Juice Wrld

Since 2016, the SoundCloud rap scene has boomed with talent that originates from all corners of the world. In an article written by the New York Times in 2017, we see for the first time SoundCloud rap referred to as not just a new fade in music, but a legitimate sub-genre. The platform has served as a spotlight-eliminated jumping off point for newly coined household names like Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, XXXTentacion, the late Lil Peep. The 19-year-old Chicago native came on the scene in 2015 with an unconventional sound and a deep yearning to do things differently. Metaphorical hammer, meet rules of rap. Drawing on inspiration from rock n’ roll, Chief Keef, and Chicago’s drill team (style of trap), Jared Higgins creates a style that transcends the current climate of hip/hop. It’s honest, raw, and emotional. You can really hear and feel him using studio time as a sort of therapy. 2017 was Higgins breakout year. His debut album Juice WRLD 999 houses tracks that received upwards of 35 million plays. That’s pretty epic for a producer who has little outside support. His latest album, Goodbye & Good Riddance, released just last week, takes listeners on a journey of heartbreak and the trials of a fallen relationship. There’s a level of authenticity to his work that rap seldom sees. His music captivates his audience and pulls them into his world. The 15-track collection is already breaking his personal best records with tracks that are reaching 40 million plays.