By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – In a recent sit-down with Bootleg Kev on his popular podcast, which aired on February 25th, Atlanta’s own Lil Yachty delved into a topic that has sparked much debate within the hip-hop community: the definitive Mount Rushmore of SoundCloud rappers. Yachty, a pivotal figure himself in the transformative era of late 2010s internet-driven music, offered his personal selections, highlighting artists who he believes left an indelible mark on the platform that became a breeding ground for a new generation of artists. His choices, while featuring some expected titans, also presented a few thoughtful inclusions that shed light on his perspective of the SoundCloud wave’s evolution.
During the candid conversation, Lil Yachty, whose real name is Miles Parks McCollum, articulated his vision for this esteemed digital monument. "When I think about actual SoundCloud, the real essence of it, it has to be me, Lil Uzi Vert, and XXXTentacion," he stated, laying the groundwork for his selections. He elaborated, acknowledging that his choices might invite some "flack," but stood firm in his assessment. "I’d have to include Lil Tracy," Yachty continued, emphasizing Tracy’s significant impact and presence during that period. "And then, of course, Playboi Carti. So, for me, my Rushmore is Lil Yachty, Uzi, Carti, X, and Lil Peep." This collection represents a potent blend of raw energy, distinctive aesthetics, and genre-bending experimentation that characterized the SoundCloud rap movement.
The exclusion of certain prominent artists, most notably the late Juice WRLD, did not go unnoticed by fans. Yachty, however, was prepared to explain his reasoning, drawing a clear line of demarcation for the artists he considers part of the "core" SoundCloud era. "Juice WRLD, in my opinion, wasn’t really a part of our initial wave," he clarified. "He emerged a bit later, after we had already established our presence." This distinction suggests Yachty’s focus on the foundational artists who pioneered the sound and aesthetic that defined the platform’s initial explosion onto the mainstream consciousness.
Reflecting further on the vibrant and often chaotic SoundCloud landscape, Yachty reminisced about the undeniable momentum of artists like XXXTentacion, whose raw and often controversial output garnered massive attention. He also brought up Tay-K, a rapper whose promising career was tragically derailed by legal entanglements. "I remember X was absolutely dominating that era," Yachty recalled. "And Tay-K, I think he was on the verge of something huge. If he hadn’t had his legal issues, he would have been an undeniable force." This statement underscores the potential and the precariousness that often accompanied artists navigating the burgeoning online music scene.
Lil Yachty himself was a central figure in what is often referred to as the "SoundCloud Era," a period roughly spanning from 2015 to 2019. This era saw the streaming platform become a vital launchpad for a new breed of hip-hop artists who eschewed traditional industry gatekeepers, opting instead for direct fan engagement and rapid content dissemination. Artists like Trippie Redd, 21 Savage, Ski Mask The Slump God, and Wifisfuneral also gained significant traction during this period, each contributing their unique flavor to the evolving soundscape. The "SoundCloud Era" was marked by its lo-fi production, often introspective or aggressive lyrical themes, and a DIY ethos that resonated with a digitally native audience.
The artists Yachty selected for his Mount Rushmore embody key aspects of this movement. Lil Uzi Vert, with his infectious energy and melodic flows, became a superstar. Playboi Carti, known for his minimalist beats and avant-garde ad-libs, cultivated a cult following that has only grown over time. XXXTentacion, despite his controversial public persona, connected with millions through his emotionally charged and experimental music. Lil Peep, who tragically passed away in 2017, is remembered for pioneering the emo-rap subgenre, blending hip-hop beats with the raw vulnerability of indie rock. And Yachty himself, with his distinctive vocal delivery and vibrant aesthetic, brought a playful yet impactful presence to the platform.
The concept of a "Mount Rushmore" inherently invites discussion and disagreement, and Yachty’s picks are no exception. While some may argue for the inclusion of other significant artists who emerged from or thrived on SoundCloud, his selections provide a fascinating glimpse into his personal hierarchy and his understanding of the platform’s most impactful figures. His emphasis on artists who were present during the formative years of the "SoundCloud Era" and who shaped its distinct sonic and cultural identity is a testament to his deep engagement with the movement he helped to define. The lasting influence of these artists continues to be felt across the music landscape, proving that the digital currents of SoundCloud have indeed carved a lasting monument in the history of modern music.