Philly Phil's story

Producer | Professional Drummer | Artist | Educator

With over 18 years of professional drumming experience, Pj is a versatile, groove-oriented drummer known for delivering powerful, musical, and dynamic performances across R&B, soul, jazz, pop, and hip-hop. For the past 10 years, he has been the driving force behind the kit for international superstar Eric Benét, touring extensively worldwide—from major venues and festivals in the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond. My work with Eric has taken me to countless stages globally (full tour dates and highlights available on my website), where I’ve honed a signature pocket that blends precision, feel, and soulful expression.

My career has spanned collaborations with an impressive array of iconic and contemporary artists, including:

• P. Diddy

• Kenny Latimore

• Mike Phillips

• Nathan Mitchell

• Jeff Bradshaw

• JJ Sansaverino

• William Chan (Hong Kong artist)

• Jacob Latimore

• Nathan Mitchell

• Lin Rountree

• Dean Martin (tribute/legacy projects)

• Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray)

• Skip Martin (Dazz Band / Kool & the Gang)

• Wally Palmar (The Romantics)

• The Sugarhill Gang

• Jason Scheff

• Tamar Braxton

• Chante Moore

• Bob James

A standout talent early on, P.J. placed as Runner-Up in the 2012 Roland V-Drums U.S. National Finals (held on the eve of the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Austin, Texas), showcasing an exciting blend of technical precision and hip musical flair.

He gained national exposure performing as a drummer on MTV's Making the Band with P. Diddy, and has since shared stages with R&B icons including Eric Benét and Chanté Moore—most notably on The Tamron Hall Show in 2024. P.J. has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, such as the Blue Note, Billboard Live Tokyo, and Billboard Live Osaka, as well as major festivals including Punta Cana, Mexico, Capital Jazz, and more.

As a producer, he co-produced the track "Priceless" on Kenny Latimore's 2017 album Vulnerable (which peaked at #21 on the US Independent Albums chart). He also laid down drums on J. White's track "Limitless" featuring Althea Renea. Additionally, P.J. produced and recorded his own record "Exclusive" entirely at his state-of-the-art iMaxx Studios.