If you are a person on the Internet in 2016, you likely have some level of knowledge of a young, red-haired rapper named Lil Yachty. You may have heard one of his distinctive bright and poppy hit songs, "Minnesota Remix," "One Night" or "Broccoli." You may, as many have, learned to love these songs and joined the self-proclaimed "King of the Teens" movement (and thought seriously about getting red braids.) You also may, as many have, been turned off by Yachty's nontraditional sound and dismissed him under the highly judgmental "He's what's wrong with rap these days" label. Hate him or love him, Lil Yachty is undeniably rap's newest megastar, and is here to stay.
Yachty's rise can somewhat be credited to the numerous impressive co-signs he has received. Yachty first received major buzz when his single, "Minnesota," was played on Drake's OVO Sound Radio. Soon after, he dropped his biggest hit, "Minnesota Remix," featuring Quavo, Skippa Da Flippa and Young Thug on the "Lil Boat" mixtape. Yachty was selected to be Thug's opener on his Hytunes Tour, gaining him even more exposure. He even received a Kanye co-sign, and is rumored to have worked on Ye's new album. On Chance the Rapper's "Mixtape" track Yachty stole the show from the Chicago rapper. He was named one of the "XXL" Freshman of the Year with his friends Lil Uzi Vert and 21 Savage, both who share many qualities with "Lil Boat." Yachty recently dropped his "Summer Songs 2" mixtape, and his selling out venues countrywide on his The Boat Show tour.
Yachty prides himself on making "positivity music." The intro on his first "Lil Boat" mixtape samples the classic "just keep swimming" mantra of beloved fish Dory of "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory" fame. Yachty's music is definitely unique, a mix of child-like pop beats starkly contrasted with incredibly savage bars. On his newest project, "Summer Songs 2," Yachty continues his positive outlook, with even more street rap.
Many of the Lil Boat doubters cite two main problems with his music. They claim his high-pitched auto-tune voice is difficult to listen to and his lyrical ability is subpar. While Yachty is certainly no Kendrick Lamar, his lyricism serves a different purpose. It is pure fun. Yachty is not concerned with the problems of today. He is a 19-year-old enjoying what I imagine must be a supremely exciting and blissful life.
Lil Yachty is the perfect superstar for today's rap world. His distinctive red-hair separates him from the pack of young rappers who are all trying to have the most distinctive hair style. He is much like a Bizzaro Donald Trump. His fans are rabid to defend him, while his doubters claim he will be the downfall of rap (in Trump's case, the downfall of America). However, rap is not the American government. No one man can ruin it, only change it somehow and make it their own. Lil Yachty is doing this and the youth can't wait to see where it goes.
