SoundCloud has long been the go-to platform for independent artists to upload and share their music, and it has played a critical role in launching the careers of several global superstars. So, who is the biggest artist to emerge from this influential platform?
The Importance of SoundCloud for Independent Artists
SoundCloud has been instrumental in giving artists control over their careers, especially in the early stages. Unlike other platforms, it allows free uploads, empowering artists to reach audiences without relying on major record labels. This freedom has fostered the rise of many significant music trends, particularly within the hip-hop and electronic music communities.
XXXTentacion: A SoundCloud Legend
When it comes to naming the biggest SoundCloud artist, one name stands above the rest: XXXTentacion (Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy). With over 10 million followers and billions of streams, XXXTentacion’s influence on the platform is undeniable.
His breakout track “Look at Me!“, which was initially uploaded to SoundCloud in 2016, became a viral hit and thrust him into the spotlight. The raw energy and emotional depth of his music helped to establish him as a SoundCloud sensation, and even after his tragic passing in 2018, his presence on the platform remains unmatched.
Other Major SoundCloud Artists
While XXXTentacion’s contributions to SoundCloud are legendary, several other artists have used the platform to launch wildly successful careers:
Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Uzi Vert is another artist who made a significant impact on SoundCloud before transitioning to mainstream success. Tracks like “Money Longer” and “XO Tour Llif3” were early hits on SoundCloud, showcasing his ability to blend rap with alternative genres.
Post Malone
Before becoming a global superstar, Post Malone also found early success on SoundCloud with his viral hit “White Iverson“. This track helped Post Malone quickly ascend to mainstream fame, and today he is one of the most-streamed artists across multiple platforms.
Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper is one of the earliest examples of an artist who used SoundCloud as his main distribution platform. His critically acclaimed mixtape “Acid Rap” was released for free on SoundCloud and was pivotal in his rise to prominence. Chance’s success on SoundCloud paved the way for a new generation of independent musicians to control their music careers.
Measuring Success on SoundCloud
There are several ways to measure who the biggest artist on SoundCloud is. These include:
- Total plays: Songs with millions or billions of plays can signal an artist’s massive influence.
- Follower count: The number of followers an artist has speaks to their popularity and reach on the platform.
- Cultural impact: Artists like XXXTentacion or Lil Uzi Vert, while having high streams, also left a lasting impact on music culture through their SoundCloud releases.
Conclusion: SoundCloud as a Launchpad for Stars
While many artists have used SoundCloud to start their careers, XXXTentacion arguably stands as the biggest SoundCloud artist to date. His influence on the platform and in the broader music scene continues to resonate, despite his passing. Other artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Post Malone, and Chance the Rapper also owe much of their success to their early years on SoundCloud.
The platform remains a powerful tool for independent artists, offering a space where creativity can flourish, and new sounds can emerge. For listeners, SoundCloud offers a unique opportunity to discover the next big artist before they hit the mainstream.
The Supreme Team is an Austin, Texas promotion agency started by Indie Artists for Indie Artists. Our Organic SoundCloud Promotion and Organic Spotify Promotion is provided through a network of influencers and artists in the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil, and more. Be the next viral artist here: SUPREMEPR