At just 17, FatCat is building a career that extends beyond music, combining a passion for hip-hop with a growing presence in film and entertainment. With a natural instinct for freestyle, a confident delivery, and a sound built around high-energy production and memorable hooks, the young artist is steadily establishing his identity while reaching audiences across multiple platforms. His track record includes “Options,” “Way Up,” and “I Got Money,” each surpassing one million Spotify streams, while his music video for “Hope” has attracted more than 9.5 million views on YouTube. His work has also received exposure from outlets including BET, MTV, and The Source, adding to the recognition he has earned as an emerging independent artist.
In this interview with Spinex Music, FatCat takes us back to his early introduction to music, recalling how freestyling became part of his everyday life from childhood and helped shape his ambitions as an artist. He discusses the inspiration behind his latest single, “New One,” the importance of creating music that balances infectious energy with personal authenticity, and the lessons he has learned from reaching significant streaming milestones at a young age.
He also reflects on the impact of “Hope,” a tribute to XXXTentacion that addresses the devastating consequences of gun violence, as well as his experiences in film and his understanding of the business behind an independent music career. Looking ahead, FatCat shares his ambitions for growth, his plans to explore different creative opportunities, and his determination to build a lasting identity in entertainment without losing sight of the gratitude and enjoyment that guide his journey.
Before we get into “New One,” take us back to the beginning. How did you first get into music, and what experiences shaped your decision to pursue hip-hop as an artist?
Music has always been something I connected with naturally. Growing up, I would freestyle in the car going on trips, at home in the living room, I remember my iconic lines at 4 yrs old “ FatCat in the hood , choppin wood , eatin good , lol !Rhyming words was a daily ritual for me, my father would put on an instrumental while taking me to school and I would freestyle until the beat went off, anything that came to my mind I rhymed it with something, my thoughts was” no matter what , just stay on beat. I started realizing making music came so natural and effortlessly for me because it’s in my DNA, a God given talent . Hip-hop is a 1 dimensional genre, I consider myself as a Music Artist because I have the ability to make music for all genres. I’m Releasing my first English/Spanish record and music video stamped by the legendary artist PITBULL in November so stay tuned for that , as always, it will be a Hit!
“New One” arrives with a high-energy trap and hip-hop sound built around a memorable hook and strong replay value. What inspired the record, and what did you want listeners to experience the first time they heard it?
“New One” is really about bringing fresh energy and confidence. I wanted to make something that hits as soon as the beat drops, something people can turn up to and immediately catch the vibe. I like making records that stick with you, where you hear the hook once and already want to run it back. My goal was to give listeners that feeling of excitement and make a record they could keep in rotation.
You have already seen “Options,” “Way Up” and “I Got Money” each pass one million Spotify streams. When you look back at those records, what do you think helped them connect with such a large audience?
I think people connect with music when the energy is real. Those records all have their own sound and personality, but they represent my confidence and where I was creatively at the time. Seeing each one pass a million streams showed me that people are listening and connecting with what I’m creating. I appreciate those milestones, but I don’t get comfortable. Every record is another opportunity to grow, reach new listeners, and take things further.
Your music combines youthful energy with authentic storytelling. How do you balance making records that people can immediately enjoy with telling stories that actually reflect who you are?
For me, it’s about staying true to myself. I don’t believe you have to choose between making a song people can turn up to and making music that represents who you are. I can have fun with a record, bring energy, and still keep it authentic. I make music based on my personality, my experiences, and what inspires me. I want people to enjoy the sound, but I also want them to recognize that there’s a real artist behind it.
The “Hope” music video has passed 9.5 million YouTube views, which is a major milestone for an independent artist. What did that experience teach you about connecting with an audience beyond the music itself?
“Hope” showed me how powerful music and visuals can be together. That was my very first video at the age of 9years old, a tribute to my favorite rapper xxxtentacion who was murdered earlier that year. Reaching over 9.5 million views is something I’m proud of, especially for the reach of the video, the world needs to see that gun violence destroys not only the immediate victim life and family but it impacts the Next Generation as well , being that X was a public figure, his passing devastated many around the world. Nevertheless, that music video taught me to think beyond just recording music. The visuals, the story, and how you present yourself all matter. I want every part of what I create to leave an impression.
You have received exposure from platforms including BET, MTV and The Source. How has that level of recognition affected your confidence, and has it changed the way you approach your music or career?
Getting recognized by platforms like BET, MTV, DECO DRIVE, Channel 10 NEWS and The Source is definitely motivating. It shows me that the work we’re putting in is being noticed. But I don’t let recognition change who I am. If anything, it makes me want to work harder because I know there’s another level to reach. I take my career seriously, and I understand that every opportunity is a chance to represent myself, my music, and my team the right way. I’m grateful for the exposure, but I’m focused on what comes next.
You have also explored film alongside music. How has being involved in different forms of entertainment influenced the way you think about storytelling, visuals and building your identity as an artist?
Being involved in film opened my mind to how much you can communicate through storytelling. Music and acting are different, but they both give you a chance to connect with people and bring something to life. Film is a lot of work, remembering scripts from books as thick as the Bible, several castings calls, , now more scripts from different shows and movies, it is a lot, rap is simple, whatever comes to your mind when that beat play, put it on wax, thats it. Working in entertainment outside of music helped me see the bigger picture. I don’t want to limit myself to just one area. I want FatCat to be a name people recognize across music, film, and entertainment, while still making sure everything I do represents who I am.
8. As an independent artist, what have you learned professionally about turning streaming numbers and media attention into a sustainable career rather than simply treating them as individual achievements?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that numbers are important, but what you build from them matters even more. A million streams is a great accomplishment, but you have to think about ownership, consistency, relationships, and long-term opportunities. Being independent has taught me the importance of understanding the business, not just the music. We control our music and our direction, and that’s something I value. I’m not just trying to have a moment. I’m building a career, a brand, and something that can keep growing.
With “New One” aimed at playlists, blogs and a younger, social-driven audience, how important is it for you to understand where music is being discovered today, and how do you make sure that chasing reach does not take away from your authenticity?
I just turned 17, so a younger social- driven audience and Understanding how people discover music is definitely important because everything moves fast now. One song can reach somebody through a playlist, a video, social media, or somebody simply sharing it with a friend. I pay attention to that, but I don’t let trends decide what kind of artist I’m going to be. I want my music to reach as many people as possible without changing my identity just to fit what’s popular. To me, real success is when people connect with you because of who you are, not because you’re trying to be somebody else.
“New One” opens another chapter in your career. When you look beyond this single, what kind of artist do you want people to see FatCat becoming, and what do you still feel you have to prove to yourself?
I want people to see FatCat as more than just a young artist making music. I want to be recognized as a complete entertainer, somebody who can make hit records, perform, act, and build a brand that lasts. I’ve already accomplished things I’m proud of, but I know I haven’t reached my full potential. I’m still growing, learning, and challenging myself creatively. Outside of entertainment I have a Beautiful life and at such a young age had experiences of a lifetime, knowing that I’m pleased with everyday opportunities and self driven goals, I have nothing to prove to myself, just continue to have gratitude and enjoy life!
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