Artist Spotlight: Lil Pump

Lil Pump, born Gazzy Garcia on August 17, 2000, is a Miami-born rapper who exploded onto the SoundCloud rap scene in the mid-2010s. Known for his colorful dreadlocks, face tattoos, and brash persona, Pump quickly became a poster child for the new wave of mumble rap.

His breakout hit “Gucci Gang” dropped in 2017, catapulting him to mainstream success with its hypnotic repetition and trap-infused beat. The track’s music video, featuring Pump flexing in a Catholic school, racked up millions of views and sparked countless memes.

Pump’s self-titled debut album followed, solidifying his place in the hip-hop landscape with features from big names like Gucci Mane and 2 Chainz. His simplistic lyrics, often centered around drugs, designer brands, and hedonistic pursuits, drew both criticism and a devoted fanbase.

Despite legal troubles and controversies, including endorsing Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, Lil Pump has maintained relevance through collaborations and headline-grabbing antics. Love him or hate him, Pump’s impact on the SoundCloud rap revolution and youth culture is undeniable.