Neko Bennett[3] (born November 5, 2003), known professionally as 4Batz, is an American singer and songwriter.[4] Bennett rose to prominence following his 2023 single "Act II: Date @ 8", one of his various songs that went viral on TikTok which spawned a remix featuring Canadian rapper Drake. Bennett's style has been described as gentle and atmospheric, and is known for its stark-contrast from the song's accompanying music videos, which typically show drill-esque content. The song preceded and served as the lead single for his debut mixtape, U Made Me a St4r (2024).
Career
2023–present: Early success and debut extended play
Bennett started his music career in 2023, releasing his debut single, "Act I: Stickerz '99". The song gained mainstream attention, with him following up with releasing his hit single "Act II: Date @ 8", in December of that year.[5] His video performance for the song went viral on TikTok as internet streamers and viewers reacted in surprise to Bennett's singing, which unexpectedly contrasted the drill-like visuals featured in the video.[6][7] He received further success from the song, debuting at number 7 on the Hot R&B Songs chart.[8] The song became Bennett's first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, its solo version peaking at number 59.[9]
In January 2024, Kanye West called Bennett his favorite new artist and co-signed him.[10][11] Bennett also received support from Canadian rapper Drake.[12] Bennett's third single, "Act III: On God? (She Like)" was released on March 3, 2024.[13] On March 8, 2024, a remix of "Act II: Date @ 8" with Drake was released via OVO Sound, propelling the song to the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.[14][15] On March 9, 2024, Bennett signed a recording deal with OVO Sound for the release of his debut extended play.[16]
On May 3, 2024, Bennett released his debut mixtape U Made Me a St4r, which included a remix of "Act III: On God? (She Like)" with Kanye West.[17]
Discography
Mixtapes
List of mixtapes, with selected details and peak chart positions
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.
Notes
^"Act III: On God? (She Like)" did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100, but did peak at number 20 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, which is an extension of the Hot 100.[30]
^"Act III: On God? (She Like)" did not chart on the New Zealand Top 40 Singles, but did peak at number 18 on the Top 40 Hot Singles.[31]
^"Act V: There Goes Another Vase" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 38 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[32]
^"Roll da Dice" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 15 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[33]