horace gaither — Who is miss sissy's grandson?

Louisville has always been home to raw talent, but few embody its soul like Horace Gaither. With his debut album “Miss Sissy Grandson” surpassing one million streams, Horace’s name is ringing far beyond Kentucky’s borders. Yet, when you talk to him, it’s clear that his journey is about more than numbers—it’s about legacy, growth, and staying true to his roots.

Below, Horace sits down with MUSAURA Magazine to talk about his beginnings, the story behind his breakout project, and how faith and perseverance keep him grounded.

For those who don’t know you yet, who is Horace—the artist and the person?

My name is Horace Gaither, and I’m a rap artist from Louisville, Kentucky. I look at music as a way to bring to life all the things I’m passionate about. I feel like I’m the most inspired by my own city’s culture, as well as my personal growth and past experiences that made me who I am.

What inspired you to start making your own music?

I grew up in a family where music was playing 24/7, I had cousins making music at the time, so it almost felt like it was inevitable. If I had to pinpoint a specific time, it was when my cousin introduced me to the album “Good Kid Maad City” when I was in 5th grade.

What’s the story behind your album title “Miss Sissy Grandson”? What does it mean to you personally and creatively?

Before anyone knew me as Horace Gaither, I was “Miss Sissy Grandson”. My granny was heavily involved in the church and taught Sunday school, so that was sort of who I was to everybody. The album, personally, is a reflection of my growth from that, and it served as a lesson that all aspects of our past, even the bad experiences, push us into who we are today.

How would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time?

I’d say my music is the essence of what hip hop is, with the blend of nostalgia and southern culture.

What inspires your lyrics?

Experiences and stories from my childhood. Whether I remember them or I hear a story from an uncle or cousin, personal stories always inspire me.

When you were creating “Miss Sissy Grandson”, what emotions or messages did you want to leave your listeners with?

Honestly, I don’t think too much about a specific emotion to leave the listener with, as long as they feel something that’s really the goal.

Do you have a particular song from the album that feels most personal or powerful to you?

Yea definitely, I feel like “Ah Yeah” and “Feathers at my Heels”.

How has growing up in Louisville shaped your sound and perspective as an artist?

I feel like songs such as “4 Tha Luv” was made solely from experiences of being from Louisville. I also believe being a part of an under-represented city in rap music kind of gives you a new pride. It feels like it’s a mission to represent Louisville to the fullest.

Who are some local artists or creatives you admire or have collaborated with?

Shy!!! And Allen Vice, two very talented artists from the city. I feel like I’m inspired to go harder whenever they drop.

You just hit 1 million streams on “Miss Sissy Grandson”, how does that milestone feel?

It’s a blessing. I give all praise to God. I get so focused on what’s next I often forget to live in the moment with stuff. It’s not really about the number, it’s more of the authentic love I’m getting from people from the album.

What do you think connected so deeply with people about this project?

I think the honesty I put into that album. Honesty and sincerity are always at the forefront for me. Whether in moments of arrogance or deep reflection, I make sure I really mean what I say, and say it with purpose.

You also headlined the New Black Jockey Tour in August. What was that experience like?

It was a great experience. I feel like I learned a lot about the process of touring and traveling. Being able to meet people in those different cities was crazy, and ending the show back home was a full circle moment.

How did it feel performing your songs live and seeing people connect to the stories behind them? 

Hearing people yelling these songs I wrote in my mama’s living room was an eye-opening experience. Moments like that wake me up to how powerful these songs can be.

What lessons have you learned from your journey so far as an independent artist?

Perseverance. I think above talent, being able to persevere through the disappointments are the biggest tool for me.

What impact do you hope your music has on listeners, especially young Black men coming from your city?

I think it’s beautiful that black people have so many shared experiences. Having a mix of both shared and personal experiences in music, I want to show us that even in our own complexities we are all a reflection of each other. Both Black men and women. I wouldn’t consider myself an activist or anything like that, but I do believe everyone with a spotlight has a responsibility. I’m not perfect, but that’s just one of the duties I’m sort of passionate about.

How do you balance authenticity and growth as your audience gets bigger?

God and my family keep me grounded. If I stay around them, that balance feels easier. Also, I have really big goals, so it’ll take a lot for me to sort of feel like I’m really doing something.

What can fans expect next from Horace? Any new projects or collaborations on the horizon? 

Definitely got music in the works, can’t speak too much but just make sure yall stay tuned.

There you have it. Who is Miss Sissy's Grandson? A young black man from Louisville, Kentucky living out his dreams as an artist, and showing up authentically for himself, his family, and his community. From writing songs in his mother's living room, to performing on big stages in different cities, Horace Gaither aka Miss Sissy's grandson, is making big waves in the city.