Today we’d like to introduce you to E. T..
E., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m E.T., also known as ET Got Soul, an artist out of Nashville, on a mission to spread love, and positivity to the world through hip hop.
My story didn’t start in a studio though, it started in basements in Louisville Kentucky, spinning on cardboard. As a kid, I always tried to dance like Michael Jackson, not knowing that one day I’d be blessed to rock stages across the country. My first step into hip hop was being a b-boy. My cousin Manifesto and I were break dancers before anything, hitting talent shows, popping up on TV, turning any gathering into a dance floor. Eventually we asked ourselves: What else can we do besides dance?
That question changed my life. I wrote my first rhyme at 12 years old and even though that song sounded exactly like you’d expect a 12-year-old’s first rap to sound, I instantly knew this is who I am. We became a full entertainment package, dancing, rhyming, performing anywhere someone would hand us a mic. I fell in love with storytelling, with the power of lyrics, and slowly people around the city began to notice. Cyphers, parties, open mics, I sharpened my voice in real time, eventually joining and helping form our collective, Soul Factory.
I’ve been surrounded by greatness my whole life. One of my childhood friends since age five is B. Stille from the legendary, multi-platinum group Nappy Roots. In high school, we’d get off the bus and freestyle on the corner for hours. He went on to sell millions of records and travel the world, and I built my own lane in my own way, both of us living the same dream, just on different roads, all rooted in hip hop.
Then came another blessing, legendary reggae artist and producer Ed Robinson, a Hall of Fame musician who played with The Wailers and worked alongside hip hop pioneer Howie Tee. Through a chain of connections, he heard my music and reached out. Next thing I knew, we were making songs together and you’ll hear his production on my upcoming album.
In 2007, I moved to Nashville determined to grow and elevate. Music City felt like the perfect place to execute everything I’d learned and take it higher. I used the same blueprint from Louisville, build community, create platforms, and help hip hop thrive. I linked up with the city’s best artists, started weekly hip hop events, and played my part in showing Nashville that it isn’t just a country music town, it’s a music town, period.
That work led me to co-host Nashville’s longest-running, award-winning hip hop radio show, The Fringe Radio Show, for over a decade. I’ve also co-hosted the city’s longest-running hip hop showcase at the time, Meant For The Milkcrate, with Al-D, shining a light on independent artists.
Along the way, I had the honor of working on The Sit-In Mixtape. This was a powerful visual project telling the story of Nashville’s historic 1960 lunch-counter sit-ins. I did some writing, producing, editing, and acted in it. It’s now a piece of history living on YouTube. Being part of something that honors the civil-rights legacy in my city will always be one of my proudest moments.
For me, hip hop has always been bigger than bars. It’s community. It’s culture. It’s responsibility. I’ve always believed in giving back, creating opportunities, and keeping the flame lit for the next generation.
These last few years have been a whirlwind of new music, more stages, and the blessing of signing my first label deal after building independently for so long. I’m now signed to MC1 Nashville / DKM, with distribution through Sony Music. My latest single “You’re A Star” is out everywhere, and the video is live on YouTube at youtu.be/qCNcSu2emdE?si=V62kQpwLjaR8CWV9
The album is on the way and it’s the best most meaningful music I’ve ever made.
I also recently launched a new monthly hip hop showcase and cypher called Barz In The Boro, happening the first Saturday of every month in Murfreesboro. We’re building community. We’re building legacy. We’re building love through barz.
You can stay connected with me at ETGotSoul.com and @ETGotSoul everywhere.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth and I don’t think it’s supposed to be. When I started out, getting your music heard wasn’t anywhere near as easy as it is today. There was no upload and share culture back then. We had to literally hit the streets, the downtowns, the malls, other cities, anywhere people were. We sold CDs out the trunk, passed out flyers, performed anywhere with a mic, and built our audience one person at a time. It was hard work, but it taught me everything about hustle, resilience, and connecting with people face to face.
These days, the challenges look a little different. Now, being an artist also means being a content creator, constantly feeding the algorithms just to stay visible. On top of that, streaming pays so little that most artists don’t really make money from their music anymore. That’s why I focus on touring and engaging with people in real life. The connection is real, and that’s something no platform can replace.
Another challenge is that the kind of hip hop I make, whether you call it classic, boom bap, or old school, isn’t as common in the mainstream as it once was. But I see that as motivation. It pushes me to represent this style, to keep that authentic sound and storytelling alive for the next generation.
Even with the challenges, I’ve had a lot of smooth times too. I’ve always tried to be a stand-up guy with a good heart who truly cares about people. I try to surround myself with good people. I think others recognize that energy, and it’s opened doors for me. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step because it’s real, it’s mine, and I’m still walking it with love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a hip hop artist but more than that, I’m an ambassador for hip hop culture. My music has always been about life, perspective, and purpose. I make the kind of hip hop that feels timeless, rooted in love, soul, and truth. I specialize in music with substance, rhythm, and emotion, the kind that makes your head nod and makes you think.
I’m known for being a voice that represents positivity, authenticity, and the heart of real hip hop culture. Whether it’s performing live, hosting events, or working behind the scenes to help other artists shine, I’ve always tried to be a vessel for something bigger than myself.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve stayed true to who I am while still evolving. I’ve been blessed to work with so many amazing and talented people and I’ve been able to leave a mark on hip hop’s history that will continue to live on.
What sets me apart, I think, is that my music and my message stays positive rooted in love. I’m not chasing trends or clout, I’m chasing truth. I care deeply about the art form and the people in it. My goal isn’t just to make dope music it’s to make meaningful music and to help others do the same.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Hip hop is built on connection. I’m always open to working with people who share that same love and respect for the art. Whether it’s collaborating on music, performing together, or building community projects that push the culture forward, I’m always down to connect with genuine, passionate creatives.
If you believe in what you’re doing and want to create something meaningful, reach out. I’m all about energy and intention. It’s not just about making songs it’s about making moments that last.
People can also support by streaming and sharing my music, coming out to live shows, and spreading the word about what I’m doing. Every repost, every conversation, every ticket bought all matters more than most people realize.
I’ve also recently started Barz In The Boro, a monthly hip hop showcase and cypher in Murfreesboro. It’s a great way for people to get involved, whether by performing, sponsoring, volunteering, or simply showing up to support local talent and real hip hop culture.
For collaborations, features, or bookings, the best way to reach me is through my website ETGotSoul.com
or by messaging me directly on Instagram @ETGotSoul
Contact Info:
- Website: https://etgotsoul.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/etgotsoul
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/etgotsoul
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJZutqik4E2j6q1QM8ew8g
- Other: https://etgotsoul.bandcamp.com
