Some artists chase streams — Etano is chasing purpose. The North Carolina-based rapper and storyteller has never been afraid to move against the grain, and with his brand-new single “God Got Me” now available exclusively for purchase on Bandcamp, he’s taking a bold stand that could reshape how independent artists think about ownership, impact, and faith.
This isn’t just another drop — it’s a declaration. “God Got Me” represents a turning point not only in Etano’s sound but in his stance on the culture that built him. “Rap is the skill — Hip-Hop is the spirit,” he says. “But I believe it’s being used against our people. That’s why I have to speak life now. That’s my mission. I’ll die on that hill if I have to; He died for me first.”
For Etano, this conviction was forged over years of struggle, growth, and divine direction. He began writing at just 13 years old while attending Charity Middle School. Sitting in a classroom with half a verse written, he didn’t yet realize that those early rhymes were the first spark of a purpose that would one day reach people far beyond North Carolina.
His first taste of attention came when he dropped “Rise Up,” a diss track that unexpectedly caught fire and earned thousands of plays. “That’s when I knew I had something real,” he says. “But it wasn’t about fame — it was about impact.”
That impact deepened when he hit the stage in Raleigh for his first live performance — and won. “That’s when I told myself to lock in,” he recalls. “My message would evolve, but now I could mold myself to deliver it from here on out.”
Over time, that message transformed from rebellion to revelation. Etano’s writing process today is rooted in prayer and spiritual obedience. “Now, I let God lead,” he explains. “Sometimes it’s the beat first, sometimes it’s a verse — but it’s always led by the Spirit.”
His inspiration strikes anywhere: in the car, at church, or in the middle of real-life storms. “When something hits me, I have to write. That’s how I know it’s time to share,” he says.
Etano’s influences reflect both his raw edge and his spiritual evolution — from 2Pac, DMX, Jay-Z, and Eminem to Caleb Gordon, Hulvey, and Josh P. “I used to think Christian music was boring,” he laughs. “Now I realize it’s where the power is.”
Before this new chapter, Etano made noise with his “Slum Punk” era — a gritty movement he calls his “2Pac-before-Makaveli” moment. “That was me before the renewal,” he says. “Now I’m still that same warrior, but the Gospel is my weapon.”
And that weapon is on full display in “God Got Me.” The record carries the weight of a testimony — a declaration of survival, faith, and divine protection. “Life has been an obstacle course,” he admits. “But if it wasn’t for my love for God and His promise over me, I wouldn’t have made it. Through every battle, God got me.”
What makes this release truly revolutionary is how he’s dropping it: for purchase only — no streaming platforms. By releasing “God Got Me” directly through Bandcamp, Etano is challenging the industry’s dependency on algorithms and low payouts, choosing instead to empower fans to directly support the message.
“I don’t want clicks — I want commitment,” Etano says. “If you believe in what I’m doing, support it. Ownership matters. Faith matters. The industry needs a reset — and I’m starting it right here.”
“God Got Me” isn’t just a song — it’s a movement of faith, freedom, and independence. Etano’s courage to stand apart reflects a growing wave of artists who value purpose over playlist placement.
“God Got Me” by Etano is OUT NOW — available exclusively on Bandcamp for purchase.
Support the movement. Buy the record. Join the reset.