South Atlanta artist 1029 Tre joined Chris Smith on News & Talk WAOK for an interview that revealed far more than music industry talk. Through stories of family, loss, and resilience, the rising artist offered a reminder of why art in all its forms still matters.
1029 Tre, described his music as a blend of authenticity and versatility. “I rap and I sing a little. We go pop music, we go rap, we go R&B, we go wherever you want us to go,” he said, explaining that his creative reach reflects his own personal growth.
For 1029 Tre, that growth was shaped by grief. The loss of his father when he was just four years old, he said, became a quiet but constant source of motivation. “My dad used to draw. So now I want to draw,” 1029 Tre shared. “And I’m not even knowing that my pops used to sing. I didn’t even know this until I started making music.”
As he later learned, art runs deep in his family, his grandmother was once accepted to Juilliard on a full scholarship, though she chose to stay home and care for her family. That legacy, 1029 Tre said, keeps him grounded in purpose.
Now, with his new album Six Star Player set for release Oct. 29, 1029 Tre says he’s ready to show listeners a more complete version of himself. The title, drawn from his background in basketball, represents his drive to push past limits. “I just always felt like I'm the one who's going to go above and beyond because that's who I am,” he said.
His influences, from Michael Jackson and Chris Brown to Paramore, reflect a mix of soul, pop, and energy, but 1029 Tre says it’s not about chasing trends. “They really just touched my soul in a way that rap music didn't early on,” he said. “My heart come first.”
1029 Tre breakout began at Savannah State University, where his song “FYTB” turned him into a campus name. “After I sat back and thought about it, I realized the women are who been having a bet the whole time,” he said. “They the reason why the song got lit.”
Beyond the music, 1029 Tre leads a movement called At Risk Boys, encouraging others to embrace risk and self-belief. “We just pushing at what it mean to be at risk,” he said. “You’re not scared to take the risk.”
As his sound evolves, 1029 Tre purpose remains clear: to honor his roots while creating something meaningful. “This is still the start,” he said. “I want more than the stars. I’m going for whatever is beyond the stars.”
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.