2017 was a legendary year for rap music, and many of the artists at the forefront came from SoundCloud, a streaming service that some have forgotten about even though it’s only been around for about seven years. In internet years, that’s more like seven decades!
The SoundCloud era introduced us to a ton of great new artists, and here’s how some of the top SoundCloud rappers from that time are doing now.
Lil Uzi Vert
There was a time when everyone was addicted to Uzi’s unique cadence and flow. He made waves with his energetic style, and even though he dropped a lot of projects since then, the latest, Pink Tape, received mixed reviews.
While it may not have hit the heights of his earlier work, he’s still a significant name in the industry, continuing to attract attention with his distinct vibe.
Ski Mask the Slump God
Ski Mask burst onto the scene with his collaboration with X and Denzel Curry, creating a lot of buzz. However, he recently released an album that didn’t quite resonate, selling only around 20,000 copies in its first week.
It seems he has experienced a bit of a slump, but his influence from the SoundCloud era still holds weight among fans.
Denzel Curry
By far the most consistent and lyrical rapper from the SoundCloud wave, Denzel Curry has only improved with time.
His last album was a major success, earning him critical acclaim. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, his artistry continues to shine, proving that quality over quantity can lead to lasting respect.
21 Savage
21 Savage has risen to superstardom since 2017, dropping numerous albums and collaborating with major artists like J. Cole and Drake.
He even won a Grammy for his work, solidifying his place in the rap game. It seems he’s doing just fine, thriving as one of the genre’s leading figures.
Trippie Redd
Trippie Redd keeps changing his style and flow, constantly experimenting with new sounds. However, many fans feel he’s hit a creative roadblock, as his recent releases haven’t sparked the excitement they once did.
He’s still releasing music, but it seems to lack the same impact as his earlier tracks.
Playboi Carti
Playboi Carti has transformed into a massive superstar, rivaling Travis Scott in the mainstream.
His latest album, Whole Lotta Red, created a huge buzz, and he has pioneered a genre of rage music that his protégés at opium are now carrying forward. Carti is set to drop a new album soon, and the world is watching eagerly.
Honorable Mentions
Sadly, there are a few rappers from the SoundCloud era who are no longer with us. Juice WRLD, Lil Peep, and XXXTentacion were all poised for greatness, but their lives were cut short.
Their music continues to resonate with fans, reminding us of their talent and potential.
In conclusion, the landscape of hip-hop has evolved since the SoundCloud era, with many artists finding their paths in different ways. While some have soared to new heights, others have faced challenges, proving that the journey of a musician is often unpredictable.
Whether they continue to thrive or take a step back, the influence of these SoundCloud rappers will forever be a part of music history.
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