Growing up in Washington, D.C. with a single father, TEN describes his childhood as tumultuous. As an introverted kid, he often felt lost while trying to figure out how to express himself. That search for expression eventually led him to writing and learning how to make music during high school.
What started as an outlet slowly became something more.
TEN spent years writing and creating before taking a hiatus around the time of COVID. Life became especially challenging during that period, forcing him to step away from music and deal with everything happening around him.
Then, around this time last year, he decided it was time to return.
He began going through the songs and ideas he had saved in his notes, invested in a home studio, and started recording. What followed was months of consistent work, turning years of thoughts and emotions into music that he could finally put into the world.
Much of TEN’s musical inspiration comes from the artists who made an impact on him growing up. Lil’ Wayne was his favorite rapper during his early years, but that changed around 2014 when Young Thug emerged onto the scene. TEN remembers being amazed by the freedom and creativity it took to stand out.
His first recorded song was actually a remix of Young Thug’s “Hey I,” marking the beginning of his journey as a recording artist.
Outside of music, TEN’s younger years were filled with sports and social experiences throughout the DMV. He spent time at different basketball courts around the area, hooping and being around the culture. When he wasn’t playing basketball, he was often at parties or turning up with friends.
Those experiences became part of the person and artist he is today.
TEN describes his sound as rap, but there’s much more underneath it. His music is a combination of raw emotions, moving between sadness, triumph, lyrical wit, and comedy. Some have described him as having a “hood rockstar” aesthetic, a description that fits an artist who isn’t interested in being placed inside one box.
At the center of it all is confidence.
TEN has a strong belief in himself and has reached a point where he’s done taking no for an answer. Nearly 99% of his songs are recorded and mixed inside his own home studio, giving him complete control over the process and allowing him to develop his sound on his own terms.
His latest release, “9-11,” represents another step forward in that journey. And with his next project, “Ten Griffey,” already on the horizon, TEN is continuing to build from the ground up.
For TEN, the journey is bigger than just releasing music. It’s about proving to himself what he can accomplish after everything he’s experienced.
He gives thanks to God first, along with everyone who has ever played one of his songs. He recognizes that time is valuable and appreciates anyone willing to spend theirs listening to his music. He also credits his family for helping shape who he is today, and his friends and associates for pushing him to become the best version of himself.
Even the people who doubt him have a place in the story.
TEN says those doubts give him fuel.
