By Liz Hammond, Digital Media Editor
Looking back, the definition of a “rock star” changes. In the 60’s, it was The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Who. In the 70’s, it was Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and Led Zeppelin.
Fast-forward to today and the music industry is dominated by Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, and Post Malone. What do they all have in common? They got their start on SoundCloud.
SoundCloud itself is a massive entity that is home to an entire nation of rappers trying to “make it.” While there is a lot of amazing music to be found on the app, there is a lot that isn’t worth a listen.
Without the help of Chance the Rapper, SoundCloud would have gone down the drain. By early July of this year, the company fired 173 employees and only had enough money to sustain till the end of the year. But in the end, Chance saved us, like he always does.
Once an artist builds enough of a following on SoundCloud they shy away from it and start to branch out to Spotify and Apple Music, where they can be put on playlists that undoubtedly help make artists famous.
Looking at the top charts on Apple Music, there is no denying the influence that these rappers have. The number one song right now is “Rockstar” by Post Malone (feat. 21 Savage). This song has toppled streaming records since its release. Not only that, but A Boogie wit da Hoodie has four songs in the Top 10 right now and his album was just released last week.
But they aren’t the only ones who are dominating the charts.
Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty are the face of SoundCloud rappers.
Yachty made it big when his song “One Night” was used in a viral comedy video. He then really stated his dominance with the iconic song, “Broccoli,” on which he partnered with D.R.A.M.
Lil Uzi was noticed for his rapping skills right away. When he released his mixtape, “Luv Is Rage,” everyone started to hop on the bandwagon. It got intense when another iconic song, “Bad and Boujee,” was released featuring Lil Uzi and Migos. His fame only grew when he debuted, “XO TOUR Llif3”.
Whether you think it’s lame or stupid that these people are making it big, it doesn’t change the fact that they changed the way music is shared and played. It took me a long time to be okay with this.
I idolize old rock idols like my stepdad did, but times are changing and we can either support it or sit and groan.
The way I see it, I’d rather sing along to Post Malone than think I’m too good for it. These artists are around to stay no matter how much hate you have for them. Welcome to the new generation, where SoundCloud rappers are the new rock stars.