4Batz

Neko Bennett, born on November 5, 2003, in Dallas, Texas, began his music career in 2023. Prior to his musical success, Bennett worked 12-hour shifts in a warehouse, simultaneously dedicating himself to creating three songs nightly while completing high school. This period of his life also involved housing instability, with four years spent living in a church and on relatives’ floors, experiences that have deeply influenced the emotional depth of his music. His pseudonym, 4Batz, is a direct reference to his background: ‘4’ signifies his South Dallas roots, and ‘Batz’ is a nickname reflecting his readiness to confront challenges.

Bennett gained significant attention with his debut single “Act I: Stickerz ’99” in June 2023, followed by “Act II: Date @ 8” in December 2023. The latter track quickly became a viral sensation on TikTok due to its unexpected contrast between his soft R&B vocals and the drill-like visuals of his music videos. In January 2024, his music received public endorsements from prominent artists like Kanye West and Drake. This led to competitive interest from major labels. In March 2024, a remix of “Act II: Date @ 8” featuring Drake was released via OVO Sound, propelling the song into the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. That same month, 4Batz signed an EP deal with OVO Sound.

On May 3, 2024, Bennett released his debut mixtape, “U Made Me a St4r,” through the Gamma label, which included a remix of “Act III: On God? (She Like)” featuring Kanye West. The mixtape debuted at number 30 on the Billboard 200 charts. He expanded his discography with collaborations, including “roll da dice” with Lil Baby, “Sick” with Jeremih, “When I Get Home” with Wale, and “WYA” with Sexyy Red. His debut studio album, “Still Shinin’,” was released on September 12, 2025, featuring artists like Leon Thomas, FLO, and Maxo Kream, further solidifying his presence in the R&B landscape.