Malcolm Todd: The Rise of the ‘Sweet Boy’ in Alternative R&B

 

Malcolm Todd has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting new voices in the alternative R&B and indie-pop landscape. Known for his candid, lovesick lyrics layered over breezy, funky grooves, the Los Angeles-born singer-songwriter has captivated a dedicated fanbase, transitioning from a D.I.Y. artist to a charting musician in just a few short years.

🎧 Early Life and the TikTok Breakthrough

 

Malcolm Todd Hobert was born on September 15, 2003, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Santa Monica. His early musical influences were wide-ranging, encompassing Broadway musicals introduced by his mother, folk and rock legends like James Taylor and Bob Dylan from his father, and modern alternative R&B artists such as Steve Lacy, Omar Apollo, and Kali Uchis.

His journey into music production began in earnest during the COVID-19 pandemic. A high school sophomore at the time, Todd taught himself to play bass and guitar using online videos. After graduating high school in 2022, he chose to pursue music full-time rather than immediately attending college, a decision his parents initially met with skepticism but eventually supported with a one-year trial period.

Todd quickly found a powerful platform in social media, particularly TikTok, to connect directly with his audience. His first EP, ‘Demos Before Prom,’ released in May 2022, began generating buzz. However, his breakthrough came with his 2023 singles, particularly “Art House” and the massively viral hit “Roommates.” This success, driven by organic fan engagement and the relatability of his post-high school themes, paved the way for a major label deal with Columbia Records.

📈 Career Highlights and Musical Evolution

 

Todd’s music is characterized by a signature blend of genres, featuring catchy, often humorous and vulnerable lyrics, elegant vocal textures, and prominent, funky basslines. He writes and produces much of his own work, allowing him to maintain an authentic, distinct sound.

H3 Landmark Releases

 

• ‘Sweet Boy’ Mixtape (2024): His first project under a major label, this release cemented his sound and included the breakout tracks “Roommates” and “Sweet Boy.” “Roommates,” which delves into the complexities of a faltering relationship, quickly became one of his most-streamed songs, accumulating tens of millions of streams.

• ‘Malcolm Todd’ Debut Album (2025): Released on April 4, 2025, the self-titled album marked a significant step in his career, showcasing greater musical maturity and depth. The album debuted at number 49 on the Billboard 200 chart. The lead single, “Chest Pain (I Love),” became his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 68, and earned Gold certification from the RIAA.

H3 Notable Collaborations and Tours

 

Todd has quickly become a respected figure in the contemporary music scene. In 2024, he opened for one of his key inspirations, Omar Apollo, on the North American leg of the God Said No World Tour. This artistic connection later led to the collaboration track “Bleed,” a standout single from his 2025 album. He has also performed at major music festivals, including The Governor’s Ball and Lollapalooza.

💡 Unique Facts and Artist Persona

 

Todd’s public persona is defined by a blend of raw vulnerability and playful confidence, often reflected in his musical output and stage presence.

• The ‘Wholesome Rockstar’: Todd has often been described with terms like “wholesome” and “sweet boy,” a contrast to the typical rockstar image, which he embraces with a sense of playful irony. He aims for his music to instill confidence and happiness in his listeners.

• A Family Affair: His musical roots are deep, with his mother being a “musical theater nerd” and his sister, Audrey Hobert, contributing vocals on the album track “I Do.”

• The Ice Cream Man: Before his music career took off, Todd worked at a Cold Stone Creamery, a job he quit once his streaming revenue could financially support his music full-time—a testament to his rapid rise to fame.

• Viral Strategy: Early in his TikTok career, he gained significant traction by cleverly posting snippets of his original music, sometimes claiming they were “Steve Lacy’s new music” to catch the attention of fans of the similar genre, a strategy he openly discussed.

Malcolm Todd is not just an artist navigating the digital music landscape; he is actively defining it, using relatable storytelling and an irresistible blend of genre to build a legacy that extends far beyond the typical bedroom-pop hype cycle.