Today we’d like to introduce you to STERLIN6
Hi STERLIN6, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in the small city of Athens, TN, I was always drawn to self-expression. As the second youngest of five, I wasn’t necessarily exposed to a lot of formal art, but I had an innate curiosity to explore different forms of creativity. Art became a way for me to process the world around me, understand my emotions, and tell stories that resonate on a deeper level with others.
For most of my life, though, football was my main focus. I played the sport from a young age and eventually became a linebacker at UT-Chattanooga. Like many athletes, I had dreams of making it to the NFL, but when I realized that path wasn’t in the cards, I was forced to look inward and rediscover what truly set my soul on fire. That’s when I recognized that my real gift had been with me all along—music. It had always been calling me, but for years, I ran from it.
Thankfully, I’ve had the support of some incredible individuals in the music industry who have played a major role in expanding my brand and sound. Drumma Boy, Zach Jones, and Marquis Rachad (aka Penny Hardaway) have not only been in my corner but have also helped me navigate the business side of music, elevate my artistry, and bring my vision to life. Their guidance and belief in my craft have been instrumental in shaping the artist I am today.
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?
No, this journey hasn’t been easy—but then again, nothing truly worth having ever comes without struggle.
As an up-and-coming independent artist, there’s so much to balance—perfecting your craft, handling the business side, and constantly finding new ways to get your music heard. The financial strain alone can be overwhelming—studio time, production costs, marketing, visuals—it all adds up fast. And on top of that, building a fanbase from the ground up is a grind. You’re fighting for attention in an oversaturated industry, pushing your music to people who don’t know your name yet, and staying motivated even when it feels like no one’s listening.
But at the end of the day, if you’re truly in this for the art—not just for what the art can bring—you find a way to keep going. Discipline, patience, and relentless consistency are the keys. If you stay locked in, trust the process, and refuse to quit, everything will fall into place in time. It’s not a matter of if—it’s when.
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?
I’m thrilled to announce the release of my latest project, Higher Learning, a testament to my evolution as an artist and a bold statement of what’s to come. This project features standout singles like “KRAZYFOXX,” a high-energy track featuring Michael Da Vinci of The House Collective, and “Other Side,” a soulful collaboration with Chris P, also from The House Collective. After a period of silence, Higher Learning marks my powerful return, setting the stage for a series of new projects and singles slated for release this year.
Adding to the momentum, my single and accompanying video “Born Sinner,” featuring rising Chattanooga artist BHIGG HEFFE, has been gaining significant traction online, resonating with audiences and critics alike.
I resist being confined to a single genre, drawing from a rich musical upbringing that includes singing and proficiency in multiple instruments. Currently, my focus is on creating the best music possible, showcasing my versatile wordplay, and pushing the boundaries of my artistry at every opportunity.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I’d say I was the most introverted extrovert you’d ever meet. I was always involved in sports and different activities that shaped me, both for better and worse, into the person—and artist—you hear today. But being raised in a small Southern town like Athens, TN, as a Black kid in this era came with its own set of challenges.
In a place where everybody knows everybody, you’re constantly balancing between fitting in and standing out. There weren’t always a lot of opportunities for people who looked like me to dream beyond what was right in front of us. You had to carve your own lane, find ways to push past the limitations, and stay true to yourself despite the pressure to conform. Whether it was navigating the unspoken rules of the South, dealing with the weight of expectations, or just finding creative outlets in a place where not everyone saw the vision, all of it played a role in shaping my perspective.
But as cliché as it sounds, I wouldn’t change any of it. Every struggle, every high and low—it all had to happen for me to be here, creating the music I do today. Those moments gave me something real to tap into, a depth that fuels my art. So, shoutout to my folks and God for molding what is—because without that foundation, I wouldn’t be the artist I am now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sterlin6_
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sterlin6_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@STERLIN6
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/krsheyelife
Image Credits
Photos by
Evan Mattingly ( IG: @ev.mattingly )
KP ( IG: @keptfrozen )
Zachary Manning ( IG: @zackthemanning )
