In the world of hip-hop today, a young talent from Chicago is making waves. Polo G, born Taurus Tremani Bartlett, has quickly become a standout. He combines gritty realism with soulful expression, winning fans worldwide.
So, what makes Polo G special? And what’s next for this Chicago native? Let’s explore Polo G’s journey and how he’s changing hip-hop.
Early Life and Upbringing
Childhood in Chicago’s Old Town Neighborhood
Polo G, born Taurus Tremani Bartlett on January 6, 19991, grew up in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood1. He lived in the Marshall Field Garden Apartments, seeing the city’s tough side2. This included gang violence and drug addiction2.
The city tore down Cabrini-Green Homes in 2011, where Polo G grew up2.
Influence of Family and Gang Affiliation
Polo G is the second of four kids, and his mom, Stacia Mac, manages his career3. Despite tough times in Chicago, he was inspired by local rappers like G Herbo and Lil Durk2. He also has ties to the Vice Lords gang, which has rivalries with other gangs3.
“Almost everybody in Chicago, including kids and older people, use ecstasy pills. I’ve witnessed at least six or seven altercations that left someone bleeding out in my neighborhood. The desensitization to murders and shootings is a norm in Chicago.”
Polo G talks about the tough life in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood2. He saw a lot of drug use and violence. But music became his escape, starting to rap at 183.
Breaking into the Music Industry
Polo G started his music career in Chicago with simple beginnings. In 2018, he uploaded his first song, “ODA,” to YouTube and made a SoundCloud account4. His songs like “Gang with Me,” “Welcome Back,” and “Neva Cared” quickly became popular4.
His hit single “Finer Things” was a major turning point for him4. Written while he was in jail, it helped him get noticed. His song “Pop Out” with Lil Tjay also got a lot of views, nearly 50 million on YouTube4. This success led to him signing with Columbia Records in 20194.
“Polo G’s authenticity and storytelling have contributed to his success in the hip-hop industry. His approach to music involves a strict standard of quality, aiming to release hit songs consistently, and his ability to appeal to a wide audience has resulted in a loyal fanbase.”4
Polo G’s hard work and planning have been crucial to his success4. He moved from Chicago’s Old Town to a successful music career, showing his growth and overcoming obstacles4. Despite his family’s different dreams for him, Polo G showed he was meant for music4.
Debut Album “Die a Legend”
In June 2019, Polo G released his debut album “Die a Legend.” It mixed pop and drill sounds, getting great reviews. It even reached number six on the Billboard 200 chart5. The lead single, “Pop Out” with Lil Tjay, was a hit, adding to the buzz around Polo G’s music6.
Successful Singles and Record Deal
“Pop Out” hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving Polo G’s talent7. Another hit, “Finer Things,” showed Polo G’s deep storytelling and honesty, touching on his life experiences6. These hits led to a record deal with Columbia Records, boosting his career6.
Polo G’s album was a hit, praised for its emotional depth and skillful rhymes5. The album’s simple guest features, like Lil Tjay, let Polo G’s talent shine5. “Die a Legend” made Polo G a star in Chicago’s hip-hop scene and beyond6.
The Goat: Cementing His Superstar Status
Polo G’s rise to fame soared in 2020 with “The Goat,” his second album. It hit number two on the Billboard 200 chart, proving he’s a rising star in hip-hop8. The album had hits with Juice WRLD and Lil Baby, showing Polo G’s broad appeal and success8.
Experts and critics loved “The Goat,” giving it high marks for Polo G’s quick rise and chart success8. This success led to his first number one album, “Hall of Fame,” in 2021. It debuted at the top, selling 143,000 units in the U.S8.
Polo G’s journey to the top of hip-hop is incredible. His deep lyrics and hits have won him praise and fans9. His work on “Hall of Fame” with Roddy Ricch and others solidifies his talent8.
polo g: Achieving Billboard Chart Dominance
Polo G has quickly risen in the hip-hop world, topping the Billboard charts. His album “Hall of Fame” hit number one on the Billboard 200 chart in June 2021. The album’s lead single, “Rapstar,” also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Rapstar” by Polo G got 53.6 million U.S. streams and sold 5,300 downloads in its first week. This was the highest weekly sum for a male artist in 202110. It also became the 1,122nd song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in its 62-year history10. Polo G’s previous peak was with “Hate the Other Side,” which reached number 10 in July 202010.
The success of “Hall of Fame” and “Rapstar” has boosted Polo G’s music career. He has become a rising rapstar and a major player on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts.
“The last six weeks have seen six songs each spend their first week at No. 1 on the Hot 10010, showcasing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the music landscape today.”
Polo G’s chart success has earned him his first number one hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts with “Rapstar”10. This achievement solidifies his role as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop.
Polo G’s ongoing success on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts is undeniable. His consistent delivery of chart-topping hits has made him a key figure in hip-hop1011.
Hall of Fame: Polo G’s First No. 1 Album
Polo G’s third album, “Hall of Fame,” was a big win for him. It came out on June 11, 2021, and hit the top of the Billboard 200 chart. It sold 143,000 units in its first week, a new high for Polo G1213.
The deluxe edition, “Hall of Fame 2.0,” came out on December 3, 2021. It had 14 more tracks. This made Polo G even more known in hip-hop.
Collaborations and Critical Acclaim
The “Hall of Fame” album had work from many talented producers. Names like Einer Bankz and Angelo Ferraro were involved12. The deluxe edition showed Polo G’s range with tracks from Lil Baby and Lil Wayne12.
These big names and great reviews made Polo G a star in hip-hop. He’s now in the hall of fame of hip-hop.
“Hall of Fame” got good reviews from critics. They loved Polo G’s lyrics and the album’s sound12.
The album’s hits, like “Rapstar,” made it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart12. Songs like “Epidemic” and “Gang Gang” featuring Lil Wayne also did well. This made Polo G very popular and successful.
“Hall of Fame” was a big step for Polo G. It showed his work with big names in hip-hop. It made him one of the most exciting young artists in the genre1213.
Artistry and Musical Influences
Polo G is a rising star in Chicago’s hip-hop scene. He is known for his melodic and introspective style. He often raps over piano-driven beats14. His music is influenced by Lil Wayne and Tupac Shakur, who are known for their storytelling and emotional depth14.
Growing up in Chicago’s Old Town, Polo G was inspired by the local Chicago drill sound. He was also influenced by Gucci Mane, Lil Durk, and G Herbo14. These artists’ raw lyricism and catchy melodies have shaped Polo G’s unique style14.
“I’m really inspired by Lil Wayne and Tupac. The way they tell stories and the emotions they can evoke through their music is something I strive for in my own work.”
Polo G tackles tough subjects like racism and mental health in his music. He does so with vulnerability and honesty, connecting with fans14. His transition to a more melodic approach has earned him critical acclaim14.
Polo G’s music journey has seen significant achievements. His debut album “Die a Legend” reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum14. His second album “The Goat” reached number two on the Billboard 200 and had ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart14. His single “RAPSTAR” debuted at number one on the Hot 100, solidifying his superstar status14.
Polo G’s artistry and musical influences have been key to his success in the Chicago hip-hop scene and beyond14. His blend of the gritty drill sound with melodic and introspective approaches has won him a dedicated following and critical acclaim14.
Personal Life and Legal Troubles
Polo G’s rise to fame was swift, but his personal life has faced many challenges. He has openly talked about his mental health and drug use, including a near-fatal overdose in 201915. Polo G said drugs and alcohol helped him deal with pain and emotional issues. However, he stopped using them after Juice WRLD passed away15.
Polo G has been arrested several times for various crimes. These include criminal possession of a weapon, possession of a loaded firearm, and more16. In 2021, he was arrested in Miami for battery on a police officer and other charges16. His brother, Trench Baby, also faced legal troubles, including kidnapping and robbery charges16.
Despite these challenges, Polo G keeps making music. His latest single, “Sorrys and Ferraris,” came out in February 202416. He and his brother were arrested in California in 2022 for a robbery charge17. They were released on $100,000 bail and will face court in October17.
Source Links
- Polo G: The Life and Rise of a Young Rap Prodigy – History Tools
- Polo G Raps Through the Pain
- Polo G’s Chicago Soul
- QUALITY OVER QUANTITY :: Polo G Took A Different Route to the Top – The Hundreds
- Polo G: Die a Legend
- Polo G’s ’Die A Legend’ Is An Impressive, Emotive Debut
- Polo G’s Pain Is Palpable on His Debut Album “Die a Legend” — stereovision
- Five Burning Questions: Polo G Scores First No. 1 Album
- Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century: No. 21 — Lil Wayne
- Polo G Scores First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 With Debut of ‘Rapstar’
- The Albums With the Most Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 Hits
- Hall of Fame (Polo G album)
- Polo G Lands First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With ‘Hall of Fame’
- Polo G
- Polo G Says He Uses Drugs And Alcohol To Cope With Emotional Pain
- Polo G Facing Gun Charges After Loaded Firearm Found in Hotel Room
- Polo G Arrested Twice in California, Facing Charges of Kidnapping, Robbery, and Assault
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