Everything Else Is Muzak: It’s “Dripping” from SoundCloud
By Ian Chang and Rowan Tuttle
One of the definitive anthems of the millennial generation, SoundCloud rap, is an emerging field of music. Many SoundCloud artists who have entered the mainstream are best exemplified by songs with braggadocious and unapologetic lyrics that are laid over an ear-bursting and often catchy bassline rhythm. To many, SoundCloud artists represent the quintessential music of “hypebeasts”: self-proclaimed individuals who boast specific designer brand clothing and other luxury items. Typical hypebeast clothing may include Off-White t-shirts, Supreme hoodies or the occasional authentic Bape mask (a small patch of cloth which loops around the ears with elastic and closes off the mouth and ears with a vivid visual design).
Despite the obvious championing of material attachment, the brand of a hypebeast is refreshing in that wearers of the clothes display confidence in their appearance. Two intrepid musicphiles have compiled the following list of songs, which best represents the collective brand of SoundCloud rap and the hypebeasts who are energized by it. Let it drip.
Sicko Mode (2018) by Travis Scott and Drake
Album: Astroworld
“Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott featuring Drake discusses drug use, as well as former relationship, and it is popular because of the multiple beats incorporated through the song. Both Drake and Travis Scott have sponsorships with the hypebeast brand Nike; hence, the song is a decidedly hypebeast.
Nuketown (2018) by Ski Mask the Slump God
Album: Stokely
“Nuketown” has a faster pace than most of Ski Mask’s music and has references to the game “Mortal Kombat.” The song consists of a lot of anger and yelling being displayed by both artists. The song gets people hyped up and excited, all things that a hypebeast song needs. Both artists themselves are hypebeast, as they often flaunt hypebeast brands such as Bape and Supreme.
Wasted (2018) by Juice WRLD and Lil Uzi
Album: Goodbye & Good Riddance
“Wasted” is by Juice WRLD featuring the popular artist Lil Uzi Vert. The song is one of the slower hypebeast songs released by Juice WRLD, and it discusses drug use and other important social issues. One of the marks of the song being hypebeast is the mentioning of “GTA V,” a popular video game played by many hypebeasts. Both of the artists are also known for their love of hype clothing, as Lil Uzi is notorious for flaunting Off-White clothes, and Juice is known for his love of Supreme.
Armed and Dangerous (2018) by Juice WRLD
Album: Armed and Dangerous
The song was posted to YouTube and then deleted for a long period of time, so only a select few people were able to hear the song. This song appeals to many hypebeasts because they like limited items that not everyone can have. In the video, Juice is seen wearing a Bape hoodie accompanied by some Givenchy pants, creating a very hypebeast fit.
Money Longer (2018) by Lil Uzi
Album: Uzi vs. The World
The song “Money Longer” was one of the most popular of Lil Uzi’s album Uzi vs. The World. In the song, Uzi discusses how he has changed since he got famous and has more money. In the video, Uzi is seen wearing a Vlone shirt along with a Goyard bag; both are expensive items and hypebeast typical. The song has also been used in a number of memes, which are popular among some hypebeasts.
Magnolia (2017) by Playboi Carti
Album: Playboi Carti
“Magnolia” was the breakout hit of artist Playboi Carti. The song is very catchy, with its intense beat drop and memorable hook. Playboi Carti is known for wearing Supreme and is a model for many streetwear and designer brands such as Off-White and Louis Vuitton.
Faucet Failure (2018) by Ski Mask the Slump God
Album: Stokely
“Faucet Failure” by Ski Mask the Slump God, is a different approach to music by the artist. The title itself, “Faucet Failure,” refers to jewelry or “drip” as it is known in the hip hop culture.
XO TOUR LIF3 (2017) by Lil Uzi Vert
Album: Luv is Rage 2
This song by Lil Uzi Vert was very popular during 2017. It deals with some of Uzi’s struggles in life and is known for its rather depressing lyrics. The video for the song was produced by Virgil Abloh, creator of the streetwear brand Off-White.
Drip Too Hard (2018) by Lil Baby and Gunna
Album: Drip Harder
This song was released in 2018 as a collaboration between hip hop artists Lil Baby and Gunna. The song talks about having “drip” or a lot of designer or expensive clothing on your body. This is what hypebeasts and the two rappers are known for.
The Way Life Goes (2017) by Lil Uzi Vert
Album: Luv is Rage 2
The song is by Lil Uzi, featuring Nicki Minaj. In the song, Uzi discusses his troubles with his past girlfriend, Brittany Renner. Despite having a more somber tone, the artist still managed to mention hype brands such as Saint Laurent and Gucci.
Listen to the playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBUwy6FTcflyLFca-LVDpyflhfwukWKnl&disable_polymer=true