N8 Poore: The Old Soul With a Fast Flow

From North Carolina to Tennessee
Born in North Carolina but raised in Tennessee, 20-year-old Nate “N8” Poore’s music journey didn’t start in a fancy studio or a big city scene—it started in the living rooms, back porches, and small-town venues where his family made music part of daily life. His grandfather and father were his earliest teachers, pulling him into a world where the setlist could jump from Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” to Dwight Yoakam’s twang in the same night. Those moments weren’t just fun—they were training sessions that shaped his ear for melody, rhythm, and storytelling.

“He was a huge inspiration for me when it came to music,” N8 says of his grandfather, recalling countless nights spent on stage together. But it wasn’t until he turned 16 that N8 began creating his own music. In the beginning, it was all trial and error, a creative sandbox where he tested styles, flows, and ideas without much thought of releasing them. His hesitation to share his work came from worrying about how his sound would be perceived, but encouragement from fans of his and his dad’s YouTube channel eventually gave him the confidence to go public with his art.

Built on Family and Wisdom
When N8 talks about his biggest influences, the answer is simple—his dad and grandpa. His father curated a household where one day might be dominated by old-school country, and the next by sharp-edged rap. That variety gave N8 a natural versatility that now bleeds into his music. Outside of music, though, N8 credits his growth to his ability to observe and learn from people around him.

“I’ve always been an old soul,” he says. “I prefer to hang out with the old heads. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge that way.”
That approach to life—patiently listening, collecting wisdom, and applying it—has become just as essential to his artistry as his technical skill. It’s what allows him to create songs that speak not only from personal experience but also from a broader understanding of people and life.

A Sound You Can’t Box In
N8’s style is difficult to pin down because it’s deliberately designed to break the mold. In rap, his influences span from the razor-sharp lyricism of Eminem to the emotional depth of NF, with hints of Hopsin’s precision and MGK’s energy. His delivery often leans toward fast-paced verses packed with intricate wordplay, layered metaphors, and cadences that flip mid-song. But switch the beat, and he’ll slow it down into heartfelt country storytelling that’s just as effective. His song Fishin Hole is a prime example—sincere, laid-back, and rich in narrative.

“I can’t really compare my country style to anyone else because every song is very different,” he explains. This duality—rapid-fire rap one minute, soulful ballad the next—is one of his greatest weapons in standing out.

The Confidence Battle
For N8, one of the biggest challenges wasn’t the music itself—it was finding the courage to put it out into the world. Early in his journey, he was known more for reacting to other artists’ songs than sharing his own, and the shift into being a creator made him second-guess his every move.

“I focused way too much on things that didn’t matter, and it kept me from dropping songs I had recorded,” he admits.
Perfectionism became a hurdle. He would write constantly, producing more songs than he could count, but overthinking stopped him from releasing the majority of them. In over two years of working on his craft, his public discography could almost fit on two hands. Still, the quality and thought behind each track have made every release feel intentional rather than rushed.

💬 Sidebar: N8’s Core Philosophy
"I want people to feel like they can relate. I’m a positive person, but I’m not afraid to talk about my struggles so others know they’re not alone."

The Creative Chaos
Ask N8 about his creative process, and you’ll quickly realize it’s less of a straight line and more of a hurricane. His mind moves at what he calls “a thousand miles a minute,” jumping between concepts, genres, and tones in ways that keep his music unpredictable. His rap tracks can cover political opinions, conspiracy theories, personal trauma, and unapologetic trash talk all in one breath. He’s meticulous about packing in layers of meaning, often using double entendres and complex metaphors that require multiple listens to fully catch.

“Some people will never understand certain lines, and that’s okay—that’s part of the beauty,” N8 says. For him, the goal isn’t just to make music people can vibe to, but also to craft songs that reveal new details with every listen.

First Time on Stage
Every artist remembers their first time performing live, but for N8, the experience came with a twist—it was unplanned. Opening for FJ Outlaw at The Revolver in Cookeville, Tennessee, he found out he’d be performing just 30 minutes before taking the stage. Despite the nerves, the moment turned into one of his proudest achievements.

“I enjoyed it a lot, but most importantly, I enjoyed getting to do it in front of my dad,” he says, noting that the support of his dad has been a constant driving force in his journey.

Standing Out in the Crowd
The rap scene today is more saturated than ever, but N8 has no plans of blending in. His strategy is simple but potent:

"Versatility. Relatability. Intricacy."
With the ability to jump between genres and a knack for crafting deeply personal yet universally relatable lyrics, he’s building a lane that’s entirely his own.

What’s Next
Fresh off a recent marathon studio session where he recorded seven new tracks, N8’s next moves include a few collaborations with friends and a Death List remix set to drop in the coming weeks. While there are no live shows currently booked, he’s keeping his options open.

“It’s been a hectic year, so only time will tell where we go from here,” he says, a mix of determination and patience in his voice.

PULL QUOTES:

• “I’ve always been an old soul. I prefer to hang out with the old heads.”

• “I focus a lot on wordplay and substance.”

• “Some people will never understand certain lines, and that’s okay—that’s part of the beauty.”

Follow Nate Poore
📸 Instagram: @n8poore_officialmusic
🎵 Spotify: @N8 Poore
▶️ YouTube: @N8 Poore Official Music