Exclusive Interview: New Vision, New Name, & An Amazing Purpose – Meet Your New Favorite Artist, ETANO

Some artists find music—others are chosen by it. For ETANO, the journey started young, writing verses in middle school, freestyling with friends, and eventually realizing his words carried weight far beyond the page. Today, the Christian artist is carving out a lane that blends raw life experience, bold lyricism, and an unapologetic faith-driven mission. With his latest single, “God Got Me” dropping on October 10th, ETANO is proving that his music is more than sound—it’s testimony.

When did you realize music was more than a hobby?
I’ve been writing since I was 13, in music class at Charity Middle School. Back then, I could only write a verse, not even a full page. I kept it secret for a while until a diss track called “Rise Up” changed everything. It got thousands of plays, and I knew I had to lock in. My first performance in Raleigh? I won. That’s when I knew I had to mold my sound and deliver my message for real.

What inspires your process when creating?
I pray first. Then I let life, God, or inspiration take shape. Sometimes the lyrics come before the beat, other times it’s the opposite. I’ll be at church, in the car, or going through something in life—good or bad—and boom, I have to write.

Who influenced you most as an artist?
It’s a long list. 2Pac, Eminem, DMX, Big L, Biggie, Jay-Z, Kanye, Ludacris, and even rock groups like Nirvana and Slipknot shaped me early on. Funny enough, I didn’t really like Christian music back then—thought it was boring. But my ear’s transformed. Now I’m inspired by artists like Caleb Gordon, Hulvey, and Josh P.

What song best represents you right now?
Before this chapter, it was “Slum Punk.” That was my gritty, rebellious anthem. But today, it’s “God Got Me.” It’s unapologetic, bold, and faith-filled, but still gritty. It’s me telling the world I’m saved, I’m renewed, but I’m still a warrior—just fighting with the Gospel now.

What’s been your biggest challenge?
Honestly, getting acknowledgment. Growing up, I wanted it from home and didn’t get it, so I looked for it in the world. That led to challenges I never imagined—loss, jail, military discharge, and battles with myself. But through it all, God got me. That’s why this song means so much.

What’s your take on the current state of Hip-Hop?
Rap is skill. Hip-Hop is spirit. I believe it’s been used against us, but I also believe in using it to speak life and truth. That’s my mission now—to carry the Cross through Culture.

What do you want people to know about your artistry?
That I paint pictures. Everything I say is truth, but I won’t incriminate myself or glorify destruction. Now, it’s scripture and light. It might make some uncomfortable, but that just means they need it most.

How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who loved God with everything. Someone who told the truth despite slander, lies, or misunderstandings. I want my kids and fans to see that following the world’s ways only leads to confusion—but giving glory to Yeshua is what lasts forever.

What’s next for you?
October 10th, “God Got Me” officially drops. I’ll also be performing soon in Durham, hosting my podcast The BT5 Series, and lining up shows and collabs for 2025. I’m graduating from NC A&T, and I plan to keep building—music, culture, and faith. Watch me, because I’m just getting started.