Jarad Anthony Higgins, known as Juice WRLD, transformed hip-hop. He died in 2019 at 21. Furthermore, his catalog still dominates streaming in 2025. Hits like “Lucid Dreams” and “Robbery” pioneered emo-rap. Moreover, they blended hip-hop with emo’s vulnerability. Consequently, this article explores their impact.
The Birth of Emo-Rap and Juice WRLD’s Breakthrough
Emo-rap emerged in the mid-2010s. It fused hip-hop beats with emo lyricism. Additionally, Juice WRLD became its leading voice. His 2018 single “All Girls Are the Same” peaked at 41 on Billboard. Furthermore, it introduced his melancholic style.
“Juice WRLD brought authenticity to hip-hop,” said The Kid LAROI. He spoke in a 2023 Rolling Stone interview.
Meanwhile, he mixed Lil Wayne’s rap with Fall Out Boy’s emo. His music resonated with Gen Z. Moreover, it voiced love, loss, and mental health struggles. Therefore, he became an emo-rap trailblazer.
“Lucid Dreams”: A Cultural and Chart-Topping Phenomenon
“Lucid Dreams” defines Juice WRLD’s legacy. Released in 2018, it hit number 2 on Billboard. Furthermore, it has 2.5 billion Spotify streams by July 2025. The track samples Sting’s “Shape of My Heart.”
Additionally, it features haunting melodies. Lyrics cover heartbreak. However, a legal dispute with Sting arose. Consequently, this boosted its reach. Moreover, the song brought emo-rap to mainstream audiences.
“Robbery”: Emotional Depth Meets Cinematic Production
“Robbery” shines from 2019’s Death Race for Love. Its piano beat captivates. Furthermore, lyrics like “She told me put my heart in the bag” stand out. It peaked at 27 on Billboard.
Meanwhile, it has 1.8 billion Spotify streams. The music video has 300 million YouTube views. Therefore, this solidified his emo-rap influence.
“Bandit”: A Posthumous Hit That Showcased Versatility
“Bandit” featured YoungBoy Never Broke Again. Released in 2019, it peaked at 10 on Billboard. Furthermore, its trap-heavy beat contrasts his style. It has 1.5 billion streams.
Additionally, it reached new audiences. He bridged emo-rap and trap. Moreover, this influenced artists like Polo G. Consequently, his posthumous impact grew.
The Broader Influence of Juice WRLD’s Catalog
“Wishing Well” and “Righteous” tackle mental health. “Wishing Well” hit number 5 on Billboard. Furthermore, it’s an anthem for fans. His catalog hit 40 billion streams by 2025.
Meanwhile, he influenced fashion and gaming. His music appears in Fortnite. Additionally, artists like Iann Dior build on his style.
Why Juice WRLD’s Legacy Endures in 2025
His music transcends trends. Vulnerability broke hip-hop barriers. Furthermore, Billboard’s 2024 piece said he gave a generation permission to feel.
Moreover, from “Lucid Dreams” to “Bandit,” he redefined emo-rap. New artists carry his legacy. Therefore, listen on Apple Music or Spotify.
