Artist Profile: Tim Gent

Known for his sharp lyricism and soulful delivery, Nashville’s own Tim Gent has long been a voice shaping the city’s hip-hop scene. Fresh off the national release of MLB with producer A.B. Eastwood, and a summer tour with Akeem Ali, Gent brings his evolving sound and hometown pride to Backyard Sessions.

Reserve your spot to feel it all for yourself on Aug 21 as Tim Gent joins forces with Samara Cyn and Isaia Huron for a night of genre-blending vibes and intimate connection.

Read on as Gent shares what this moment means to him, what inspires his craft, and how he’s preparing for the rooftop stage.

With your major national release of MLB earlier this year, how does performing in Nashville—your home base—feel different now, especially at an intimate venue like the Bobby Nashville and Backyard Sessions?

It’s a blessing. The people here in Nashville have really supported me & the record leading up to its release. I’ve never performed at the Bobby either, so I’m excited to perform the record there for sure.

You and A.B. Eastwood clearly have a strong creative synergy. Will we hear any of those newer MLB-era tracks live at Bobby?

1000%. Change is Good.

Backyard Sessions aims to blur the line between artist and audience. How do you approach performing in a more laid-back, open-air setting compared to a traditional stage? What kind of energy are you hoping to bring to this show—and what do you want the crowd to walk away feeling?

I’m excited for this because I get a chance to tell my story in a more closed-in & intimate setting. I’d love for people to walk away anticipating my upcoming project, “Change is Good.”

You're performing alongside Samara Cyn and Isaia Huron—two distinct voices in the R&B/soul scene. How do you see your sound complementing theirs for this show?

“Change is Good” is an “R&B album from a rapper’s perspective.” There are a lot of R&B elements in the music. I believe it will blend extremely well.

In your recent work, there's this mix of personal storytelling and polished, elevated production. Do you tailor your set differently when performing for a Nashville audience who’s seen you grow?

I just got off of tour in June with Akeem Ali. I was able to take that opportunity to test my new music in different markets & cities. I believe it the music will resonate just the same in Nashville.

From the early days to now, how has your relationship with the Nashville music community evolved—especially in the hip-hop scene?

I’ve been embraced here. I found lifelong friends & musical family in Nashville. I’m not the artist I’ve become without the people in this city.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself as an artist over the last year that might surprise your longtime listeners?

Goals I had in the beginning of my career have shifted and I think will continue to as I grow as a human being. I wanted to be the best rapper alive at first, but now I just want to love what I create and pray it resonates.

Your lyrical approach often balances vulnerability with confidence. Is there a track in your current setlist that feels especially personal right now?

Yes. Ghost in my Pillow & Gravity are unreleased records I plan to perform. I’m laying it all out there on those songs.

You’ve said before that your music is always evolving. What’s something you’re currently exploring sonically or thematically?

I made an R&B/Rap album dedicated to my wife. Change is Good.

Backyard Sessions feels like a space to celebrate artistry. Outside of music, are there any creative outlets or passions that have been inspiring you lately?

This summer has been HOT AF (as freak). I’ve been swimming a lot. It’s been really freeing for me.

Last one: what’s a lyric of yours—old or new—that hits different for you right now, and why?

I’ve got joy. I’ve got change in my pocket—peace of mind they want to destroy. People in my ear—ain’t saying nothing just making noise. Undercover, your favorite rapper’s a decoy. Talking on W E B, they police—Da Boys (Dubois). IYKYK