Exclusive Interview: NAS VII Talks “Put It On His Tab,” 2000s R&B, and Building Her Own Lane

With the release of her confident new single “Put It On His Tab,” rising R&B artist NAS VII is introducing listeners to a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Drawing inspiration from the soulful storytelling of early 2000s R&B while embracing today’s production and style, the Detroit-born, Seattle-raised artist is creating music that celebrates confidence, authenticity, and self-expression.

As an independent artist, NAS VII has remained committed to developing her own identity, blending influences from legendary artists like Brandy, Toni Braxton, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ciara, Amy Winehouse, Doja Cat, and The Weeknd into a sound that’s uniquely her own. Her latest single serves as an anthem for women who know their worth, delivering a playful yet empowering message wrapped in smooth vocals and undeniable confidence.

In this exclusive interview with Tha Culture Report, NAS VII opens up about the inspiration behind “Put It On His Tab,” the impact of growing up between different cities, the lessons she’s learned from some of R&B’s biggest icons, and the challenges of navigating the music industry as an independent artist. She also shares why confidence is at the heart of her latest release and offers a glimpse into what’s next as she continues to establish herself as one of independent R&B’s rising voices.

Check out our conversation with NAS VII below.

1. Congratulations on the release of “Put It On His Tab.” What inspired the record, and what message or feeling did you want listeners to take away after hearing it?

Thank you. I wanted to make a record that celebrates women who know exactly who they are. “Put It On His Tab” is a flex anthem. It is for the woman who walks into the club and owns the room without even trying. She is confident, she’s funny, she’s unapologetic, and people naturally gravitate toward her. The song is playful, but underneath it all is a message about knowing your worth. I hope women hear it and feel like the main character. I want them to turn it up while they’re getting dressed, on the way to girls’ night, or whenever they need that reminder that confidence looks good on them.

2. Your sound blends modern R&B with the smooth, soulful influence of the early 2000s. What is it about that era of R&B that continues to inspire your music today?

That era just felt real. The vocals were incredible, the songwriting was intentional, and every record had a story. You could hear heartbreak, confidence, love, and vulnerability all in one album. Those artists were not afraid to let the music breathe. That is something I carry with me every time I record. I love making songs that people can feel instead of just listen to.

3. You were born in Detroit, raised in Seattle, and now split your time between Seattle and Las Vegas. How have those different cities helped shape your identity as both an artist and a songwriter?

I was born in Detroit, but my family moved when I was still a baby, so Seattle is really where I grew up. Even though I did not spend my childhood in Detroit, those roots are still a part of me. There is a lot of pride, resilience, and soul connected to that city, and I carry that with me.

Seattle gave me the freedom to discover my own sound. It is not a place where everyone is chasing the same thing, so I learned to focus on being authentic instead of trying to fit into a trend. Then Las Vegas added another layer. Being around so much entertainment reminds you that being an artist is bigger than making music. It is about creating an experience every time people see you.

4. Artists like Brandy, Toni Braxton, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ciara, Amy Winehouse, Doja Cat, and The Weeknd have all influenced your sound. What lessons have you taken from these artists while developing your own style?

Every one of those artists left an impression on me for different reasons. Brandy taught me the beauty of layering vocals. Toni Braxton showed me that you do not have to sing a hundred notes to make someone feel something. Aaliyah made confidence look effortless. Beyoncé showed me what happens when talent meets discipline. Rihanna proved that taking risks can change your career. Ciara reminds me that confidence can be feminine and powerful at the same time. Amy Winehouse was fearless with her honesty. Doja Cat showed me there are no rules when it comes to creativity, and The Weeknd inspired me to think about creating an entire world around my music instead of just putting out songs. I have learned from all of them, but I have always wanted my own fingerprint to be on everything I create. 

5. Your music balances confidence, vulnerability, and sensuality. How important is it for you to express every side of yourself instead of being placed into one category?

It is really important because people are layered. I do not wake up feeling the exact same way every day, so why would every song sound the same? Sometimes I want to make a record that makes women feel unstoppable. Other times I want to write about love, heartbreak, or the things people do not always talk about. I never want people to think they have me figured out after hearing one song because there is so much more to me than one vibe.

6. As an independent artist, what have been some of the biggest challenges and biggest rewards of building your career on your own terms?   

The biggest challenge is probably balancing everything. As an independent artist, you wear so many hats. You are thinking about the music, the visuals, the business, the marketing, and trying to stay creative through all of it. It can definitely be overwhelming.

The biggest reward is knowing every move I make is authentic. Nobody is telling me who I have to be or what kind of records I should make. Every accomplishment feels earned because I know exactly what it took to get there.

7. R&B has experienced a major resurgence over the past few years. Where do you see yourself fitting into the future of the genre?

I think there is room for artists who respect the foundation of R&B while still bringing something fresh. I love the classic elements that made people fall in love with the genre, but I also love making music that feels current. I want to be part of the generation that keeps R&B evolving without losing the emotion that made it special in the first place.

8. When listeners hear “Put It On His Tab,” what do you hope stands out the most? Your vocals, your storytelling, or the confidence behind the record?      

The confidence. Without question. Everything else supports that feeling. I want listeners to picture that woman the second the beat drops. She knows she looks good. She knows she deserves to be there. She is enjoying herself without worrying about anybody else’s opinion. If women hear this song and start walking a little taller, then I did my job.

9. Beyond the music, how would you describe NAS VII as a person? What do you want fans to know about you that they may not hear in your songs?

I think people would probably be surprised by how chill I am. I love creating, I love spending time with people who genuinely support me, and I am always observing life because inspiration can come from anywhere. I laugh a lot. I care about my family and the people close to me. I think my music captures one side of me, but there is also a softer side that people get to see once they actually know me.

10. Looking ahead, what is next for NAS VII? Can fans expect more singles, an EP, or a full length project in the near future, and what can they expect from this next chapter of your career?

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