Is 4Batz an Industry Plant? The OVO Signee Finally Addressed the Allegations
4Batz finally addressed the industry plant allegations that have plagued his career since it began. Here's what the singer-songwriter had to say!
By D.M.May 15 2024, Published 10:15 p.m. ET
Texas singer 4Batz is shooting down industry plant allegations as his career continues to rise.
4Batz, whose real name is Neko Bennett, has quickly rushed to stardom after "Act II: Date @" went viral on TikTok. The song originally dropped in December 2023 and has since received more than 100 million streams, according to Rolling Stone. Act II: Date @ 8 debuted at No. 77 on the Hot 100, solidifying 4Batz as one of the rising new stars in hip-hop.
“It’s crazy, because before this, I was sleeping in cars and I didn’t have a place to stay. And now people talk about ‘Rookie of the Month,’” 4Batz told Billboard. “I’m just so grateful, and I’m so excited that this is my life now.”
4Batz has since signed a recording contract, and Drake hopped on the remix of "Act II: Date @ 8". While 4Batz has not confirmed the details of the deal, netizens are already throwing shots at the singer. 4Batz has been accused of being an industry plant because of his meteoric rise to fame.
4Batz sits on a bench wearing a Black ski mask, jacket, and t-shirt.
4Batz laughed off the industry plant allegations.
4Batz sat down with GQ to discuss several topics related to his entry into the hip-hop world. He even addressed allegations that he is an industry plant, admitting he thinks the accusations are flattering.
“I think it’s kind of cool,” he told the publication. Adding, “It’s like I’m the boogeyman. [Then] people are going to meet me and be like, Oh, this is a regular hood n***a.”
The musician went on to discuss his troubled upbringing, which was marked by homelessness and bouts of depression.
“My whole life I’ve been through s**t. I’ve been on suicide watch before,” 4Batz revealed. “I’ve been on all these other programs, taking antidepressants and shit. I’ve been on that s**t.”
4Batz is now gearing up to promote his EP, U Made Me A St4r, which dropped in May 2024.
In addition to his association with Drake and OVO, 4Batz has been spotted with some of music’s biggest names, leaving room for a slate of collaborations. Kanye West is featured on the project, and Chris Brown may also be hopping on a track soon. 4Batz was spotted in the studio with Chris in April, leading many to believe that the artists were working on a song together.
4Batz is playing coy about his recording contracy, but he’s signed to OVO Sound.
4Batz is signed to OVO Sound for one EP, according to Billboard. The short-term license deal may start as a single-project partnership, but it could turn into a larger contract if U Made Me A St4r does well.
While 4Batz has made no secret of his association with Drake, he has not formally announced the deal, and his lawyers are also playing coy. 4Batz’ attorney, Matt Buser, declined to comment on the deal, but his statement was telling.
Drake is seen on March 22, 2024 in Miami
“The positive energy and overall support from Team Drake/OVO was a driving factor in getting this song released,” Buser said. “We are grateful for their involvement and are excited to see what the future holds as a result of this epic creative and business move.”
