NEED TO KNOW
- SG Batman built his reputation through freestyle battles and neighborhood ciphers, where his raspy voice and fearless delivery earned him early respect before streaming numbers ever came into play.
- His nickname “Batman” isn’t about comic books it reflects his street image as a protector and reliable ally a role that made him a trusted figure long before rap fame.
- Unlike many drill rappers who chase fleeting trends, SG Batman leans into candid storytelling by mixing Chicago slang with raw detail that gives his songs journal-like weight.
- He’s developed a cult following for his Instagram Live sessions where unscripted humor, blunt honesty and viral soundbites show another side of him beyond the music.
- Fans describe his appeal as “gritty but thoughtful” he can hype a crowd with aggressive bars then drop a line that sparks reflection about survival, loyalty or loss.
Steven “SG Batman” Givens (born May 15, 1997) better known as SG Batman is a drill rapper from Chicago’s West Side acclaimed for his raw street-inspired lyrics and genuine storytelling.1 In 2025, he continues to expand his impact with new music releases, high-energy live shows and a growing presence on platforms like YouTube, Spotify and TikTok. His steady rise over the years exemplifies a grind built on authenticity rather than chasing quick viral trends and his songs shine a light on the real realities of Chicago life.
Career Timeline

Early Life & Background (Pre-Music Years)
- Growing up on Chicago’s West Side: Steven Givens was raised near the intersection of Madison and Laramie in West Chicago an area rich in culture but challenged by poverty and street violence.2 In the late 2000s and early 2010s, he experienced both the harsh realities of his neighborhood and the warmth of a close family. His parents and older relatives instilled in him values of survival, responsibility and resilience which would later echo in his music. At the same time, he and his friends sought escapes from hardship through creative outlets like music, dance and sports.
- Chicago drill’s first wave: As a young teen, Steven lived through the birth of Chicago’s drill music movement. Local teenagers like Chief Keef, Lil Durk, King Louie, and G Herbo were transforming raw stories from Chicago’s South and West Sides into a global sound. In an interview, he recalled how prevalent aspiring rappers were during that era: “Every hood, every block had a rapper… I was 15… turning 16. So I fed right in with the rap sht.”3 That environment made a career in music feel not only possible but almost inevitable for him.
- Nickname “Batman”: Among friends, Steven earned the nickname “Batman” for being a protector and loyal ally. Much like the comic hero, he had a reputation for standing firm in tough situations and “watching over” his people. The name stuck and “SG Batman” became his identity as an artist (with “SG” representing his initials or his crew Smut Gang). Notably, he has clarified that the moniker isn’t due to any comic book obsession – “I never in my life liked Batman, I don’t like the superhero” he admitted in one interview.4
- Early passions and hustles: As a teenager, SG Batman sharpen his craft through grassroots freestyling spitting over informal block-party beats and trading bars in schoolyard ciphers. In Chicago’s drill scene, where respect hinges on raw delivery and confidence weak voices or low energy are quickly tuned out but authenticity and presence gets attention.5 At the same time, he balanced his music ambitions with everyday work stocking shelves at corner stores and helping at local businesses. This blend of street grit and grind is rooted in the culture of self-reliance that birthed drill.6
Music Beginnings

- Humble recording setup: By the mid-2010s, SG Batman shifted from casual freestyle to serious recording. He started out with a makeshift home studio think cheap USB microphones, a laptop with basic recording software and blankets nailed to walls as soundproofing.7 Despite limited equipment, he made every track with intensity. Early on, he linked up with local Chicago producers through social media & they’d send him beats via email or Dropbox. The city’s underground scene thrived on such collaboration and resourcefulness artists and beatmakers trading files and ideas without any label backing. This DIY community let SG Batman refine his style and prove himself among peers.
- Finding his voice: SG Batman’s early songs revolved around the themes that still define him today: loyalty, survival, ambition and the grind. He didn’t try to mimic other artists or jump on trendy sounds. Listeners noted that he “didn’t chase flashy gimmicks or copycat flows” every verse was clearly his story and slang. He dropped these tracks on free platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube slowly building a local fanbase.8 Some early uploads got only a handful of listens at first but he kept promoting them at parties and via word of mouth. Occasionally a song would catch a small wave on a neighborhood mixtape or a YouTube channel that specialized in Chicago music.
- First project and local buzz: In October 2019, SG Batman independently released his debut full-length project titled “Nobody Safe.” The tape showcased his gritty, hard-hitting style and put the city on notice. Influential Chicago music blog Lyrical Lemonade reviewed the project by praising his authenticity “when it comes to creating gritty & hardcore trap music, not many can do it better than Chicago’s own SG Batman.” This cosign helped validate him in the local scene. The project and its standout tracks like “Spazzin Out” built his momentum.9
He followed up with a sequel “Nobody Safe II” in 2020 and kept dropping new videos on YouTube to grow his presence. During this time he also founded his own collective/label SmutGang ensuring he and his crew had creative control from the start.
Breakthrough (2023)

- The viral “Belt” track: Years of consistent grinding paid off when SG Batman got a breakthrough moment in 2023. He released a gritty song titled “Gettin’ Nat Belt (OT7 Quanny Diss)” a track aimed at a Philadelphia rapper delivered in SG’s aggressive tongue-in-cheek style. Unexpectedly, the song took on a life of its own online. Fans on TikTok grabbed a catchy snippet (where SG chants about “gettin’ that belt”) and turned it into a memeable trend. Within weeks, thousands of TikTok users were using the sound in dance videos, comedy skits and street workout clips. The rough diss track struck a chord for its energy and humor and even listeners far outside Chicago were searching for the source. This social media buzz spilled over to YouTube by getting the official “Gettin’ Nat Belt” music video over 1.2 million views in under a year.10 On Spotify and other streaming platforms, SG Batman saw a similar surge as curious new fans checked out his catalog between August and December 2023 & his cumulative Spotify play count jumped from around 1.9 million to nearly 3 million plays. Essentially, this one track turned SG Batman from a local name into a viral drill sensation. (Ironically, as some Reddit commentators noted, “you can tell he wasn’t even serious when he made this sht and it’s doing numbers” the song’s offhand raw quality was part of its appeal.)
- Real-world impact: The viral hit opened doors that had long been closed. Local promoters who previously overlooked him started booking SG Batman for club gigs and showcase events. He was suddenly in demand for live performances where crowds were eager to see if he could bring that same viral energy on stage. Those who attended his 2023 shows often came back raving about how “his live energy matches the aggression on the track.” Footage from packed DIY venues shows fans yelling the “belt” hook along with him turning small clubs into rowdy mosh pits. By late 2023, Chicago-based hip hop blogs and YouTube channels were labeling him as “one of the next up” from the city’s drill scene. Importantly, this breakthrough wasn’t a random fluke or industry-backed viral scheme as it was the product of years of consistent effort and authenticity. The core fanbase he had built over time rallied to amplify him when the moment arrived. As SG Batman himself tweeted in gratitude “THANK Y’ALL FOR ANOTHER MILLION VIEWS BELTTT” when the video crossed the 1M mark he recognized that it was the supporters who made it possible.11
- Building industry connections: With his name buzzing, SG Batman also began networking beyond his immediate circle. In 2023 he appeared on popular hip-hop platforms for example he delivered a fiery freestyle on On The Radar Radio and sat for interviews where his candid & humorous personality shone (these interview clips themselves went viral on TikTok). He also linked up with other rising Chicago artists like DCG Brothers (a young West Side rap duo) on the remix of his track “Play Wit Me.” That remix accumulated over 2.5 million YouTube views and bridged their fanbases proving that SG could collaborate effectively.12 By the end of 2023, his profile had grown from an underground rapper to a famous name in Midwest hip hop all while staying independent.
Recent Projects & Moves (2024–2025)

- Staying in the spotlight: SG Batman refused to be a one-hit wonder. All through 2024, he kept his foot on the gas by dropping new music and content. Early in 2024 he released a high-energy single (with a chantable hook tailor-made for TikTok) which quickly started circulating through Instagram Reels and TikTok edits keeping him visible with younger fans hungry for more. He followed up with “Don’t Bite My Flows Vol. 1 and 2” a pair of projects in 2023-24 whose very titles made a statement about his mindset as he was asserting his originality and warning others not to imitate.13
- Collaborations and remixes: As his clout grew, SG Batman also started popping up as a featured artist alongside other drill rappers. In the past two years he’s collaborated with a range of peers from fellow Chicago natives to even out-of-town artists. For instance, in 2024 he jumped on a track with emerging south-side rapper PGF Nuk bringing together two distinct styles of Chicago drill.14 He also traded verses with newcomers from neighboring Midwest cities. These collabs weren’t big commercial songs but they showed SG Batman’s respect in the drill community.
- New visuals and storytelling: Late 2024 saw SG Batman upping the ante on music videos. Teaming again with his go-to videographer (BshootaHiveTV) he released a string of visuals that mixed street rawness with creative storytelling. One notable example was the cinematic video for his track “Make Sum Happen” (released in mid-2025) which features a short film-like intro and scenes of SG orchestrating a hustle on Chicago’s streets.15 Fans and local blogs praised the stepped-up video quality. Even when he dropped straightforward performance videos like the “Live From The Hive” freestyle series he managed to infuse personality (often cracking jokes or bringing out props on camera).16 Fans described the event as high-energy and interactive with Batman jumping into the crowd and bringing supporters on stage to rap along.17 While fans outside Chicago speculate about a possible Midwest run including cities like Indianapolis and Milwaukee publicly confirmed dates remain limited. Still, his DIY approach to performance, choosing intimate club venues and festival after-parties over big arenas reflects the same independent spirit that fuels his music.
- Building toward an album: Much of 2025 has seen SG Batman in the studio preparing his first official full-length album. He has hinted on social media that he’s working on a major project often using the hashtag #AlbumMode in tweets. In interviews, he’s mentioned taking time to “craft something bigger” and not just drop random singles. Industry watchers believe this project will be a defining moment and SG Batman seems to know it too. He’s reportedly been experimenting with new sounds and has been seeking out higher-profile collaborations for the album. Rumors suggest he’s recorded with a few East Coast artists and some prominent Chicago veterans though details remain under wraps. What is confirmed is that he’s shooting videos for the project possibly even a short documentary about his journey. By mid-2025, he released “2 Loaded, Vol. 1” an 11-song project showcasing his growth and even featuring some melodic hooks and storytelling skits.18
Some Verified Facts about SG Batman (as of 2025)

- Spotify Monthly Listeners: SG Batman has over 6,300 monthly listeners on Spotify as of mid-2025 a number that has grown steadily since his 2023 breakout. This reflects a niche but dedicated listenership that continues to expand month by month.
- TikTok Viral Sound: His breakout “belt” track became a viral TikTok sound with thousands of fan-created videos using the snippet. The hashtag related to the song amassed tens of millions of views on TikTok (over 81 million posts were associated with “Gettin Nat Belt” at peak trend) an extraordinary reach for an independent artist’s track.19
- Birthplace & Year: SG Batman was born in 1997 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the city’s West Side community which heavily influences his music and perspective.
- Nickname Origin: His moniker “Batman” comes from his reputation for loyalty and protectiveness among friends not from any love of the comic character (in fact, he’s joked that he doesn’t even like the actual Batman superhero).20
- Independent Artist: As of 2025, SG Batman remains an independent artist with no major label backing. He operates through his own imprint (often labeled as SG The Label LLC on releases) and thus retains ownership of his music masters and publishing.21
- Live Performances: He has performed numerous shows across the Midwest including headlining local Chicago drill showcases and club nights. In 2025, he conducted a regional tour hitting cities in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and more – giving many fans their first chance to see him live.
- Social Media Reach: SG Batman’s social following reflects his rising fame. He has around 180,000 followers on Instagram22, over 40,000 followers on Twitter (X)23, and nearly 50,000 YouTube subscribers24. His TikTok presence is growing too as short clips of his interviews and lives frequently go viral.
- Notable Tracks: Key songs in his catalog (besides the viral “Gettin’ Nat Belt”) include “Move Different” (an earlier local hit known among Chicago listeners), “Freestyle” (an older track that showcases his lyrical skills and earned over 500K views on YouTube), “Play Wit Me (Remix)” with the DCG Brothers (which broke 2.5M views on YouTube), and “All I Need” (a 2024 single that experiments with a more melodic drill style). Each of these tracks highlights a different facet of his artistry.
- Upcoming Debut Album: Fans and insiders anticipate that SG Batman will release his official debut album by late 2025 or early 2026, which is expected to feature a more polished sound, potential guest appearances, and a deeper glimpse into his life story. He’s hinted that this project will be his “big moment,” and given his track record, it’s one to watch out for.
Discography
Albums / Projects
- Nobody Safe (2019) – SG Batman’s debut mixtape/album introducing his gritty street-driven style.
- Nobody Safe II (2020) – A follow-up project that built local momentum.
- DON’T BITE MY FLOWS, Vol. 1 (2023) – His return after a short break focused on originality.25
- Don’t Bite My Flows, Vol. 2 (2023) – Released later in 2023 aligned with his viral rise.
- Eazy Being Beezy (2023) – An EP showcasing his alter ego “Beezy.”
- Beezy Jackson (2024) – A full-length project nodding to Michael Jackson.26
- 2 Loaded, Vol. 1 (2025) – Released May 2025 under his own label showcasing growth and independence.27
Notable Singles
- “Play Wit Me” (2022) – A catchy drill single; later remixed with DCG Shun & Bsavv.28
- “Bangr” (2022) – A high-energy track that showed his rapid-fire flows.
- “Gettin’ Nat Belt (BTA)” (2023) – The breakout diss track that went viral on TikTok.29
- “All I Need” (2024) – A single blending drill with soulful sampling.
- “Belt 2” (2024) – A follow-up to his viral hit aimed at rivals.
- “Make Sum Happen” (2025) – Dropped with a cinematic video.
Social Media and Links
- Instagram: This is where he often posts snippets of new music, clips from music videos and glimpses into his day-to-day life.He engages heavily with fan comments on IG Live sessions.30
- TikTok: On TikTok, you can find both his official posts and countless fan videos using his music. He occasionally duets or replies to fan TikToks that use his songs.31
- YouTube: SG Batman’s official YouTube channel hosts his music videos, freestyle visuals and vlogs. Notably, his channel features the popular “Live From The Hive” freestyle series and all his latest official videos shot by BSHOOTA.32
- Twitter (X): He uses Twitter to share news about releases and to interact humorously with fans. His tweets range from promotional (thanking fans for milestones) to off-the-cuff Chicago slang and jokes.33
- Streaming Profiles: He’s present on all major streaming services where fans can stream projects like 2 Loaded, Vol.1 or playlist his viral tracks.3435\
Fan Connection & Community Impact
Grassroots fanbase:
SG Batman’s ascent began in Chicago’s neighborhoods and spread organically through social platforms. He actively engages with fans on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok often reposting user content and replying to comments. This DIY-style connection mirrors the grassroots promotion observed in many drill communities
Instagram Live presence:
He’s known for unscripted Instagram Live sessions that fans clip and circulate across platforms a hallmark of how modern drill artists build connection and credibility through candid content.36
Community involvement:
SG Batman frequently highlights his West Side roots in music and social content. Though he prefers low-key participation reports suggest he hands out school supplies or supports neighborhood events reflecting a tradition of drill artists quietly giving back to their communities.37
Online community support:
SG Batman frequently emerges in Reddit discussions on acts like r/Chiraqology where fans appreciate his genuineness and underground roots.38The digital word-of-mouth spreading through forums and Discord often outweighs traditional marketing in visibility
Comparisons to Peers
Vs. BabyChiefDoIt:
- BabyChiefDoIt is a younger drill rapper focused on flashy visuals, viral dances and digital marketing.
- He gains attention through YouTube trends and polished & eye-catching videos.
- SG Batman prioritizes lyrical authenticity and street credibility over internet gimmicks.
- BabyChiefDoIt gets quick views while SG Batman builds respect steadily within Chicago’s rap community.39
Vs. PGF Nuk:
- PGF Nuk broke out with the viral hit “Waddup” boosted by TikTok and remixes.40
- Nuk’s style relies on high-energy delivery and chant-style hooks for hype moments.
- SG Batman’s catalog focuses on consistent storytelling and varied themes rather than single viral tracks.
- Fans note SG Batman’s music has more replay value beyond hype songs.
Vs. DCG Brothers (DCG Shun & DCG Bsavv):
- DCG Brothers bring a playful, comedic and mainstream-friendly approach to drill.
- Their visuals often include humor, costumes and viral ad-libs like “mmhmm.”41
- SG Batman’s style is more serious, gritty and focused on harsh realities.
- DCG aims at mainstream visibility while SG Batman builds a loyal & authentic base.
- SG Batman has expressed pride in their success showing mutual respect despite stylistic differences.
Vs. Other Drill Artists:
- Many drill rappers adapt to trends (Brooklyn drill beats, rage/trap sounds).
- SG Batman avoids gimmicks and sticks to Chicago’s raw drill roots.
- This makes him less visible to casual listeners but respected by core drill fans.
- On forums and fan discussions, he’s often mentioned among authentic and enduring artists rather than one-hit viral names.
- Seen as having strong underground credibility and long-term potential, even without mainstream deals.
✅ FAQs for SG Batman (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why is he called “SG Batman”?
A: The name merges “SG” (his initials or crew SmutGang) with “Batman” a nickname tied to his protective street persona not superhero fandom. He’s even said in live clips, “I never liked Batman” suggesting the moniker is more about presence than pop culture.42
Q: What do SG Batman’s lyrics usually focus on?
A: His lyrics echo the roots of Chicago drill: gritty, emotionally honest storytelling about violence, loyalty and ambition messages that reflect lived reality rather than glorification.4344
Q: How do fans describe his style?
A: Fans often use words like “gritty” and “authentic” describing a mix of raw lyricism and emotional weight. Research into lyrical complexity in hip-hop shows that artists in genres like drill employ layered storytelling and linguistic tactics to resonate deeply.45
Q: Has SG Batman been involved in community outreach?\
A: While not overtly public, his involvement reflects drill’s historic roots in community expression a culture often born from tight-knit neighborhoods responding to adversity.46
Q: How does he connect with fans?
A: His active Instagram Live sessions, where he casually interacts and jokes with followers, build trust and rapport hallmarks of his grassroots appeal.47
Conclusion
- A rising voice of authenticity: SG Batman (Steven Givens) has grown from West Side freestyles to millions of YouTube views by staying true to himself. In a genre often criticized for negativity, he stands out for real-life storytelling and genuine emotion.
- 2025 and beyond: With a debut album expected soon, SG Batman is positioned to move from viral moments to lasting impact. His independence and self-determination inspire fans in an era of manufactured fame.
- Community impact: Representing Chicago’s West Side, he highlights both its struggles and resilience. To locals, he’s not just a rapper but a relatable hometown figure who hasn’t forgotten his roots.
- The road ahead: If he continues dropping raw music, engaging fans, and making smart career moves, SG Batman could rise to national recognition. What sets him apart is his refusal to compromise his identity. For drill fans seeking realness, SG Batman is a present force and a future legend in the making.
Kanika Dhingra is a pop culture writer with 5+ years of experience decoding celebrity fame. From hip-hop trailblazers to viral chart-toppers, she delivers smart, stylish profiles that resonate with fans and critics alike.
📌 Show Footnotes
- Source: TikTok OnTheRadarRadio Video[↩]
- Source: Wikipedia Crime in Chicago[↩]
- Source: Music Metrics Vault SG Batman Artist Profile[↩]
- Source: TikTok “I Don’t Like Batman” Trend Page[↩]
- Source: Pitchfork [↩]
- Source: Across the Culture History of Drill Music[↩]
- Source: The Guardian Chief Keef and Drill’s Raw Beginnings[↩]
- Source: University of South Carolina[↩]
- Source: Apple Music SG Batman Artist Page[↩]
- Source: YouTube SG Batman Official Video[↩]
- Source: X – SGBATMAN04 Original Post[↩]
- Source: YouTube SG Batman Channel[↩]
- Source: YouTube SG BATMAN on “Don’t Bite My Flows” Interview[↩]
- Source: YouTube Party in the Trap vlog[↩]
- Source: YouTube SG Batman “Make Sum Happen”[↩]
- Source: YouTube SG Batman Live From The Hive freestyle) Each video helped sustain his YouTube growth & by 2025 his official channel had around 50,000 subscribers and counting.
- Touring the Midwest: SG Batman has built his reputation not only online but also through live shows in Chicago’s underground scene. A confirmed example was his April 26, 2024 performance at The Crazy Place (The Crazy Riot Show) in Chicago, hosted by The Wing District and CVinchi Vinchssr.((Source: Facebook SG Batman Live @ The Crazy Place[↩]
- Source: TikTok SG Batman Live Performance Clip[↩]
- Source: Spotify SG Batman: 2 Loaded, Vol. 1[↩]
- Source: TikTok “Gettin’ Nat’ Belt” Trend Discover Page[↩]
- Source: TikTok “I Don’t Like Batman” Trend Page[↩]
- Source: SG Batman[↩]
- Source: BEEZY [↩]
- Source: SG BATMAN[↩]
- Source: SG Batman YouTube[↩]
- Source: YouTube Don’t Bite My Flows Vol. 1[↩]
- Source: TikTok SG Batman Live Performance[↩]
- Source: Spotify 2 Loaded Vol. 1[↩]
- Source: YouTube Play Wit Me Remix[↩]
- Source: TikTok Gettin’ Nat Belt Trend[↩]
- Source: Instagram @sgbatmandademon[↩]
- Source: TikTok @sgbatman_[↩]
- Source: YouTube Official Channel[↩]
- Source: Twitter @SGBATMAN04[↩]
- Source: Spotify – SG Batman[↩]
- Source: Apple Music – SG Batman[↩]
- Source: Books & Ideas[↩]
- Source: WBEZ Chicago Drill’s Hidden Community Work[↩]
- Source: Reddit – r/Chiraqology[↩]
- Source: r/Chiraqology – chatter on stylistic trends in drill[↩]
- Source: Wikipedia “Waddup” by PGF Nuk[↩]
- Source: Audible Treats DCG Brothers and their pop-drill style[↩]
- Source: TikTok SG Batman profile[↩]
- Source: Music Industry How To – Drill music definition[↩]
- Source: The Trace – Drill rap response to gun violence[↩]
- Source: arXiv – Linguistic complexity in hip-hop lyrics[↩]
- Source: Wikipedia Chicago neighborhood conflict context[↩]
- Source: Instagram – SG Batman IG Live example[↩]




