For the longest time, music has been a sanctuary for artists to express their emotions and tell their stories. It has been an avenue for self-expression and even solidarity with other people. In the case of emerging artist Nate Kest, music has become a testimony to his life.
With his family being a household name in the yoga world, the 20-year-old hip hop rap artist was raised with a positive and spiritual upbringing. Nate has been making music since 2016 when he was in high school. He initially did it for fun, but soon found a passion for it. He has not stopped making music since.
Recalling how it all began, the artist shares that a friend of his in sophomore high school had made a song. Back then, Nate did not think it was possible to do so unless one was already famous, so he asked his friend to show him how he did it. He was taken to a studio for the very first time and remembered how he fell in love with the sensation of being there. A passion for music was born that day, and ever since then, Nate has been making his own. He shares, “My own potential has always been my biggest motivator, I wanna see how far it goes.”
The Detroit native explores various topics in his songs, which include love, sex, luxury, and even drugs. Among his artist inspirations are Akon, 50 Cent, Drake, and Lil Wayne. Describing his music, Nate mentions that it has an “an unspoken sex appeal that draws you in.” His music is honest, and according to him, “You feel something when you listen to it.”
The up-and-coming artist believes that everyone is going through similar things if given a closer look, and the honesty and vulnerability in his music is something that he feels can be relatable to those who listen to it. Nate takes pride in the uniqueness of his sound, personality, and look when compared to others in the hip hop industry. He believes he does not fit the classic and traditional look, which makes him stand out. “I’m a pretty boy with a play boy personality that treats every song as a testimony to what’s going on in my life from a perspective of clarity that’s rare,” he adds.
Growing up in a warm and positive environment, Nate lives his life in the light but also likes to play in the darkness. His music shows both his playful and dark sides. Moreover, he shares that he meditates daily for peace of mind, which allows him to be vulnerable and clear when writing his songs. The artist strives to be the best version of himself and hopes to spread good energy and love to those around him. Nate shares, “I’m all about uplifting those around me—we can’t fall victim to our darkness.”
Aside from his music, he wishes to inspire others to “stop looking at the clock, and watch the journey.” This is a mantra that his manager Josh Bru keeps reminding him of, and it’s a piece of wisdom he hopes to pass on to others. Nate recalls how he began his musical journey as a kid with zero experience and zero know-how. This never discouraged him from pursuing his passion, however, and thus he wishes to set an example for others with their own dreams. Years from now, he looks forward to his name being up there with the greats—inspiring more and more people. The artist wishes to grow his following with people who are inspired to take action on their own aspirations.
To know more about Nate, keep up with him via Instagram. One may also stream his songs through the platforms on his Linktree.
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
