4batz — the newest R&B sensation who is signed to Drake‘s OVO Label and has the viral song “act ii: date @ 8” — recently claimed that R&B legend Marvin Gaye was supposed to be his grandfather; explaining that his grandma was dating him with plans to get married, but he allegedly cheated on her.
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As mentioned, 4batz, real name Neko Bennett, is a 20-year-old American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence after his December 2023 single “act ii: date @ 8.” The song went viral on TikTok, which then spawned a remix featuring Canadian rap superstar Drake, which was released in March 2024. Coupled with the remix and co-sign from Drake, the Toronto rapper also signed 4batz to his OVO Label for one EP. According to Billboard, insiders say that the EP deal is a short-term license.
4batz, who hails from Dallas, Texas, has since become one of 2024’s first breakout acts and it should come as no surprise as he comes from a family of singers. In a recent interview, he told Complex, “My mama could sing, my pops could sing. My grandma could sing.”
During the conversation with the media outlet, 4batz also claimed that his nanny once dated late legend Marvin Gaye with plans to get married, but things didn’t come to fruition because he allegedly cheated on his grandma. The singer said, “You know what’s funny? My nanny actually dated Marvin Gaye. Like 30 years ago. They were supposed to get married, but they said he cheated on her. So, Marvin Gaye was supposed to be my grandpa.”
When asked if that fun fact makes him listen to Marvin Gaye’s music differently, 4batz jokingly said, “Hell yeah. I’m low-key mad at the n***a. Every time he comes on, I be like, ‘Man, f**k that n***a.'” The singer then got serious and said, “But nah, he’s the G.O.A.T., man. I ain’t gonna lie.” 4batz continued to reveal that his family still has photos of his grandma and Marvin Gaye. He explained, “They got pictures together and all types of sh*t.”
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Although 4batz mistakenly mentioned that his grandma dated Marvin Gaye “30 years ago,” despite his passing away on April 1, 1984, Complex reassures that their guest’s story is believable as Marvin Gaye was a huge hit with the ladies during his lifetime.
The site continued to share that in addition to numerous publicized affairs, Gaye was married twice. His first marriage was with late music executive Anna Gordy Gaye, with whom he shares an adopted son, Marvin Gaye III. The late singer’s second marriage was with late vocalist Janis Hunter, with whom he shared two biological children, Frankie Gaye and actress Nona Gaye.
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