(For context, I’m referring strictly to the era between 2015-2018. Also excluding artists like Post, Kodak and 21 who had brief stints of being relatively underground but were never really apart of that culture.)

With 2 out of the 3 biggest artists being dead (X and Juice) and Uzi’s rapid career decline, Carti’s next album is the last shred of hope for that era’s lasting impact. Just think about it from the perspective of success, impact and influence. I’ll stick to the major players of that time:

Uzi, Carti, Yachty, X, Juice, Pump, Smokepurpp, Peep, Tracy, Ski Mask, Trippie Redd, Zillakami, 6ix9ine, MadeinTYO, Famous Dex, D Savage, Rich The Kid, Lucki, Fauni and Uno

At most, there’s like 6 considerable classic albums between all of them (LUVVTW, LIR2, Die Lit, WLR and FW3. Maybe ?). Not only that but the only ones to have sold over 100K FW post-2020 are Uzi, Juice (posthumous) and Carti, so most of them are not critically or commercially acclaimed. Most, if not all, of these artists have either completely fallen off or their career’s show brief signs of life before returning back to obscurity (Yachty’s run in 2023 and Rich the Kid on Carnival)

In comparison, the blog era scene that came right before them has clearly cemented their influence and legacy while maintaining relevancy despite most of them being way past their prime and are all 30+. The big three goes without saying, every now and then Cudi does something exciting, Tyler just had the biggest debut of his career, Future and Travis are still in their commercial prime, Thug considered one of the most influential rappers of today and still going strong, there’s still anticipation for a Rocky album in 2024, etc.. Not to mention SEVERAL classics amongst them and imprints that have bred some of the hottest acts out rn (PgLang, AWGE, OVO, OF, Dreamville, FBG and YSL vs…. Opium and Crete?)

Even the smaller artists are still very respected or seeing success while pursuing other things outside of music. Black Hippy still has an active fanbase and Earl had a sleeper hit this year, while you have Nast in fashion, Joey in film/tv, Ross’ businesses ventures, Meek with political reforms in Philly, 2 Chainz owning stake in the G-League to name a few

I think if Carti can’t stick the landing with IAM, it’s a wrap for that era for good. He’s the last living torchbearer that can sell well while also delivering quality music if he puts in the effort, yet he still has a lot to prove to truly earn his respect universally

Other than him, what’s there to say about the remaining stragglers? I don’t think any of them have the talent or appeal (aside from potentially Uzi who has clearly lost his confidence and has an uphill battle before he’s respected as an artist again) to make any substantial impact going forward. If Carti doesn’t at the very least come close to meeting the insane amounts of hype that he’s set himself up with, it’s probably over for that era

What do y'all think? To me it’s looking more and more like the naysayers got it right back then which is sad bc I grew up on these artists and defended them so seeing that era get left behind kinda sucks

Soundcloud era falloff started with Lil Peep death

facts. Nothing really else to say

Absolutely marked the end of good rap music. Clear as day. Been saying it since 2017

Absolutely dog s*** era. Some of the worst music I've ever heard came out during that time.

For every one good artist, there were like 10 s*** ones getting popular.

I “you wouldn’t get it” old heads to death I never thought things would turn out this way

Nah this ain’t it @op

The 3 artists you’re excluding LITERALLY used SoundCloud for their biggest hits

Post Malone literally has interviews talking about the first time posting white iverson on SoundCloud and how it changed his life lmfao.

i always considered trav as part of soundcloud era but maybe im tripping

Carti got the most anticipated album currently. Any 'era' or whatever.

Good rap has only come from those grandfathered in

Post Malone is not a SoundCloud rapper. He used the platform, yes. But SoundCloud rappers would be more like Lil Xan, Lil Pump, Smoke purrp, 6ix9ine, etc

A soundcloud rapper invented MUSIC

Even going through my old SoundCloud likes, some of those songs are unbearable to listen to. The sound Era provided so much new sounds and experimental music cause literally everyone had a voice

This tho >>

Funny thing is even if you include 21 and Kodak (post is not SoundCloud idc) they still fell short of expectations

But he blew up with a rap song posted on SoundCloud so he is a part of the SoundCloud era

Juice and X both sold over 100k when they were alive. Trippie also did. It shouldn't really be a surprise that a lot these guys didn't have longevity tho

Trippie hasn’t eclipsed 100K FW sales this decade brother

facts on no classic albums
other than LIR2 and ? there are NO other classics from that era

I guess the parameters aren't well defined. When I talk about SoundCloud rap I'm mainly associating it with the comically dumb appearances, little to no rapping ability, carried entirely by beats, and relying on gimmicks to keep their young audience hooked. Basically just glorified meme rappers.

I wouldn't ever consider someone like Post Malone in that or even close to that area.

it’s 2024 dog

2 Chainz isn't a blog era rapper

I still listen to SoundCloud to this day. Just like with everything there’s some good in there if you put in the leg work. They have the best algo ever and I’ll die on that hill

Niggas from the past era are having some of their biggest years ever and are at the top of the game rn

Die Lit, WLR and FW3 ain’t classics to u?