Emerging from Clio, South Carolina, Skat3 E is one of the most talented up and coming artist out the City. Raised in a small family alongside his mother and stepfather, his childhood was much like that of any small-town kid. Riding bikes, spending time with friends, getting into a little trouble, and making memories around the neighborhood were all part of growing up. Calhoun Street was his world, with familiar places like the Green Box and his childhood friend Heedo’s house becoming neighborhood landmarks where friendships were built and countless memories were made.
Although his early years were filled with those everyday childhood experiences, life eventually brought challenges that would shape him in ways he never expected. Losing his grandmother at just 14 was a turning point, leaving him struggling to find himself while dealing with depression. He also spent summers in Virginia with his father and grandparents, where a different environment introduced him to faith and gospel teachings that would stay with him throughout his life.
After high school, Skat3 E went through a period of experimenting with substances and battling habits that eventually became part of his past. However, nothing would impact his life more than the loss of his daughter, Nah’Zia, in 2022. After experiencing bullying at school, she tragically died by suicide, leaving behind a pain that completely changed his perspective on life. Today, he hopes to use his platform and music to help keep her voice and legacy alive. His message is simple but important: be kind to others, believe in yourself, and understand that your words and actions can have a lasting impact on someone’s life.
Music has been part of Skat3 E’s story since childhood. His mother remembers him learning the hook to OutKast’s “Elevators” and constantly asking her to play it again. By around nine years old, he was already experimenting with recording, using a boombox, instrumental CDs, and a tape recorder. His first experience recording with music software came around age 14, when he freestyled over Shawty Lo’s “They Know.” From there, his interest in music continued to grow.
His musical influences range from Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris, Cassidy, and Jay-Z to Drake, Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky, and Big Sean, whom he considers his favorite artist of all time. He also draws inspiration from R&B and underground sounds, including artists like SZA, Leon Thomas, and Autumn! That wide range of influences has helped him develop a sound that doesn’t fit into one particular lane.
For Skat3 E, every record has its own personality, emotion, and purpose. His approach in the studio depends on his mood and what he wants each track to communicate. Whether it’s something energetic for the club or a melodic record suited for a late-night drive, versatility remains a major part of his identity. He also handles much of his own recording and engineering from his home-built studio while occasionally stepping into other studios to collaborate, explore different sounds, and work with other creatives. Having produced several of his own records as well, he enjoys being involved in every part of the creative process.
Now, he’s preparing to share one of his most personal bodies of work yet. His upcoming five-track EP, DeadBeat, scheduled for release December 4, 2026, reflects the emotions, questions, and experiences he’s carried since losing Nah’Zia. Rather than simply putting together a collection of songs, he views the project as a complete story that deserves to be experienced from beginning to end. It’s an opportunity for listeners to understand the person behind the music and the experiences that continue to shape him.
As Skat3 E moves forward, his focus is on allowing the music to speak for itself. His journey hasn’t been without hardship, but he’s found a way to turn his experiences into something meaningful. Through DeadBeat, he hopes listeners connect with more than just the sound; he wants them to understand the real emotions and purpose behind it.
Behind the artist is a family and circle of supporters who continue to encourage his vision, including his mother, father, stepfather, brother Ski, business partner KingQae, Beachboy Rico, Tim May, and his extended artist family across North Carolina and Virginia. But above everyone else, he carries the memory of his daughter, Nah’Zia, with him. As his number one fan, her place in his life remains permanent, and every step he takes moving forward carries a piece of her legacy.
