Miles Caton releases debut solo single “Don’t Hate Me” following breakout role in “Sinners” [VIDEO]

The 21-year-old singer and actor shares the soulful R&B track about relational hesitation, marking his first major music release since the Oscar-nominated film

Miles Caton released his debut solo single “Don’t Hate Me” this afternoon (March 20). Thus, marking his first major music release following his breakout acting role in the Oscar-nominated film Sinners. The track, available on streaming platforms including Spotify, runs 3 minutes and 9 seconds and features moody organ instrumentation paired with swelling strings, shifting away from heavily processed beats to spotlight the vocal maturity Caton has displayed since his childhood viral performances. The announcement came via a 42-second live performance clip shared by @rapalert6 on X. It has since garnered over 326,000 views and 19,000 likes.

The 21-year-old Brooklyn native first gained public attention in 2017 when a video of him performing Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” went viral. Thus, leading to television appearances on NBC’s “Little Big Shots” and ABC’s “The View,” as well as inclusion in Jay-Z’s short film montage for the album 4:44. By 2022, Caton was touring as a background vocalist for Grammy-winning artist H.E.R., who later encouraged him to audition for Ryan Coogler’s feature film Sinners despite his lack of prior acting experience.

From Church Choirs to the Oscars: Miles Caton’s Unlikely Path

Caton was born March 3, 2005, in Brooklyn, New York. He began performing at age three in church, drawing vocal influences from artists including Sam Cooke. His 2017 viral performance of “Feeling Good” established him as a rising vocal talent before his teenage years, leading to national television exposure and recognition from industry figures including Jay-Z. He spent subsequent years developing his craft while remaining outside the mainstream spotlight.

In 2022, Caton joined H.E.R.’s touring ensemble as a background vocalist, a role that placed him alongside one of R&B’s leading contemporary artists. During this period, H.E.R. encouraged him to audition for Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a supernatural period drama set in 1930s Mississippi. Despite having no formal acting training, Caton secured the role of Sammie Moore, a musically gifted preacher’s son. He learned guitar in approximately two months for the part and co-wrote original soundtrack contributions. This includes “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” with Alice Smith and Ludwig Göransson.

Sinners was released in 2025 to critical acclaim. Thus, earning multiple Academy Award nominations—the most in history for a single project—along with Critics’ Choice nods. Caton performed at the 2026 Oscars and related ceremonies, raising his public profile ahead of the “Don’t Hate Me” release. Prior to this single, his music output included the 2023 debut single “This Ain’t It” and the 2025 follow-up “Somethin.”

A Dimly Lit Stage, a Baritone Voice, and 42 Seconds of Proof

The 42-second video clip accompanying the X post was filmed on a dimly lit stage. Therefore, using minimal lighting to cast shadows and emphasize Caton’s facial expressions and posture during the performance. The setting prioritizes vocal presence overelaborate staging. Thus, consistent with promotional materials emphasizing raw delivery. The brief excerpt captures a portion of the track, most likely transitioning from the latter part of Verse 1 or the pre-chorus into the opening chorus, allowing demonstration of dynamic range.

Audio in the clip centers on Caton’s baritone voice, which features crisp articulation in mid-range phrasing, rich low-end resonance on sustained syllables, and emotive inflection through subtle vibrato and dynamic shifts. Physical performance details include close-mic positioning for vocal clarity and subtle body language that align with the song’s pleading narrative. The excerpt avoids full instrumentation visibility, directing attention to the unadorned vocal performance that echoes the studio track’s organ and strings emphasis.

The clip functions as a targeted teaser rather than a full representation of the official music video, which was filmed separately at Abron Arts Center in New York City under director Geoff Sean Levy. It features a body double and narrative staging distinct from the live excerpt.

Organ Swells, Gospel Roots, and the Making of a Breakthrough Single

“Don’t Hate Me” was produced by JT Daly and is structured in a classic soul and R&B format: two verses, repeating pre-choruses with slight lyrical variations, a prominent repeating chorus, an ad-lib bridge, and a final chorus and outro. The production uses organ swells and strings to amplify the introspective delivery without overpowering the vocal line. Thus, creating a sound that sources describe as drawing from Caton’s gospel lineage.

The lyrics construct a first-person narrative of relational hesitation and self-sabotage within young adult romance. Verse 1 establishes conflict through imagery of reluctance to commit, mutual helplessness, domestic arguments during car rides, and offers of phone transparency that fail to resolve underlying issues. The pre-chorus introduces age-based tension—maturity acknowledging the partner’s value contrasted with youthful impulsivity and regret.

The chorus functions as the emotional core. Thus, framing the singer’s flawed heart as both the problem and the plea. Lyrics include the lines “I’m just a maybe” and “Your worst is twice the best that I can do.” Verse 2 escalates vulnerability with admissions of inadequacy and deferred resolution. The bridge adds cyclical resignation with the line “Goodbye never really means the end.” Thus, reinforcing a loop of breakups and returns.

“Givēon Better Watch Out:” Fans React to the New R&B Voice

X reactions to the @rapalert6 post and the track have focused primarily on Caton’s vocal performance. @the_elyphant stated “That voice is destined for greatness.” @httpdotme noted “His voice is sooo crisp.. G!veon better watch the heck out!!!!” @EccentricEdi called it a “Sick baritone vocal.” @monatheevampyre wrote “That voice… It’s so rich!! I literally shivered!!” @Khorriey responded “Okayyyyyy Vocals.”

Several users drew comparisons between Caton and established R&B artists. @JessBunnieBoo posted “Givēon better hold on tight because Miles is coming for your spot.” Others speculated about potential collaborations. @the_elyphant suggested “Imagine a Raye collab,” @Puddles_BandzZ proposing “A collab with Labyrinth would be so awesom.” Meanwhile, @theyKrowling writes “this song but a version that is duet withe Halle Bailey….I know you hear the harmonies.”

Direct fan engagement with the track appeared in replies including @Lima_Bean21 stating “Immediately ran to Spotify… then came back to comment that this is a 100/10.” @m95kl posted “Now Miles going to bring real RnB back.” @CarbonadoLiving noted “The song is gonna do numbers.” @Ammie_kels wrote “Oh my God!! I feel this in my soul.”

From Sammie Moore to Solo Artist: The Sinners Star Makes His Move

The release of “Don’t Hate Me” follows Caton’s extensive awards season exposure tied to Sinners. His performances at the 2026 Oscars and related ceremonies brought his vocal abilities to audiences beyond those familiar with his earlier viral work or soundtrack contributions. The single is positioned as the lead track from an upcoming EP. Thus, signaling a sustained music career following his film debut.

Caton’s creative timing ties directly to the post-Oscars period in early 2026, with studio production occurring after his awards season appearances. The thematic content of “Don’t Hate Me”—relational hesitation and self-reflection—contrasts with the more overtly spiritual material he contributed to the “Sinners” soundtrack, demonstrating range in both subject matter and delivery.

The track became available on streaming platforms simultaneously with the song announcement. No additional singles from the forthcoming EP have been announced as of press time. Caton has not publicly commented on the track’s reception beyond the release itself.

One Song, Three Minutes, and a Career Poised for Takeoff

Miles Caton’s “Don’t Hate Me” represents his first major solo music release following his breakout film role in “Sinners.” The track, produced by JT Daly, features organ and strings instrumentation that shifts focus to Caton’s baritone vocals. It became available on streaming platforms March 20 alongside a live performance clip shared by @rapalert6. The single is positioned as the lead track from an upcoming EP, though no release date for that project has been announced.

Caton, 21, previously gained attention as a child vocalist after a 2017 viral performance of “Feeling Good,” later touring with H.E.R. before being cast in Ryan Coogler’s Oscar-nominated film. His prior singles include 2023’s “This Ain’t It” and 2025’s “Somethin.” “Don’t Hate Me” is his first release since performing at the 2026 Oscars. As of press time, the track is streaming on Spotify and other platforms, with no additional singles announced.