Nate Smith Drops “HOP, SKIP, JUMP”: A New Pop Single from the Drum Icon

Deep-rooted rhythm meets a fresh pop sensibility. Nate Smith, the three-time GRAMMY®-nominated drummer and composer, has just dropped his latest single, “HOP, SKIP, JUMP,” and it is everything we didn’t know we needed from the Chesapeake, Virginia native.

Known for his “visceral and instinctive” drumming style, Smith has long been the secret weapon for legends like Pat Metheny, Norah Jones, and The Fearless Flyers. But with “HOP, SKIP, JUMP,” he steps firmly into the spotlight as a producer and artist who can bend genres at will.

The Evolution of a Rhythm Icon

If you’ve followed Nate Smith’s journey from his 2017 debut Kinfolk: Postcards From Everywhere to the 2021 masterpiece Kinfolk 2: See The Birds, you know he doesn’t stay in one lane. While his foundation is built on jazz, Smith’s DNA is a mix of R&B, hip-hop, and rock.

“HOP, SKIP, JUMP” represents the next chapter in this evolution. It takes the “pocket” drumming that made his videos go viral and infuses it with a bright, infectious pop energy.

Why “HOP, SKIP, JUMP” is a Must-Listen:

  • The Groove: Expect that signature “Nate Smith Pocket”—a beat so deep you can feel it in your chest, but polished with a sleek, modern pop finish.

  • The Collaboration: Featuring the soulful flair of Braxton Cook, the track blends instrumental virtuosity with a melody that sticks in your head.

  • Genre-Bending Production: Smith manages to keep the complexity of a jazz veteran while delivering the accessibility of a chart-topping pop hit.

From Sideman to Main Stage

Nate Smith’s resume reads like a “Who’s Who” of music royalty. He has anchored the sound for:

  • Brittany Howard (the explosive Jaime album)

  • Dave Holland

  • Chris Potter

  • Somi

But what makes “HOP, SKIP, JUMP” special is how it translates his “influential drummer” status into a broader cultural moment. He isn’t just playing the drums; he’s architecting a sound that appeals to jazz purists and pop lovers alike.

“I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel… I’m going after the heart of the matter.” — Nate Smith

What’s Next for Nate Smith?

With the release of “HOP, SKIP, JUMP” and his upcoming album LIVE-ACTION, Smith is proving that the drums are more than just a background instrument—they are the heartbeat of modern pop. Whether you’re a long-time fan of his Kinfolk series or just discovering him through his viral TikTok and Instagram grooves, this new single is the perfect entry point.

Stream “HOP, SKIP, JUMP” now on all major platforms and experience the pulse of Chesapeake’s finest.