Draft:Ace Henderson (Artist)

Ace Henderson

Ace Henderson (known by the alias Ace Henny) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from North Carolina. He is widely recognized for his introspective lyrics, emotive storytelling, and smooth blending of hip-hop, R&B, and soul. Henderson has become a key figure in the North Carolina music scene, both for his personal artistry and his collaborative efforts within local creative collectives.

Early Life and Career

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina— by way of Brooklyn, New York. Born into a family with both parents and two sisters being classically trained vocalists— Henderson began developing his affinity for music at the age of 5 by way of learning to play the piano. In later years he also learned to play clarinet, alto and baritone saxophone.

It wasn’t until his senior year of high-school, in 2012, that Ace began recording and sharing music of his own via his Tumblr social media profile.

His early work gained attention in 2013 due to his online presence & involvement with the burgeoning art scene of SoHo, New York which produced notable acts and influencers such as A$AP Rocky &A$AP Mob, Joey Bada$$ and Pro-Era, Glyn Brown, Joo Henderson & Ian Connor.

2016 is when a cult-like following began to galvanize around his work; particularly through his Soundcloud profile. With songs like “Bae”,“#3K15”, “Left Out”, “Venaquí”, “Runaway” & “Abstract (The Twitter Rant) he convincingly displayed an innate ability to translate themes of love, social and emotional growth via records adorned with rich production and lyrical transparency.

Often characterized as enigmatic or elusive due to sporadic and often unpredictable releases of music, Henderson found a new level of success in 2020 when his record “Whine & Dine” was featured to soundtrack runway shows during Mercedes-Benz’s New York Fashion Week. Subsequently, this attracted the attention of actor/screenwriter Issa Rae, earning Ace an invitation to write music for the final season of her hit-HBO show, Insecure.

Musical Style and Influences

Henderson’s music is often described as genre-fluid, moving effortlessly between rap and R&B. His lyrics explore personal and emotional topics such as romance, self-reflection, and the complexities of human relationships. Influenced by both contemporary and classic artists such as, Brandy, Thelonious Monk, James Fauntleroy & Prince— Henderson’s music resonates with fans who appreciate honest, exploratory and reflective songwriting.

Collaborative Work

In addition to his solo work, Henderson is known for his collaborative contributions to the North Carolina music scene. He has worked with the production duo FRGN-SPCMN, with whom he has landed placements in major media projects, including the soundtrack for Issa Rae’s tv show ‘Insecure’.

Online Presence

Henderson is also known for his online presence, particularly under the handle “ace-henny” on Tumblr. His Tumblr blog reflects his personal interests, which range from music and culture to literature and visual art. On social media, Henderson connects with fans, sharing updates on his music and insights into his creative process.

Discography

• Alive & Well [Mixtape] (2020)

• Housewarming [EP] (2021)

• From: The East, With Love [EP](2022)

Notable Collaborations

• Featured on Issa Rae’s Insecure Season 5 soundtrack

• Collaborations with Jordan Bratton, Amindi, Lance Skiiiwalker, C.S. Armstrong, & Jurdan Bryant of Spillage Village, Deante Hitchcock, Rose Gold &Deepak Chopra

Legacy and Impact

Ace Henderson is recognized for his emotional depth and commitment to creative authenticity in his music. His involvement in fostering collaboration within the North Carolina music scene has helped elevate both his work and the work of others, making him an influential figure in the regional creative community.