tana

Tana
Background information
Birth name	Steven Lewis
Also known as	BabySantana BANA
Born	Babysantana (2006-11-14) November 14, 2006 Columbus, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop SoundCloud rap rage
Occupation(s)	Singer rapper songwriter record producer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2020–present
Labels	Galactic Republic
Website	Template:URL

Babysantana

Steven Dale Lewis Jr. (born: November 14, 2006), known professionally as Tana (stylized in all lowercase; formerly known as BabySantana) or BANA), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Columbus, Georgia.

He first gained widespread recognition in 2020 through his viral single "Prada," which he recorded in his bedroom and shared on platforms like SoundCloud and TikTok. His breakthrough continued in 2021 with the hit "Antisocial," leading to a signing with Galactic Records, a subsidiary of Republic Records. As of May 2025, tana had amassed over 2 billion streams across his discography, establishing himself as a key figure in contemporary hip-hop with his melodic flows and production influences from the Chicago drill scene. Raised in Columbus, Georgia, after his parents' divorce, tana was brought up primarily by his mother, Shettina Lewis, and his stepfather. To support his early interest in music, he worked alongside his brother at a local bread factory to afford equipment, beginning to record tracks as young as age 11 using free software. Inspired by artists like Chief Keef and Fredo Santana—who influenced his original stage name—tana uploaded his first content to YouTube in May 2018, though his career accelerated in 2020 with independent releases on SoundCloud. tana's career trajectory includes several pivotal releases that solidified his presence in the rap scene. Following "Prada" and its remix featuring Lil Tecca, he dropped EPs such as Recreation (2020), Nyctophilia (2020), and Dale (2023), alongside the viral "Antisocial" sequel with artists like Slump6s.[2][1] His debut album, GAULTIER, arrived in January 2023, followed by the mixtape London later that year and the album BANA in 2024, which coincided with a tour alongside Lil Tecca. In 2025, he continued building momentum with singles "New Cash" in May and "Magic City" in October, both released via Galactic Records/Republic Records, teasing further projects amid his evolving sound of trap-infused melodies and energetic production.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Steven Dale Lewis II was born on November 14, 2006, in Columbus, Georgia. His parents, Shettina Lewis and Steven Lewis, divorced shortly after his birth, leaving him to be raised primarily by his mother and stepfather in a blended family environment. Shettina worked at AflacInsurance, while his biological father was employed as a truck driver, reflecting a working-class household that emphasized resilience amid financial constraints. He grew up alongside an older brother, with whom he later shared experiences like working at a local bread factory during his early teens, and several half-siblings from his mother's remarriage, fostering a close-knit but extended family dynamic. Up to the age of 13, Lewis's formative years in Columbus were shaped by this stable yet modest upbringing, where family support provided a foundation for personal growth despite the challenges of parental separation and economic pressures common in the region.[3] His mother's encouragement and the sibling bonds contributed to his early sense of independence, setting the stage for later pursuits.

Initial musical interests

Growing up in Columbus, Georgia, Tana (born Steven Dale Lewis II) first encountered hip-hop around the age of 12 through online platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud, where he immersed himself in the burgeoning digital music scene. This exposure introduced him to the raw energy of trap and drill music, sparking his interest in creating his own tracks as a way to express youthful experiences. Inspired by the Chicago trap artists who dominated these platforms, particularly the late Fredo Santana, Tana adopted the stage name BabySantana in 2018, blending "Baby" from rapper BabyTronwith "Santana" as a direct homage to Fredo's influential style and persona.[6] This alias reflected his aspiration to channel the gritty, melodic flows of mid-2010s SoundCloud rap pioneers like [Chief Keef](/page/Chief Keef), whose DIY ethos encouraged young creators to experiment without formal training. Tana's initial forays into music production occurred in a makeshift home setup, recording in a small closet using basic equipment like headphones and his family's computer, paired with free software such as Audacity for self-engineering, mixing, and mastering his early demos. The mid-2010s SoundCloud rap scene profoundly shaped his songwriting and production attempts, emphasizing short, viral-friendly tracks with auto-tuned vocals and trap beats that he emulated through trial-and-error experimentation.[7] This period of informal practice, supported by his mother's encouragement and occasional work at a local factory to afford basic gear, laid the groundwork for his distinctive, high-energy style before any public releases.

Career

2020: Beginnings and SoundCloud era

In early 2020, Tana, then performing as BabySantana, began sharing his music independently on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, marking his entry into the hip-hop scene as a teenager from Columbus, Georgia. These initial uploads featured raw, DIY tracks influenced by the SoundCloud rap wave, laying the groundwork for his experimental style. By August 14, 2020, he released his debut mixtape Planet Sosa, an 11-track project spanning 22 minutes that paid homage to Chicago trap pioneer Chief Keef through its title and aggressive, high-energy beats. The mixtape showcased Tana's emerging production skills and lyrical focus on street life and ambition, distributed via self-release on streaming services like Apple Music. Around the same time, Tana formed the short-lived collective 1500 with fellow rapper and producer Slump6s, a group of local Georgia artists that emphasized collaborative songwriting and beat-making sessions. This partnership helped cultivate an underground fanbase in the Southeast hip-hop circuit, with shared tracks and freestyles circulating on social media to build grassroots momentum. The collective's emphasis on mutual support allowed Tana to refine his sound through joint projects, fostering connections that extended beyond music into a tight-knit creative network. Tana followed Planet Sosa with two EPs that year: Recreation and Nyctophilia, both later removed from major streaming platforms but initially available on SoundCloud. Recreation, a seven-track effort clocking in at about 14 minutes, explored themes of youthful rebellion through introspective freestyles and high-tempo collaborations, such as "Raptors!" with 4500Tay, capturing the restless energy of teenage defiance against societal norms. Nyctophilia, released on May 28, 2020, delved into nocturnal introspection and emotional vulnerability with tracks like "I Know!" featuring YoDante and "Sleep!", blending melodic hooks with trap elements to evoke late-night escapism and personal struggles—hallmarks of his early thematic depth. These projects garnered modest initial streams in the tens of thousands on SoundCloud, reflecting niche appeal among online rap enthusiasts before broader viral exposure. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant hurdles for Tana's nascent career, as lockdowns curtailed live performances, in-person networking, and industry events essential for emerging rappers to gain visibility. With venues closed and traditional promotion avenues disrupted, Tana relied heavily on digital platforms to connect with fans, navigating reduced collaboration opportunities and economic uncertainty in the music ecosystem. This period forced adaptive creativity, amplifying the role of online sharing in sustaining momentum amid widespread industry slowdowns.

2020–2021: Breakthrough and label signing

In 2020, Tana, building on his burgeoning SoundCloud presence, experienced a significant breakthrough with the release of his single "Prada," which rapidly gained traction through viral dissemination on social media platforms like TikTok, amassing over 58 million streams on Spotify by early 2022. The track's airy production and catchy hooks resonated with underground rap audiences, propelling Tana from niche online circles to wider recognition. The momentum continued into 2021 with the release of the "Prada" remix featuring Lil Tecca on July 16, which amplified its reach and contributed to the original's enduring popularity, eventually surpassing 18 million streams on Spotify for the remix alone.[11] This collaboration not only boosted streaming figures but also enhanced Tana's visibility on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where user-generated content further embedded the song in youth culture. Later that year, on July 20, Tana teamed up with KA$HDAMI for the single "14," a collaboration that solidified his connections within the emerging rap scene and generated substantial buzz, highlighted by its premiere on the Lyrical Lemonade YouTube channel.[12]Further cementing his rising profile, Tana released the collaborative EP DakotaRomani with Slump6son May 29, 2021, a five-track project that showcased their synergistic chemistry through high-energy tracks like "DAKOTAROMANI" and "##GO ##FREESTYLE."[13] The EP, produced by artists including maajins and Mike Frost, resonated in underground circles, accumulating millions of combined streams and fostering Tana's reputation for dynamic partnerships; it also featured indirect ties to peers like Yvngxchris through contemporaneous singles such as "No Hook," released that same year.[14] While not achieving mainstream chart peaks, DakotaRomani's performance underscored Tana's growing influence in the SoundCloud rap ecosystem, with tracks like "BENNYS" contributing to over 10 million aggregate streams across platforms by mid-2022. These successes culminated in Tana's signing to Galactic Records, a subsidiary of Republic Records, in late 2021, marking his formal entry into the major label arena and providing a platform for broader industry integration. The deal, announced amid his viral ascent, positioned Tana to expand beyond independent releases while retaining creative autonomy.[1]

2022–2023: Debut album Gaultier

In 2022, Tana announced his debut studio album Gaultier, initially slated for a late-year release but ultimately launched on January 27, 2023, through Galactic Records and Republic Records. The project, named after French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, spans 11 tracks over 23 minutes and marks a maturation in Tana's sound, blending trap influences with introspective lyricism. A bonus version followed on February 24, 2023, adding an extra track to expand its reach.[16][17]Key tracks on Gaultier highlight Tana's collaborative approach and production versatility, including "swaggin like this" featuring British rapper Lancey Foux, which captures high-energy flows over booming beats. Production credits feature contributions from producers such as Bando, Cade, Car!ton, and nosaint, emphasizing layered synths and aggressive 808s that define the album's trap-rage hybrid. During this period, Tana's 2021 single "Antisocial" (featuring Slump6s) earned RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units sold, underscoring his growing commercial momentum.[16][18]Critics and outlets praised Gaultier for its cohesive execution and Tana's command of rage rap elements, with Our Generation Music hailing it as "tana's best body of work to date" for its display of musical maturity at age 16. User reviews on platforms like Album of the Year echoed this, noting strong production quality and catchy hooks that position Tana as a promising voice in underground rap. As a companion release, Tana dropped the EP Dale on November 17, 2023, via the same labels, featuring six tracks that extend the album's energetic vibe with airy synths and chantable choruses.

2024–2025: Bana and ongoing developments

In April 2024, Tana released his second studio album, Bana, on April 26 via Galactic Records, marking a significant evolution in his artistry following the success of his 2023 debut Gaultier. The 14-track project, which runs for 36 minutes, emphasizes a newfound sense of maturity through introspective lyrics addressing real-life circumstances, personal growth, and the demands of fame, making it his most personal work to date. Key tracks such as "Decatur," "Cut Ties," and "stfu" highlight Tana's melodic trap style, with the latter exploring themes of life on the road and prioritizing financial discussions over personal connections, accompanied by harp samples and hi-hats. The album features no guest collaborations, allowing Tana to showcase his auto-tuned vocals and production choices rooted in Atlanta trap influences blended with experimental elements. Bana received generally positive reception for its cohesive sound and emotional depth, though some critics noted inconsistencies in execution.[24][25][26]The 2023 mixtape London, released exclusively on SoundCloud as a promotional teaser for Tana's EP Dale, experienced spillover promotion into 2024, aligning with the rollout of Bana and introducing subtle international influences drawn from UK trap and global soundscapes. This nine-track effort, dropped on September 10, 2023, helped build anticipation for Tana's maturing catalog by experimenting with atmospheric beats and lyrical introspection.[27]In 2025, Tana continued his momentum with the single "New Cash," released on May 9 via Galactic Records/Republic Records, positioned as a teaser for his anticipated third studio album. Produced with warbly keys layered over skittering hi-hats and heavy 808s, the track delivers hypnotic, flex-heavy bars that have garnered strong streaming reception, contributing to Tana's career total exceeding 2 billion streams. The accompanying self-directed video further amplified its impact, showcasing Tana's growing involvement in visual storytelling.[28][29][4]In October 2025, Tana released the single "Magic City" on October 24 via Galactic Records/Republic Records.[5]A notable highlight of Tana's expanded touring in 2025 was his surprise onstage appearance alongside Playboi Carti during the August 21 concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, part of The Weeknd's After Hours Til Dawn Tour, where Carti served as a special guest.

Artistry

Musical style

Tana's musical style is rooted in rage rap, a high-energy subgenre of hip-hop characterized by aggressive delivery, distorted production, and mosh-pit-ready beats that emerged from the SoundCloud rap era of the mid-2010s. His early work heavily features thumping, military-style drums paired with warbling basslines from prominent 808s, creating a pulsating foundation that drives tracks forward.[31] Vocals are often layered with punched-in Auto-Tune effects, resulting in a warbling, distorted quality that enhances the chaotic, adrenaline-fueled flows typical of rage rap.[31]This approach is evident in singles like "Antisocial," where experimental production blends drill-inspired rhyme patterns with recognizable ad-libs, showcasing Tana's ability to fuse ambient plugg elements with raw intensity.[31][3]Over time, Tana's sound has evolved from trap-heavy, aggressive rage foundations toward more melodic and polished productions, incorporating shape-shifting elements that add versatility to his catalog.[32] In projects like Gaultier and Bana, he introduces smoother flows and experimental touches, such as acoustic guitar layers for warmth or repeating bell motifs for hypnotic texture, marking a shift from unrelenting energy to refined introspection. This progression maintains his core SoundCloud influences while exploring mainstream trap melodies, demonstrating a maturing ear for diverse sonic palettes, as seen in his 2025 single "Magic City" with its effortless, emotional delivery.[32][5]

Influences and collaborations

Tana's primary musical influences stem from the Chicago trap pioneers, including Chief Keef and the late Fredo Santana, whose work shaped his early approach to rap and even inspired his stage name. He has also drawn inspiration from mid-2010s SoundCloud rappers such as XXXTENTACION, whose experimental styles contributed to his development during his formative years.[6]In terms of collaborations, Tana co-founded the 1500 collective alongside Slump6s, a group that initially focused on a tight-knit circle of artists and producers, expanding his connections within the underground rap scene by recruiting additional talents like yvngxchris and SSGKobe. This partnership directly resulted in the 2021 single "Antisocial" featuring Slump6s, produced by Maajins and CGM, which earned RIAA Gold certification for surpassing 500,000 units sold in the United States. Tana further strengthened his network through his collaboration with Kashdami on the 2021 track "14," a high-energy single produced by Level and promoted via Lyrical Lemonade, highlighting their shared affinity for pluggnb and rage elements while introducing Tana to broader production circles. Additionally, Tana partnered with Lil Tecca for the "Prada" remix in 2021, a blissful, loop-driven update to his original track that amplified his visibility and led to joint sold-out tours, fostering ongoing ties in the New York-Atlanta rap ecosystem.

Studio albums

Tana's debut studio album, Gaultier, was released on January 27, 2023, via Galactic Records and Republic Records.[16] The project features 11 tracks, including standout singles like "swaggin like this" with Lancey Foux, and received positive recognition for its production quality and the artist's emerging trap sound. By 2025, Tana's overall catalog had amassed over 2 billion streams across platforms, contributing to the commercial momentum established by Gaultier. His sophomore studio album, Bana, followed on April 26, 2024, also through Galactic Records and Republic Records. Comprising 14 tracks with no guest features, the album explores themes of personal growth and lifestyle through refined pluggnb and trap production.[25] It garnered mixed but generally favorable user reception, with praise for its variety and cohesion in underground rap circles.In May 2025, Tana teased material for his anticipated third studio album via the single "New Cash," signaling ongoing developments in his discography.

• Gaultier (2023)
• Bana (2024)

Mixtapes

Tana's mixtapes represent an early, experimental phase in his career, serving as informal platforms for honing his sound and building a grassroots following through SoundCloud and independent releases. These projects, often shorter and more raw than his later studio albums, allowed him to explore trap influences and personal themes while fostering collaborations within the underground rap scene. Unlike polished commercial efforts, the mixtapes emphasized rapid output and fan engagement, marking Tana's evolution from a teenage artist to a rising figure in rage and plugg subgenres.[1]Planet Sosa (2020), released on August 13, 2020, was Tana's second mixtape and fourth overall project that year, featuring 11 tracks with a total runtime of 22 minutes. The project draws heavily on Chief Keef's influence, with its title nodding to Keef's "Sosa" moniker and Glory Boyz Entertainment era, incorporating themes of street life, bravado, and youthful rebellion through short, energetic tracks like "Sosa Junior" and "Juvenile" (featuring $anta). Produced by XanGang and others, it quickly gained traction in online rap communities, achieving notable initial streams on platforms like SoundCloud before being removed, though reuploads preserved its accessibility.[33][8][34]DakotaRomani (2021), a collaborative mixtape with Slump6s released on May 29, 2021, consisted of three tracks that amplified Tana's pre-label momentum through shared verses and production from Maajins and Mike Frost. The project highlighted synergies in their delivery styles, with tracks like "DAKOTAROMANI" and "BENNYS" showcasing raw energy and trap beats, contributing to heightened buzz in the SoundCloud rap ecosystem and paving the way for Tana's major label opportunities. While specific guest features like Yvngxchris were not central, the tape underscored Tana's growing network in the underground scene.[13][35]London (2023), surprise-released on September 10, 2023, as Tana's second project that year, featured nine tracks including "intro," "bool," and "cheque," blending his signature rage elements with international sampling nods to UK drill and grime aesthetics for a more atmospheric vibe. This mixtape connected to the Gaultier era by extending its experimental edge post-debut album, teasing further developments while incorporating global sonic references to broaden Tana's palette.[27]These mixtapes laid the groundwork for Tana's transition to more structured studio albums, evolving his informal style into broader commercial appeal.

• Planet Sosa (2020)
• DakotaRomani (with Slump6s) (2021)
• London (2023)

EPs

Tana's extended plays highlight his evolution from underground experimentation to more polished, label-backed releases, often serving as concise vehicles for thematic exploration and sonic innovation within the trap and rage subgenres. These projects, typically shorter than his albums or mixtapes, allowed him to test new production styles and lyrical motifs while building momentum on streaming platforms. His debut extended play, Recreation! (stylized with an exclamation mark), was released independently under his former moniker BabySantana on January 18, 2020, though commonly associated with his 2020 SoundCloud era. Comprising seven tracks over approximately 14 minutes, including the intro "Tax!" and "Isolate!," the EP emphasized raw, experimental trap beats and introspective lyrics centered on youthful ambition and isolation, marking an early foray into his signature high-energy flows. Initially uploaded to SoundCloud for grassroots exposure, it garnered modest streaming traction among emerging rap enthusiasts before being delisted from major platforms amid his rebranding.[1] Following shortly after, Nyctophilia arrived on May 28, 2020, also as BabySantana, with a runtime of around 10 minutes across five tracks such as "Sleep!" and "I Know!."[9] Drawing its title from the affinity for darkness, the EP delved into nocturnal and atmospheric themes, featuring moody synths, slowed tempos, and verses evoking late-night introspection and hedonism, which aligned with the ambient rage influences prevalent in underground rap at the time.[9] Its reception was positive within niche SoundCloud communities for its cohesive vibe, though limited distribution capped its broader reach until retrospective fan discussions highlighted it as a precursor to his matured sound. In a shift toward major-label production, Dale was released on November 17, 2023, via Galactic Records and Republic Records, positioning itself as a thematic companion to his debut album Gaultier. The six-track EP, clocking in at 14 minutes, includes standout cuts like "HI-ROLLER FOREIGNER," "5OUTH5IDE," and "MODELS," blending airy synths with booming 808s to explore themes of luxury, Southern swagger, and carefree partying. Critically, it received acclaim for its chantable hooks and intimate energy, with outlets praising its role in sustaining Tana's momentum post-Gaultier, though it did not achieve notable chart positions. The project underscored his growth in crafting succinct, high-impact releases that amplify his viral appeal.

• Recreation (2020)
• Nyctophilia (2020)
• Dale (2023)

Singles

• "Red Eye!" (2020)
• "Felony" (2020)
• "Prada" (2020)
• "2020" (2020)
• "Blitz" (2020)
• "14" with Kashdami (2021)
• "No Hook" featuring Yvngxchris (2021)
• "Antisocial" with Slump6s and Maajins (2021)
• "Antisocial 2" featuring Slump6s, Yung Fazo, SSGKobe and Xhulooo (2021)
• "Patricia" (2021)
• "Off the Leash!" featuring Yvngxchris and Luisss (2022)
• "NYC" (2022)
• "Kite" (2022)
• "Swaggin Like This" featuring Lancey Foux (2022)
• "Hell Yeah" (2022)
• "Red" (2022)
• "Fear No Man" (2022)
• "Knoya" (2023)
• "Blow Dis Strain" (2023)
• "Feds Lurkin'" (2023)
• "Prolly" (2023)
• "Nawl" (2023)
• "HTX" (2023)
• "Decatur" (2024)
• "Jesus Piece" (2024)
• "Living Lavish" (2024)
• "New Cash" (2025)