At just 17 years old, St. Louis artist THR3 is already building a musical identity rooted in family, faith, performance and a deep love for R&B. Born December 6, 2008, THR3 grew up in a household with four siblings and two parents who were always present and supportive. From an early age, music wasn’t something he simply listened to. It was part of his everyday life.
His mother played a major role in that foundation. She would sing to THR3 and his siblings every night to put them to sleep, creating some of his earliest memories with music. That musical connection extended throughout his family, with cousins, grandparents and other relatives all being musically inclined in some way.
Growing up in St. Louis, THR3 was also an active and social kid. He enjoyed being outside, spending time with family and friends, and simply being a kid. But no matter what he was doing, he always seemed to find a way to bring music into it. Whether he was singing, humming, creating rhythms or dancing, music was always there.
His upbringing also introduced him to God at an early age. THR3 credits the parenting he received from both of his parents for giving him a strong foundation and teaching him the importance of faith.
By the third grade, that natural connection to music began turning into something more serious. THR3 started creating music and continued developing his creativity as he grew older.
One artist in particular played a major role in shaping the performer he would become: Michael Jackson.
For THR3, Michael Jackson was more than an influence. He was the reason he wanted to perform. Watching Jackson sing, dance and command the stage showed him what was possible and inspired him to step onto a stage himself.
“If it wasn’t for him I don’t think I would’ve ever wanted to perform,” THR3 says.
That influence can still be felt in the way he approaches his own artistry. While his foundation is heavily connected to R&B, THR3 isn’t trying to simply recreate what came before him. He describes his sound as what would happen if 2000s R&B had a baby with 90s R&B, with a little bit of THR3 added to it.
It’s a simple description, but it says a lot about his direction. He’s taking inspiration from the eras that shaped him while creating something that belongs to his generation.
His recording process is just as personal and independent. The original versions of his songs are created through BandLab, with THR3 often recording using a pair of headphones and a sock over his phone as a makeshift pop filter. The music that has officially been released, however, was recorded with Preston at Sawhorse Studios.
That journey from recording with simple equipment to working in a professional studio reflects an artist who is still learning, experimenting and finding his sound.
Outside of music, some of THR3’s favorite places growing up included the City Museum and Mid Rivers Mall. Those local spots were part of his childhood and the St. Louis experiences that helped shape the person behind the music.
Now, THR3 is entering another stage of his journey with his latest release, “WHO TOLD U?” The single gives listeners another introduction to an artist who is still very early in his career but already has a clear vision of where he wants to go.
And he isn’t planning on slowing down.
THR3 has a new single expected to drop sometime next month, along with an EP that he says is coming sooner than people might think. For an artist who is only 17, the goal is not simply to release music. It’s to build something that can last.
Through it all, THR3 continues to give credit to the people who helped him get here. He gives a special shoutout to his mother and father, his brothers Lil A, KBN, Jere’ and B, and most importantly, God. He also appreciates everyone who has supported him since his debut.
