Two songs by West Philadelphia artist Amir Bey Richardson, who performs as Bul Bey, have appeared in separate episodes of Abbott Elementary. The ABC comedy is set in a fictional Philadelphia public school; Richardson’s placements include “Where I'm From” and, two years later, “Elbow Deep.”
A Cold LinkedIn Message That Actually Worked
Richardson’s connection to the show began with a LinkedIn message to music supervisor Kier Lehman in February 2022. The message was “awkward,” Richardson told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Lehman later contacted him to request “Where I'm From” for season two, episode 19, “Festival.” Tunefind lists the song in the episode, in which Abbott staff members rally against a threat from Legendary Charter Schools.
The Inquirer reported that the placement was the first time Richardson had been paid for his music. It also put a West Philadelphia artist’s work into a series set in a fictional school in the city where he has built his career.
A Second Placement, Two Years Later
A second song followed in 2025: Richardson’s 2024 track “Elbow Deep” is heard in the background of an episode featuring Gregory and Janine, the Inquirer reported. The episode aired October 22, giving Richardson two placements on the series.
Richardson’s work also includes music for WHYY programs Albie's Elevator and The Infinite Art Hunt, and hosting the Franklin Institute's So Curious podcast, according to the Daily Gazette. The outlet reports that he began uploading rap songs online in 2010.
Balancing the Mic With a Day Job
Alongside his music, Richardson works as an event coordinator for the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, the Inquirer reported.
The series’ fictional Philadelphia setting and Richardson’s roots in West Philadelphia make the placements a local connection as well as a career milestone. Creator and star Quinta Brunson is also from West Philadelphia.
A Philadelphia Setting, With Some Sets on the Warner Brothers Lot
Although Abbott Elementary is set in Philadelphia, production designer Michael Whetstone told Gold Derby that some of the show’s exterior sets stand on the Warner Brothers lot.
