With the booming popularity of Spotify’s RapCaviar playlist providing a pathway to the mainstream, the spotlight was rightly positioned on Luh Tyler, a mere rookie finalist in the quest for the title of ‘Rap’s MVP’. Despite falling short behind celebrated winners as Destroy Lonely and the indomitable Drake, Tyler is already eyeing the golden prize in his expanding universe. Hailing from Tallahassee, this child prodigy has nefariously charted a course towards stardom, believing it a pursuit well worth its weight.
The seventeen-year-old prodigy of rap discovered his talent by happenstance. Coaxed by friends who were tinkering with the app, BandLab, Tyler gave it a shot, unbeknownst to the magic it would unlock. Quick to recognize an enchanting instrumental on YouTube, he swiftly crafted the world-renowned track “Back Flippin'”, an anthem that echoes the timeless swagger of a player at his best. Despite its viral success, Tyler barely recognized the potency of his creation, absorbed in another TikTok implementation.
Luh Tyler and his debut album, _My Vision_, released in March, stayed true to his craft, embellishing an effortless fusion of relaxed beats and vivid narratives, masterfully devoid of trap-beats interruptions or discordant features. His collaborations with BabyTron and Trapland Pat were harmoniously woven into his musical tapestry, demonstrating their undeniable chemistry and prowess. Atlantic labelled its key strategy in helping Tyler shine: non-interference.
His throbbing success with “Law & Order” solidified his lyrical ingenuity, instantly positioning this young talent in the epicenter of numerous label debates. The allure of signing Tyler was insatiable, with label representatives lining up for a personal meeting with the rising star and his proud family.
Central to Tyler’s appeal is his earnest charm and the versatility of his narrative. A quintessential example is his endearing portrayal as a photographer in the “Law & Order” video, detailing an irresistible tableau of Tallahassee at sunset. Despite having a clean record, elements of his presentation resonate with the rebellious energy of old-school rap, akin to Detroit rapper Babyface Ray’s stylistic approach to storytelling.
_Remixing his identity, the FL-bred artist isn’t merely a mimic echoing established rap trademarks. By infusing authenticity into his rhythm and flow, Tyler has indulged in the process of storytelling, treating it as more than a mere dabbling in the profession. The young sensation is now opening his world tour alongside Memphis rap titan Moneybagg Yo, and his committed fanbase ensures a full house wherever he performs.
Tyler’s trusting nature and endearing naivety in picking a label further reaffirm the wholesomeness at his core. His grandmother, one of his biggest champions, often accompanies him on stage, a testament to his deeply rooted family values. Deciding to pursue TikTok alongside music has drawn a fair share of criticism, but his commitment to the traditional ethos of hip-hop, featuring technical precision and lyricism, places him way beyond the characteristic allure of flash-in-the-pan influencers.
Although Tyler’s sudden thrust into stardom seems accidental, he pursues his craft diligently, blending his style with influences from SoCal and ATL snap music. His aspiration is to share the limelight with the likes of Drake, selling out arenas, and transcending the realms of contemporary hip-hop expectations.
While some might construe his talent as an overnight success, his raw talent and relentless energy interwoven with seamless transitions on tracks like “St. Nick”, “I’m Him”, and “Rapper of the Year” herald the makings of an enduring artist. With the grace of an old soul living in the present, Luh Tyler carries the potential to democratize the hierarchical world of rap. His fervor, confidence, and talent bear testament that this young prodigy is, in fact, the vanguard of new-school pimp rap.
