Has Anyone Gotten Famous Off SoundCloud?
SoundCloud, the online audio distribution platform, has been a significant launchpad for numerous artists over the years. It has allowed musicians from all genres to share their work, build a following, and in some cases, catapult themselves to mainstream success. Here are some notable artists who have risen to fame thanks to SoundCloud:
Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper is one of the most prominent success stories from SoundCloud. He released his mixtape “Acid Rap” on the platform in 2013, which received widespread acclaim and significantly boosted his profile. His unique sound and approach to music, combined with the free distribution model of SoundCloud, helped him build a dedicated fanbase. Chance has since won multiple Grammy Awards and remains an influential figure in the music industry.
Post Malone
Post Malone’s breakout hit “White Iverson” first gained traction on SoundCloud. The song, uploaded in 2015, quickly went viral, amassing millions of plays and catching the attention of major record labels. This initial success on SoundCloud played a crucial role in launching his career. Post Malone has since become a global superstar, known for hits like “Rockstar,” “Circles,” and “Sunflower.”
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish uploaded her song “Ocean Eyes” to SoundCloud in 2015, which was initially intended for her dance teacher. The track quickly gained popularity, leading to a recording deal with Interscope Records. Eilish’s ethereal voice and unique style resonated with a vast audience, and she has since become one of the biggest names in music, winning multiple Grammy Awards and achieving critical and commercial success with her debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”
Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Uzi Vert used SoundCloud as a primary platform to release his early music. His mixtape “Luv Is Rage,” released in 2015, garnered significant attention and established him as a prominent figure in the hip-hop scene. Lil Uzi Vert’s energetic style and distinctive voice have earned him a massive following, leading to chart-topping albums and singles like “XO TOUR Llif3” and “Eternal Atake.”
Khalid
Khalid’s debut single “Location” was uploaded to SoundCloud in 2016 and quickly went viral, catching the attention of music industry insiders. The song’s success on SoundCloud helped Khalid secure a recording contract and paved the way for his debut album, “American Teen,” which was a critical and commercial success. Khalid has since become a prominent R&B artist with numerous hit songs and awards to his name.
XXXTentacion
XXXTentacion built a substantial following on SoundCloud with his raw and emotional music. His breakout track “Look at Me!” gained massive popularity on the platform, leading to a significant following and a recording contract. Despite his controversial life and untimely death, XXXTentacion left a lasting impact on the music world, influencing a generation of artists with his genre-blending style.
Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller uploaded his debut single “Don’t” to SoundCloud in 2014, where it quickly gained traction and led to a recording deal with RCA Records. The song became a hit, propelling Tiller into the spotlight. His debut album, “TRAPSOUL,” was a commercial success, and he has continued to make waves in the R&B and hip-hop scenes.
Playboi Carti
Playboi Carti gained significant attention on SoundCloud with his early tracks, including the breakout hit “Broke Boi.” His unique style and energetic delivery attracted a loyal following, and he signed a major record deal. Playboi Carti has since released successful projects like “Die Lit” and “Whole Lotta Red,” solidifying his place in the rap industry.
Conclusion
SoundCloud has proven to be a powerful platform for launching music careers, providing a space for artists to share their work freely and connect directly with listeners. The success stories of Chance the Rapper, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Lil Uzi Vert, Khalid, XXXTentacion, Bryson Tiller, and Playboi Carti are just a few examples of how SoundCloud has helped artists gain fame and achieve mainstream success. By leveraging the platform’s community-driven nature and ease of access, these artists were able to reach a broad audience, build a loyal fanbase, and transition to the larger music industry. SoundCloud continues to be an essential tool for emerging artists looking to make their mark on the world.