Григорий Лепс (Grigory Leps)

Grigory Leps (born Grigory Viktorovich Lepsveridze) is one of the most popular performers of Russian estrada, blending pop, rock, rap and R&B elements across a long and prolific career. Before recording his debut album he spent years performing in restaurants, and his 1995 debut album Natali brought him his first wave of national fame, followed by continued touring and further releases such as Spasibo, Lyudi… and Na strunah dozhdya, which cemented his status as a mainstream star across Russia and the wider Russian-speaking world.

Leps is known for his powerful, gravelly baritone and for hits such as «Рюмка водки на столе», «Я тебе не верю» and «Натали», songs that combine sentimental, often melancholic lyrics with big, radio-friendly arrangements. Over the years he has moved fluidly between traditional estrada balladry and more contemporary sounds, incorporating rap and R&B textures into later work while retaining the emotional, story-driven songwriting that made him famous.

Throughout his career Leps has collaborated widely with other prominent Russian-language artists, including Ani Lorak, Timati, Irina Allegrova and Alexander Rosenbaum, reflecting his central position in the Russian pop and estrada scene. His extensive discography and steady touring schedule have made him a fixture of Russian popular music for decades.