Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, Setty spent most of his childhood the same way many kids do—outside with people from the neighborhood, making memories and learning about life firsthand. While he enjoyed being around friends, he always had a side of himself that preferred solitude. Between school, work, and spending time outside, finding moments alone wasn’t easy, but those moments would eventually become the foundation of his music.
His parents made sure education stayed a priority, and because of that, he maintained good grades throughout his childhood. Looking back, he credits that structure for helping shape his discipline today. At the same time, Setty was always motivated to earn his own money. He wanted to provide things for himself, so he started working as soon as he had the opportunity.
Even with a busy schedule, music slowly became an outlet unlike anything else. It was one of the few places where he could be completely alone with his thoughts and express himself without limitations.
His first real connection to music came through playing drums at a young age. Encouraged by his parents to try different activities, he quickly found something he genuinely enjoyed behind the drum kit. As he got older, his curiosity expanded beyond instruments. After getting a laptop, he began teaching himself how to mix music from his room, often inviting friends over to hear what he was creating.
Eventually, listening turned into creating.
Setty started writing lyrics and recording songs using wired headphones while sitting under a blanket beneath his desk. It was a simple setup, but it allowed him to bring his ideas to life. During high school, one of his friends had a studio setup, giving him a chance to record in a more professional environment. Those sessions pushed him to take music more seriously. Before long, he built a setup of his own and began releasing music with a greater sense of purpose.
Like many artists, Setty’s influences evolved over time. Early on, he was inspired by Justin Bieber and the natural way his music connected with listeners. As he got older, artists like Drake, Travis Scott, and Gunna became major influences on his development.
Drake inspired him through his structure and longevity as an artist. Travis Scott showed him how music could create entire worlds and experiences for listeners. Gunna’s influence came through his unique pronunciation, flow patterns, and the way he pieces words together to create memorable records.
Today, Setty’s music sits at the intersection of melodic rap and R&B. His sound carries a dark, emotional, late-night atmosphere while balancing confidence and vulnerability. His songs often explore ambition, relationships, overthinking, and real-life experiences, all while maintaining the catchy melodies that make listeners want to come back for another listen.
That approach is on full display in his latest project, Phenom, his first studio album.
The title carries personal meaning. A “phenom” is someone recognized for exceptional talent, especially as an emerging artist, and the word perfectly reflected where Setty sees himself in his journey.
Across seven tracks, Phenom showcases multiple sides of his artistry while telling honest stories drawn directly from his life. Two records that stand out are “Saint” and “My Oh My.” While “Saint” represents a song he felt especially confident about, “My Oh My” came from a much more personal place, inspired by a breakup he experienced during the making of the album.
One lyric that captures the emotion behind the project comes from “My Oh My”:
“Hope it’s not too late for this, I took the time to write, I put my statements in.”
It’s a line that reflects the honesty and reflection found throughout the album, highlighting Setty’s ability to turn personal experiences into relatable music.
As he continues building momentum, Setty’s focus is on bringing Phenom to the stage and connecting with audiences through live performances. He’s also preparing a deluxe edition of the project while continuing to grow both his personal brand and WAV. Entertainment.
For Setty, this is only the beginning. With a growing catalog, a clear vision, and a sound rooted in authenticity, he’s continuing to carve out his own lane—one late-night thought, melody, and story at a time.
And as he moves forward, he gives credit to everyone who inspired the songs and supported the journey, especially those who kept asking the same question throughout the process: “When is the album dropping?”