
Juice WRLD, born Jarad Anthony Higgins on December 2, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, was an influential American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his impact on the emo-rap genre. Raised in the suburbs of the city, his early exposure to music came from his mother, who was a conservative Christian and limited his exposure to hip-hop. Nevertheless, he found his way to artists such as Blink-182, Billy Idol, and rappers like Chief Keef, who influenced his eclectic sound. Juice WRLD first began posting music on SoundCloud in 2015, initially releasing tracks under the name "JuicetheKidd," before adopting the stage name Juice WRLD as an homage to the film "Juice" starring Tupac Shakur. His breakout single, "Lucid Dreams," released in 2018, catapulted him into mainstream success with its distinct blend of rap and melodic singing. The song, notable for its introspective lyrics and catchy melody, reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidified his place as a key figure in modern hip-hop. His debut studio album, "Goodbye & Good Riddance," was released in May 2018 and received critical acclaim for its raw emotion and authenticity. Juice WRLD followed up with his 2019 album "Death Race for Love," which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing his versatility and further cementing his reputation in the music industry. Juice WRLD was celebrated for his genre-blurring style and introspective lyrical content, often touching on themes of heartbreak, substance abuse, and mental health. He was influential in bringing discussions about mental health to the forefront of contemporary music. Tragically, Juice WRLD passed away on December 8, 2019, due to a drug-related seizure at Chicago's Midway International Airport, just six days after his 21st birthday. Despite his untimely death, his musical legacy continues to resonate, with posthumous releases like "Legends Never Die" in 2020, which also topped charts and confirmed his enduring impact on fans and the music industry alike.