Blake Fades

Blake Fades (born November 17, 1990, Ardmore, Oklahoma) is an American musician, songwriter, and music producer, known for blending country and hip-hop elements in his music. He has gained attention for his Southern-infused style, lyrical authenticity, and viral social media presence. Emerging from the independent scene, Blake Fades has built a loyal following through a combination of grassroots promotion and a unique crossover appeal.
==Early life and background==
Blake Fades, whose real name is Blake Frasier, was born and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where he was exposed to a mix of country and hip-hop music from a young age. Growing up in the rural South, he developed a deep connection to the storytelling traditions found in country music, while also being heavily influenced by the raw energy and lyrical prowess of hip-hop. This blend would later become a defining characteristic of his music.
==Music career==
Blake Fades began his music career by posting freestyle videos and original songs on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. His viral content quickly gained traction, attracting a growing fan base. His distinct Southern drawl, combined with sharp lyricism and his own self-produced beats, made him stand out in the crowded landscape of independent artists.
His breakout moment came when he went viral for his remixes to Pooh Shiesty's "Back in Blood," Lil Baby's "On Me," and Cardi B's "Up" in early 2021. These remixes gained him recognition from these artists and major rap/hip hop blogs on TikTok and Instagram.
In January 2021, Blake Fades' remix to "Back in Blood" gained significant notoriety after being featured on The Shade Room on Instagram. This attention led to rapper Lil Baby wanting to sign Blake and ultimately meeting him at his studio in Atlanta, Georgia, during the NBA All-Star Game in 2021.
In July 2023, Blake Fades signed with Average Joes Entertainment. However, he parted ways with the label later that year due to creative differences. Despite this, his independent success continued to grow.
Blake Fades' first independently released album, *FADES WORLD*, was released on December 13, 2018.
Blake Fades started his own label, CarterClvb, in 2022.
Blake Fades has received recognition from industry giants such as Timbaland, Lil Baby, The Game, Jeezy, and 42 Dugg. He has also worked with artists from Drake's OVO label, including OVO Ricch. In 2022, he began meeting with Mob Ties, the label that discovered Drake early in his career, and subsequently moved to Houston, Texas.
His latest album release, titled HYOUSTON, was exclusively available for purchase on the streaming website Even and chronicled his time spent living in Houston, Texas.
Blake Fades has also received co-signs from major cross-genre artists like Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, and Koe Wetzel, showcasing his broad appeal across country and hip-hop. Additionally, he has been credited with bringing respect to the Oklahoma rap scene, highlighting the state’s growing influence in the hip-hop industry.
Blake Fades has influenced an entire generation of both rappers and country musicians alike, being one of the first modern artists to create a true blend of urban and country music along with his producer, DJ Tfitzz. His influence extends across multiple genres, including artists like Yung Gravy and Morgan Wallen. References to Blake Fades can also be found in the Season 4 episode "Born 2 Die" of the show Atlanta, specifically in Al's Young White Avatar (YWA) Yodel Kid.
==Style and influence==
Blake Fades' music is characterized by its fusion of traditional country themes—such as life in the South, small-town pride, and personal struggles—with the beats, flow, and attitude of modern hip-hop. His work often resonates with listeners who appreciate the authenticity of his storytelling and the relatability of his lyrics.
Musically, Blake Fades cites influences ranging from classic country artists like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams Jr. to rap legends like Tupac Shakur and Lil Wayne. This diverse range of inspirations has helped him craft a sound that appeals to fans across multiple genres.
==Social media and independent success==
Unlike many artists who rely on traditional label deals, Blake Fades has leaned heavily on social media to build his brand. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been instrumental in growing his audience, allowing him to reach fans directly and maintain creative control over his work. His online presence is marked by regular engagement with fans, including freestyle challenges, behind-the-scenes content, and candid discussions about his journey as an independent artist.
Rumors have circulated that rapper Lil Baby is interested in signing Blake Fades, driven by the latter’s rising popularity as a country rapper on TikTok.
==Discography==
* FADES WORLD (2018)
* HYOUSTON (2023)
* Four Thirty (2023)
* Pesos (2023)
* Act Right (2020)
* Fades Flow (2021)
==Personal life==
Blake Fades is known for his down-to-earth personality and connection to his roots. Despite his rising fame, he remains grounded and frequently expresses pride in his Southern upbringing. He often highlights the importance of staying true to oneself in both life and music.
==Legacy and impact==
Blake Fades has been credited with helping to bridge the gap between country and hip-hop, attracting fans from both worlds. As a representative of the growing "country rap" movement, he continues to break boundaries and challenge genre norms, making him a trailblazer in a scene that’s gaining mainstream attention.
Category:1990 births
Category:People from Ardmore, Oklahoma
Category:American musicians
Category:Songwriters
Category:Music producers