Welcome to the Block Party in February 2022. Block's sophomore album, Things You Didn't See, arrived in October 2025, showcasing more personal themes drawn from her life experiences, including her health journey. She has earned multiple nominations, including for New Female Artist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, as well as Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2022 CMT Music Awards.[1][5][6][7][8]Early life
Family and upbringing
Priscilla Block was born on August 11, 1995, in Raleigh, North Carolina.[9][10] She grew up in a close-knit family as one of five children, describing her household as "imperfectly perfect" and her siblings as her best friends.[11][1] Block's early exposure to music came through her family's involvement in church activities, where her father served as a pastor and she frequently sang worship songs alongside her mother.[12] This environment fostered her initial passion for performing, leading her to participate in talent shows and local singing events during her elementary and middle school years.[13] Her mother played a pivotal role in nurturing this interest by encouraging her to learn guitar after discovering an old one in the attic, which Block began playing as a teenager.[1] These childhood experiences in Raleigh, surrounded by familial support and community performances, laid the foundation for Block's lifelong dedication to music, blending personal expression with the sounds of country and worship traditions.[2][12]Education and relocation to Nashville
Block attended Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, graduating in 2014.[14] During her high school years, she nurtured her passion for music through songwriting and performance, beginning to compose original songs around age 15 that captured everyday teenage themes like crushes, heartbreaks, and personal growth. This creative outlet built on her childhood exposure to country music within her family environment, where she sang alongside her mother at church and learned guitar after her mom discovered an old instrument in the attic. Shortly after graduation, at age 18, Block relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2014 to pursue a professional career in country music, driving her Chevy Malibu with her parents' support.[15] Arriving with just $50 to her name, she immediately encountered hardships, including securing unstable housing via Craigslist—where she was robbed during her first weekend—and resorting to dumpster diving to resell items for rent money. Underage at the time, she also faced restrictions on entering bars for performances, leading her to busk outside venues like Bridgestone Arena to gain exposure.[16] To support herself, Block worked odd jobs such as nannying, dog walking, and shifts at a yogurt shop while immersing herself in Nashville's music community.[1] She attended evening classes at a community college initially but soon dropped them to focus fully on music, spending hours observing local artists' performances and beginning to co-write songs with collaborators.[15] However, breaking into the competitive scene proved challenging, as newcomers like her struggled to secure spots in songwriting rounds or access to publishing houses, requiring persistent grinding to build connections and hone her craft.Career
Rise via social media and independent work (2018–2020)
Priscilla Block began actively sharing her music on TikTok in early 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, initially posting covers of popular country songs alongside snippets of her original compositions to connect with audiences during lockdown.[1] Her content, characterized by raw, relatable performances often filmed in casual settings like her car, quickly resonated with viewers seeking authentic country voices. Early videos, such as those featuring her songs "PMS" and "Thick Thighs," amassed over a million views each, establishing her as an emerging talent and building a dedicated following of nearly 400,000 on the platform by mid-2020.[17] Block's viral breakthrough came in late July 2020 with a simple a cappella clip of her original track "Just About Over You," which captured the frustrations of post-breakup recovery and exploded in popularity, garnering millions of views within weeks.[18] Fans responded enthusiastically, even crowdfunding $1,500 to help her record a professional version of the song, highlighting the grassroots support that defined her independent phase.[17] This organic momentum propelled her from relative obscurity to widespread attention, as the video's shareability aligned with TikTok's algorithm favoring emotional, body-positive country narratives. On August 5, 2020, Block self-released "Just About Over You" as an independent single via the InDent label, marking her first major foray into formal distribution without major label backing.[19] The track debuted strongly, entering the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at No. 50 with 689,000 U.S. streams in its first week and reaching No. 4 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart with 7,000 downloads, a testament to TikTok's role in driving streams and sales.[19] Within 12 hours of release, it topped both the iTunes Country and All-Genre charts, an unprecedented feat for an unsigned artist.[18] The song's success generated early media buzz, including a feature in Rolling Stone that spotlighted her rapid ascent and TikTok's transformative power in country music discovery.[18] Outlets like The Boot also highlighted her authentic social media presence as key to cultivating a loyal fanbase, emphasizing her unfiltered storytelling over polished production.[20] Having relocated to Nashville after high school in 2014 to pursue music, Block's independent hustle—balancing odd jobs and local gigs—finally paid off through this digital platform, setting the stage for broader recognition.[17]Mercury Records signing and early releases (2021–2022)
In September 2020, following the viral success of her independent single "Just About Over You" on TikTok, Priscilla Block signed a recording contract with Mercury Nashville, an imprint of Universal Music Group Nashville.[21][22] Block's first release under the label was the promotional single "I Bet You Wanna Know" on January 8, 2021, marking her entry into major label promotion.[23] She followed this with her self-titled debut EP on April 30, 2021, distributed by Mercury Nashville and InDent Records, which included six tracks all co-written by Block, such as "Just About Over You" and "I Don't Know Who I Am Without You."[24][25] The EP highlighted Block's blend of bold, relatable country-pop, with "Just About Over You" serving as the lead single; reissued under the label, it peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after gaining significant radio play.[26] Promoting the project, Block made her Grand Ole Opry debut on May 1, 2021, performing tracks from the EP to an industry audience.[27] Into 2022, Block issued follow-up singles including "My Bar" on January 14, which became her first release from her debut album and reached number 50 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with steady radio rotation.[28] She furthered her visibility with a performance of "My Bar" on The Kelly Clarkson Show in February 2022, her first major television appearance under the label.[29]Debut album and rising prominence (2022–2024)
Block's debut studio album, Welcome to the Block Party, was released on February 11, 2022, through Mercury Nashville Records. The 12-track project featured unapologetic country-pop anthems, including the lead single "My Bar," which explored themes of self-empowerment and nightlife, and "Just About Over You," a re-recorded version of her earlier viral hit. Produced by Jake Curry, Justin Johnson, and Robbie Artress, the album debuted at number 39 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, marking Block's first entry on the tally.[30][31] In February 2023, a deluxe edition of Welcome to the Block Party was issued, expanding the original tracklist to 16 songs with four new additions, including the duet "You, Me, and Whiskey" with Justin Moore. This collaboration highlighted Block's rising profile through high-energy romantic narratives and became her first number-one hit on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart in August 2023. Other singles from the album, such as "Just About Over You," achieved platinum certification from the RIAA and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, underscoring the project's commercial momentum.[32][33][34] The album garnered critical acclaim, earning a spot on The New York Times' list of the Best Albums of 2022 for its bold feminist themes and catchy production. Block also received a nomination for Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2022 CMT Music Awards for the "Just About Over You" music video, recognizing her innovative visual storytelling and rapid ascent in the genre. These accolades solidified her status as an emerging force in country music during this period.[35]Second album and ongoing developments (2025–present)
In 2025, Priscilla Block announced her sophomore studio album, Things You Didn't See, which was released on October 10 via MCA Nashville.[36] The project features 14 tracks, including collaborations such as "Stranger Things" with Chase Matthew, and marks a shift toward more introspective songwriting.[37] Building on the artistic confidence gained from her debut album's chart success, Block described the record as a means to "reclaim her story" after periods of industry pressure.[6] The album's lead single, "You're Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)", a reimagined take on the Simon & Garfunkel classic infused with country elements, was released on July 11, 2025.[38] Additional singles like "Stranger Things" and "Couldn't Care Less" preceded the full release, showcasing Block's blend of vulnerability and empowerment.[39] Thematically, Things You Didn't See explores personal reclamation and emotional vulnerability, addressing topics such as burnout, anxiety, and self-discovery through raw, autobiographical lyrics.[40] Block discussed the album's creation in recent interviews, highlighting how her songwriting process was influenced by health challenges and a desire for authenticity. In a Billboard feature, she detailed the in-depth collaboration with songwriters like David Garcia and Laura Veltz, emphasizing how personal experiences shaped tracks like the title song.[6] Similarly, a MusicRow interview revealed the impact of her wellness journey on the record's themes of resilience and openness.[40] As of late 2025, Block continues to promote the album through her headlining "Things You Didn't See Tour," which includes dates across the U.S. into 2026, fostering direct fan connections via live performances.[41] She has also shared updates on new music explorations and potential expansions, maintaining momentum with her audience through industry engagements.[42]Artistry
Musical style
Priscilla Block's music is primarily rooted in contemporary country, infused with pop and southern rock elements that create a vibrant, accessible sound. Her tracks often feature upbeat tempos and anthemic choruses designed to energize listeners and foster a sense of communal celebration, as seen in her early singles that blend catchy hooks with relatable narratives.[2][43][44] In terms of production, Block's work merges traditional country foundations with modern electronic touches, evident in songs like "Just About Over You," which incorporates programming, keyboards, and drum machine beats alongside electric and acoustic guitars for a dynamic, layered texture. This approach allows her to maintain the genre's storytelling essence while introducing synth-driven polish that appeals to broader audiences, avoiding overly rustic instrumentation in favor of a streamlined, radio-friendly vibe.[45][46] Block's sound has evolved notably by 2025, shifting from the high-energy, confident anthems of her debut era toward more introspective and vulnerable territory on her second album, Things You Didn't See. Here, she emphasizes raw, emotive vocals and minimalist arrangements that strip back the production to highlight personal depth, contrasting her earlier upbeat style with a more subdued, authentic intimacy.[47] Critics and fans often compare Block's attitude and unfiltered energy to that of Miranda Lambert, praising her bold, honest delivery that infuses country with a sassy edge.[48]Influences and songwriting themes
Priscilla Block's musical influences draw heavily from country icons who emphasize empowerment and authenticity. She has long admired Carrie Underwood for her powerful empowerment anthems, recounting how she performed Underwood's song "Wasted" at her elementary school talent show, a moment that highlighted her early connection to such bold narratives. Similarly, Block credits Kacey Musgraves with inspiring her approach to honest storytelling in songwriting. Her early exposure to Dolly Parton and Shania Twain further shaped her style, with Parton's resilience and Twain's unapologetic confidence leaving a lasting impact on Block's own artistic voice. In her songwriting process, Block frequently collaborates with other writers to craft her material, a practice that began during her early days in Nashville where she co-wrote extensively with peers like Sarah Jones to build her confidence. She draws inspiration from personal experiences, including heartbreak, self-love, and resilience, transforming these into relatable narratives that resonate with listeners. This collaborative yet introspective method allows her to infuse authenticity into her work, often starting from raw emotional observations before refining them in sessions. Recurring themes in Block's songwriting center on body positivity, female empowerment, and relationship dynamics. Her breakout track "Thick Thighs" serves as a prominent anthem for body positivity, celebrating curves and challenging societal beauty standards with unfiltered confidence. Songs exploring female empowerment often highlight independence in romantic contexts, promoting self-acceptance amid relational challenges. In her later works, such as those on the album Things You Didn't See, Block delves into vulnerability, revealing hidden emotional layers and personal growth to foster deeper connections with her audience.Discography
Studio albums
Priscilla Block released her debut studio album, Welcome to the Block Party, on February 11, 2022, through InDent and Mercury Nashville Records. The album consists of 12 tracks, blending country pop with themes of empowerment, heartbreak, and self-assurance, and was produced by Jake Curry, Justin Johnson, and Robbie Artress. It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, marking a significant milestone for the emerging artist. Critics praised the album for its high-energy tracks and relatable lyrics, with Billboard highlighting its vibrant party anthems that captured Block's bold personality.[49] The tracklist for Welcome to the Block Party is as follows:- Welcome to the Block Party
- My Bar
- Heels in Hand
- Like a Boy
- I Know a Girl (featuring Hillary Lindsey)
- Ever Since You Left
- Thick Thighs (Block Party Version)
- I Bet You Wanna Know
- You Made This
- Just About Over You
- Ruin Me
- Things You Didn't See
- Bring Me Downtown
- Stranger Things (with Chase Matthew)
- Goodwill to Gucci
- Phones and Radios
- Couldn't Care Less
- 2-3-4
- Try
- Good on You
- Yard Sale
- You're Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)
- He's My Man
- Elijah
- Time Ain't a Two Lane (Demo) [36]
Extended plays
Priscilla Block released her debut extended play, Priscilla Block, on April 30, 2021, through InDent Records and Mercury Nashville.[25] The six-track collection, featuring songs co-written by Block, captured the raw, independent energy that defined her early career while marking her transition to major-label production.[51] Key track "Just About Over You" became a breakout hit, peaking in the top 20 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and garnering over 71 million streams on Spotify as of late 2025.[52][53] The EP's emotional depth and relatable themes helped solidify Block's presence in country music, building momentum from her social media origins toward broader recognition. In June 2024, Block followed with PB2, a five-track EP released on June 21 via Mercury Nashville, which served as a creative bridge to her sophomore studio album.[54] Co-written on four of its songs, the project showcased a more refined sound, blending heartfelt storytelling with polished arrangements that highlighted her evolving artistry.[55] Standout track "Good On You" quickly gained traction, accumulating over 24 million Spotify streams by late 2025 and underscoring the EP's role in sustaining her streaming success.[53] Overall, PB2 emphasized Block's growth, maintaining the authentic vibe of her debut while paving the way for fuller-length explorations in subsequent releases.Singles
Priscilla Block's entry into the country music scene was marked by her independent single "Just About Over You" in August 2020, which exploded in popularity after going viral on TikTok, leading to her first Billboard chart appearance. The track, self-written and produced on a shoestring budget, debuted at number 48 on the Hot Country Songs chart and ultimately peaked at number 17 there, while reaching number 14 on the Country Airplay chart after sustained radio play.[19][56] After signing with Mercury Records, Block's major-label debut single "My Bar" arrived in February 2022 as the lead promotion for her album Welcome to the Block Party. The upbeat, barroom anthem about finding solace in familiar spaces peaked at No. 26 on the Country Airplay chart, bolstered by strong radio support and fan engagement. Later that year, she teamed up with Justin Moore for the duet "You, Me, and Whiskey," released in late 2022, which captured the essence of intimate couple's nights out. The collaboration marked Block's breakthrough, hitting number 1 on the Country Airplay chart in August 2023 and earning platinum certification for over a million units sold.[57][33] In 2022, "Like a Boy" served as a promotional single from Welcome to the Block Party, highlighting themes of female empowerment with its bold lyrics about standing strong in relationships; it received airplay on country radio but did not achieve a top-30 peak on major Billboard charts. Block's 2024 single "Good on You," the lead from her EP PB2, emphasized self-love and resilience, impacting country radio on April 8 and generating buzz through live performances, though it remained outside the top 25 on airplay charts as of late 2024.[57][58] Leading into her second album Things You Didn't See (released October 2025), Block issued several singles in 2025, including the introspective "Couldn't Care Less" in August, which debuted on country radio and began climbing the Country Airplay chart. Her release "You're Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)" in July 2025 reimagines Simon & Garfunkel's classic with a country heartbreak narrative and "Jolene"-style plea, earning early airplay.[59][60] Prior to her charting breakthroughs, Block built a fanbase with promotional singles like "Thick Thighs" in May 2019, an unapologetic body-positivity anthem that spread via social media and TikTok, fostering early engagement without formal radio promotion or Billboard placement.[61]| Single Title | Release Year | Peak on Hot Country Songs | Peak on Country Airplay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Just About Over You" | 2020 | 17 | 14 | Independent viral hit from TikTok. |
| "My Bar" | 2022 | — | 26 | Lead single for debut album. |
| "You, Me, and Whiskey" (with Justin Moore) | 2022 | 23 | 1 | First No. 1 collaboration; platinum-certified. |
| "Good on You" | 2024 | — | — | Lead for PB2 EP; self-empowerment theme. |
| "You're Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)" | 2025 | — | — | Pre-album single; modern twist on classic. |