Music Interview with Sky Whatley
- Bryon Harris
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Introducing Sky Whatley
Over the past decade, Sky Whatley has embodied the raw, heartfelt spirit of Southern Soul while seamlessly blending in his roots from hip-hop and gospel. Formerly known as Nut Skywalker and dubbed a “local rockstar” in Atlanta, Sky built a reputation for “hood rock”—a powerful fusion of hip-hop and rock—before transitioning to his current soulful sound inspired by legends like Johnnie Taylor, Marvin Sease, and Sir Charles Jones.
Sky is not just an artist—he’s a singer, songwriter, and producer who brings authenticity, grit, and joy to every performance. With collaborations including Fabo, Goodie Mob, B.O.B., and Cupid, Sky Whatley is a multi-dimensional talent whose music captures the spirit of the South and the soul of the streets.
Was there something or someone who was the "catalyst" for you to go into music?
I've been singing since I was a teen in church. I come from a family of singers and songwriters. My father toured around the country singing in a quartet group, which inspired me to join my own quartet group as a teen. The '90s hip-hop scene in Atlanta with groups like OutKast and Goodie Mob sparked my interest in doing hip-hop and R&B hooks. That led to me making a name for myself in Atlanta, GA as Nut Skywalker. Yeah man, I was a local rockstar.
Let's get this out of the way. What is the craziest thing that has ever happened in your music career?
I can't say anything really crazy outside of artists stealing my style of dressing. But if I had to name one thing, it would be going into an arena of 20,000+ people and hearing them all sing a song I did with JT Money 20 years ago—word for word—like it just came out last month. That was a crazy, feel-good moment. The song is “Chevy Game,” and now you hear it at car and bike shows and even at trail rides.
What has been the highlight of your music path?
At one point, it was how big “Chevy Game” became in the car show world and touring with JT Money. But since stepping into the Southern Soul and Blues world as the artist—not just the hype man—things have been growing fast. Radio stations are showing love, playing my music, and I’ve been doing shows with crowds of 10k–15k, sharing the stage with names like West Love, 803 Fresh, Marcellus The Singer, King George, and Sir Charles Jones. But the biggest highlight so far? Being brought out by CeeLo Green and Goodie Mob during their set in front of 20,000+ people in Atlanta and introduced as the new face of Southern Soul. ATL media ran that clip all week. That was BIGG.
How do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like?
I usually ride around listening to a track I’m interested in, just feeling it out. If a catchy hook comes to me, I’ll sing it into my phone notes so I don’t forget. In my spare time, I’ll write verses and record a rough draft to see how it feels. I tweak it until it’s exactly how I want it. I’m a perfectionist and all about quality over quantity.
Do you have a new release? Right now, “Auntie Love” is the single that’s pushing. But for the summer, I have a new steppaz single titled "No More Sections" featuring Cupid and Big Gipp of Goodie Mob. We are just working out here.
If you could share the stage or a song session with an artist, who would it be?
Most of the ones I’d love to work with are gone. But today? Maybe Andre 3000. That would be crazy—nobody can get Dre to rap or sing a word on stage, so that would be big.
For fans who have never heard your music, how would you describe your sound?
Just a fresh new feel of new-age blues—like hip-hop meets Southern Soul—with tracks that make you want to dance or kick back and have a drink.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, producing...something else?
Performing. I love giving the crowd a show they’ll talk about later.
When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Chilling with my lil girl and family.
What is coming up in the future for you? Touring, recording, and building my brand. Follow Sky Whatley: Spotify YouTube
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