Neko Bennett[3] (born November 5, 2003), known professionally as 4Batz, is an American singer.[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 chart on the Billboard Hot 100, but did peak at number 23 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, which is an extension of the Hot 100.[33]
^"Roll da Dice" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 15 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[34]