ERNEST on new album and overcoming a heart attack at 19 to follow his country music dreams

Celebrated for his impromptu lyrics and catchy melodies, country music singer-songwriter Ernest Smith said he first realized his knack for songwriting in sixth grade when he listened to the "Space Jam" soundtrack.

"I was ingesting rap at like, you know, second, third grade," said ERNEST.

His love for music blossomed in elementary school, where he honed his skills by freestyling at the lunch table and making up songs about friends.