Have you heard of the genre “Soundcloud Rap”? It’s the new version of being discovered on YouTube. Only instead of videos, it’s audio recording only. Lil Uzi Vert was one of the first Soundcloud rappers to make it big, though saying he “made it big” may be an understatement. Lil Uzi, whose real name is Symere Woods, grew to popularity so quickly online because of his unique sound.

If he had come out ten years ago, people would have argued that his music isn’t rap. But it’s a new decade, and we can define rap however we want. He agrees that his sound isn’t traditional – he calls it a futuristic trap. When you listen to his music, he wants you to be transported to a darker, more interesting place, where there’s the occasional mosh pit (but don’t mosh at his concerts, unless it’s safe to do so).

Philly Born

Philadelphia has grown a lot of great artists lately, like Meek Mill, and, of course, Lil Uzi Vert himself. He spent his youth messing around like all the other kids but started getting serious about music in high school. He was lucky enough to have a friend, William Aston, who had a recording studio he’d let Lil Uzi record at. Those recording sessions are where his sound developed into what it is today: a rock-and-roll style of rap music.

Stay on Your Grind, Take Care of Yourself

That’s advice straight from the rap star, who got signed to Generation Now in the mid-twenty-teens. Unfortunately, they parted ways, and he’s still battling with them for the rights to his music. There are rumors that he’d be willing to sign with Atlantic Records once he’s free of his old contract, but they’re unconfirmed. One thing’s for sure – he’s itching to record and perform again. And when that happens, you don’t want to miss it!