Soundcloud fuels Broward’s rising rap scene
Fort Lauderdale’s Denzel Curry performs in Osheaga, Canada earlier this year for “The Come Up Show,” a traveling show created to showcase rising musicians.
Broward County is currently a hotbed for the rap industry, as it is the largest growing place for uprising talent. Rappers such as Xxxtentacion, Ski Mask the Slump God and Kodak Black reflect highly on this new culture. The implications of the emergence of Soundcloud rap in Broward ranges from kids expressing their individuality to others following their dreams into a profession in music.
These rappers are also centers of much controversy which poses the question of why Broward creates such “problematic” rappers. Soundcloud, an app that streams music which can be uploaded by any user, has been a large contributor to the community and how these artists create fame. Denzel Curry pioneered the rap culture in South Florida and gained popularity with artists like Robb Bank$ and Yung Simmie to create the song “Threatz” in 2013 which was what brought him to his acclaimed fame.
This song was his biggest hit, followed by “Ultimate” in 2015 reaching #23 on the charts.
Another emerging artist, Kodak Black, rose into mainstream popularity with the hit song “No Flockin,” jumpstarting Broward into the rap industry. In 2013, Kodak Black released “Project Baby,” portraying his unique flow and style that captivated the rap scene, as he released the song “Tunnel Vision” after becoming a national sensation.
The track became essential to every party in South Florida and echoed through locker rooms throughout Broward County.
The next rapper to hit the scene and make waves was Xxxtentacion, a controversial, young and emotional rapper who heavily influenced Soundcloud rappers into a heavy bass or cloudy lo-fi sounding production. X, as he is referred to, released the song “Look at Me,” which rose to national attention.
X became the center of debate with an allegation of domestic violence. He spent time in the Broward County correctional facility for several years for assault; however, in the domestic charge, he was not found guilty because the accusations were found to be fabricated from his previous girlfriend. Kodak Black was also sentenced to four months in jail due to multiple assault charges multiple. This is a theme throughout Florida’s rap scene and its association with crime.
Recently, rappers like Ski Mask, Lil Telemundo, Wifisfuneral, Lil Pump and Bass Santana have popped onto the market, making a successful uprising. All South Florida rappers who have made a big splash in the small pond of South Florida did so by gaining national exposure, making jobs out of passions before the age of 24. Kodak Black pioneered an “I can achieve the Soundcloud dream” mindset of many South Floridian artists, producers, and music engineers. He set the stage for influential artists. Soundcloud creates a platform for those who want voice their opinions and passions with no one else to listen.
