Juice WRLD, born Jarad Anthony Higgins on December 2, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, had a childhood that would shape his future as one of the most influential artists of his generation. Raised primarily by his mother after his parents separated, he grew up in a strict household where rap music was off-limits. However, this did not stop him from developing a love for music at an early age. His mother, a deeply religious woman, allowed gospel music in the house, which played a role in shaping his musical ear. Despite the restrictions, Jarad found his way to hip-hop and rock music through video games, friends, and the internet.
As a child, he was naturally drawn to creative expression. He started playing the piano at a young age and later picked up other instruments, including guitar and drums. His musical interests expanded when he discovered rock bands like Fall Out Boy, Blink-182, and Black Sabbath, which would later influence his unique blend of emo rap. He was also heavily inspired by artists like Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Chief Keef. This diverse mix of influences helped him craft a sound that resonated with fans who connected with his raw, emotional lyrics.
By the time he reached high school, Juice WRLD had already started experimenting with music. He began recording songs on his phone and uploading them to SoundCloud, a platform that was becoming a launching pad for many underground artists. In his early days, he went by the name “JuicetheKidd,” a moniker inspired by his admiration for the late rapper Tupac Shakur and his role in the movie Juice. Eventually, he changed his name to Juice WRLD, with “WRLD” symbolizing his ambition to take over the music industry on a global scale.
Unlike many aspiring rappers, Juice WRLD didn’t just focus on one style. His music was an emotional blend of rap, rock, and melodic flows, making it stand out from the typical hip-hop tracks dominating the charts. He wasn’t afraid to talk about real issues, pouring his struggles, heartbreaks, and inner demons into his lyrics. This honesty made his music deeply relatable to young listeners who saw their own struggles reflected in his songs.
His breakout moment came when he released “Lucid Dreams” on SoundCloud in 2017. The track, built around a sample from Sting’s “Shape of My Heart,” quickly gained traction, catching the attention of music industry executives. Unlike many viral songs that fade away, “Lucid Dreams” had staying power. It was deeply personal, filled with pain and reflection, and showcased Juice WRLD’s natural ability to blend rap with heartfelt melodies. His talent for freestyling, which he often showcased in interviews and studio sessions, set him apart from many of his peers. He could create songs on the spot, delivering emotionally charged verses without writing them down.
His growing popularity led to a record deal with Grade A Productions, a label co-founded by Lil Bibby, and eventually, he signed with Interscope Records. This was a pivotal moment in his career, as it gave him the resources and platform to bring his music to a wider audience. His debut studio album, Goodbye & Good Riddance, was released in 2018, featuring several hit tracks that solidified his place in the industry. But even as he rose to fame, Juice WRLD remained dedicated to his raw and unfiltered style of storytelling.
What made him different was his ability to make music that felt like an open diary. He spoke candidly about love, heartbreak, drug use, and mental health struggles, resonating deeply with fans who felt unheard. He wasn’t just rapping about materialistic success—his lyrics were filled with vulnerability, making listeners feel like they were experiencing his pain with him. His authenticity was a rare quality in the industry and played a major role in his rapid success.
Juice WRLD’s early life and musical beginnings highlight the journey of a young artist who turned personal pain into art. He didn’t follow traditional paths to fame; instead, he relied on his talent, raw emotion, and the power of social media to reach millions. His music wasn’t just about catchy beats—it was about feelings, experiences, and the struggles of growing up. Even after his passing, his influence continues to shape the sound of modern hip-hop, proving that his music will live on for years to come.
