How a two-year career redefined the sound of modern rap
In short: In just twenty-four months, Jarad Higgins rose from uploading smartphone recordings to SoundCloud to dominating the global charts. Known as Juice WRLD, the Chicago-born artist blended emo-pop influences with raw, introspective lyrics, creating a massive cultural movement that left an indelible mark on the music industry before his sudden death.
Jarad Anthony Higgins, performing as Juice WRLD, became a central figure in the SoundCloud rap and emo rap movements during the late 2010s. His musical DNA was a complex hybrid: he drew from Chicago drill artists like Lil Durk and Chief Keef, but infused his sound with the pop-punk energy of bands such as Blink-182 and Panic! At The Disco. This melodic, often melancholy approach allowed him to bridge the gap between underground rap and the pop mainstream, earning him billions of streams in a remarkably brief professional window.
The mechanism of his success was rooted in both technical skill and digital accessibility. A prolific freestyler, Higgins could reportedly record hits like 'Lucid Dreams' in roughly 20 minutes. The track, which sampled Sting’s 'Shape of Me Heart,' eventually peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered over two billion Spotify streams. His ability to navigate various genres was supported by early musical training in piano, percussion, and guitar, which he began at age four.
However, his rapid ascent was shadowed by personal struggles. Higgins used substances like Xanax, Percocet, and 'lean'—a mixture of prescription cough syrup and soda—to manage his mental health, a practice he admitted began as early as the sixth grade. His life was marked by significant loss, including the death of his father in June 2019. On December 8, 2019, just six days after his 21st birthday, Higgins died of an accidental overdose of codeine and oxycodone following a seizure at Chicago's Midway Airport. His legacy continues through posthumous releases like 'Legends Never Die' and 'Fighting Demons,' which set significant chart records.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Juice WRLD | Songs, Death, Lucid Dreams, XXXTentacion, & Facts | Britannica
- Also: Juice Wrld
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-juice-wrld.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Irish culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
