Lil Yachty Names His SoundCloud Mount Rushmore
Lil Yachty recently revealed his personal “Mount Rushmore” of SoundCloud rappers, sparking debate among fans about who truly defined the platform’s early era. In a recent interview on the Bootleg Kev Podcast, Yachty named himself, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, XXXTENTACION, and Lil Peep as the artists he believes were foundational to the SoundCloud rap movement of the mid-2010s.
Yachty’s Picks and the Reasoning Behind Them
“In my opinion, I always said it was me, Uzi, X – like we’re talking actual SoundCloud,” Yachty explained. He further clarified his choices, adding Lil Tracy and Carti to his list, stating, “I think my Rushmore is me, Uzi, Carti, X, and Lil Peep.” According2HipHop reports that Yachty’s selections represent those he feels were most impactful during the platform’s initial rise.
The Juice WRLD Omission
Notably absent from Yachty’s Mount Rushmore was Juice WRLD, a hugely popular artist who also gained prominence on SoundCloud. Yachty addressed this omission, explaining that he doesn’t consider Juice WRLD to be part of the same “era” as the artists he selected. “Juice really wasn’t a part of our era,” he stated. “He came after us.” He recalled a time when XXXTENTACION and Tay-K were gaining significant traction on the platform. Hip-Hop Wired details this explanation.
The SoundCloud Era
Yachty and the artists he named were central figures in the “SoundCloud Era,” a period from approximately 2015 to 2019 where the platform became a breeding ground for emerging rap talent. Other artists who gained popularity during this time include Trippie Redd, 21 Savage, Ski Mask The Slump God, and Wifisfuneral.
Fan Reaction
Yachty’s choices have generated considerable discussion on social media, with some fans questioning the exclusion of Juice WRLD. No Jumper highlighted the online debate surrounding the list.
Lil Yachty’s Continued Influence
Lil Yachty continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, and his reflections on the SoundCloud era offer a unique perspective on the platform’s impact on the evolution of rap music. His comments underscore the importance of recognizing the pioneers who helped shape the sound and culture of a generation.