It’s easy to mention the streaming service SoundCloud and immediately think of the generation that birthed some bonafide superstars — and, let’s be real, some wild experiments — like Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, XXXTentacion, Ski Mask the Slump God, Juice WRLD and a bunch of other head-spinning concoctions that still live in infamy on the site.
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But that surface-level recap doesn’t really tell the whole story. In fact, it kinda downplays just how important SoundCloud was in building the foundations for some of the biggest, most game-changing artists in hip hop today. This wasn’t just a platform — it was a launchpad for future legends.
Let’s break down six rappers who used SoundCloud not just to go viral, but to reshape the entire sound, style, and spirit of rap music.
Honorable Mentions
Tay-K – “The Race” turned a viral manhunt into a moment of internet-infamy-meets-street-anthem.
A Boogie wit da Hoodie – Emotional Bronx melodies that made tough guys feel things.
NBA YoungBoy – A YouTube king, yes — but SoundCloud helped spread his gospel of pain and paranoia.
Fetty Wap – Before algorithms ruled, “Trap Queen” exploded organically. Fetty made melody mainstream again.
1. Lil Uzi Vert
There’s likely no image more synonymous with Soundcloud than the pink locs, face tattoos, and rockstar lifestyle of Lil Uzi. With tracks like “Money Longer” and “XO Tour Llif3,” the Philly rapper rode SoundCloud to stardom while blending emo, punk, and trap into something totally unique – solidifying his legacy not just on the streaming service but in hip hop.
2. Playboi Carti
Carti’s whole wave was proof that less is more. But hit tracks like “Magnolia” were just the start — he shifted rap’s aesthetic with his own language, some baby voice experimentation, and a punk-rock attitude that sent his fans into a frenzy. And with his I AM MUSIC era, Carti has planted his flag as not just an artist — but a genre-defying icon. From underground MVP to arena-selling vampire, Carti is the sound of beautiful chaos.
3. Travis Scott
Before Astroworld turned him into a global force, Travis was experimenting on SoundCloud with eerie soundscapes, wavy flows, and genre-hopping production. dark, atmospheric bangers like “Upper Echelon” and “Quintana” showcased his vision early. His cinematic style, knack for production, and eye for culture helped bridge the gap between the underground and arena-level artistry. Travis didn’t just ride the wave — he engineered the experience.
4. Kodak Black
Kodak’s gritty storytelling and head-banging productions stood out from the jump. “Skrt” had the streets and the net in a chokehold, and his raw, autobiographical lyrics helped redefine what street rap could sound like on SoundCloud. Kodak brought emotional weight and realness that resonated far beyond Florida.
5. 21 Savage
21 didn’t yell to be heard — he whispered menace into the mic. Early cuts like “Red Opps” and “Skrrt Skrrt” lived on SoundCloud long before he became a mainstream staple. His ice-cold tone, sinister beats, and deadpan delivery helped birth a whole new lane of minimalist street rap. 21 didn’t chase trends — he made his own lane, and the game followed suit.
6. Future
Before streaming really cracked the code, Future was flooding SoundCloud with some of the most influential mixtapes of the 2010s — Monster, Beast Mode, 56 Nights, and more. He redefined what trap could sound like: vulnerable, messy, beautiful, and relentless. His auto-tuned laments about love, drugs, and betrayal laid the emotional foundation for an entire generation. Uzi, Juice, Carti — they all came from Future’s blueprint.
These artists didn’t just go viral — they built cultures. From the lo-fi distortion of early uploads to arena tours and major deals, these SoundCloud stars proved that breaking the rules was the only rule.
