$NOT

Morphing between several contemporary rap styles, Florida-based rapper $NOT employs a relaxed approach to the era’s trap sonics. After breaking through in 2018 with his single “Gosha,” he signed on with 300 Entertainment for studio albums like - Tragedy + and Beautiful Havoc, both released in 2020. A third album, Ethereal, arrived in 2022, heralded by the single “Doja” with A$AP Rocky. Subsequent singles included 2023′s “Easter Pink” and “Cruel World,” with his fourth album Viceroy appearing in 2024. $NOT made his musical debut with the 2017 single “By Myself,” and his early career was defined by the D.I.Y. ethos of the era. Dipping his toes into numerous key scenes, the rapper’s early releases varied from Playboi Carti-esque circular trap to the brash, screaming bangers of contemporaries like XXXTentacion. Continuing to adapt and evolve, the young musician spent 2018 on more melancholic terms, adopting a muffled, BONES-esque tone for ironically gloomy singles like “Joyful” and “Mi Vida Loca.” His first project was the five-track EP The Ti$$ue Files; released in April 2018, it embodied the lo-fi sonics of his career thus far, providing an experimental mix of lethargic trap anthems. $NOT’s breakout hit arrived in October 2018 with the single “Gosha,” which adopted the laid-back delivery of his signature work, and he quickly racked up tens of millions of streams across platforms worldwide. With a strong fan base behind him, he continued to experiment throughout 2019 (even venturing into country-trap for the single “Billy Boy”) before kicking off 2020 with his debut album, - Tragedy +. The March project, true to $NOT’s tried-and-tested approach, added fresh production touches to his blend of chilled-out trap, including key hits “Gosha” and “Beretta.” He returned that October with his second full-length, Beautiful Havoc, which included guest spots by Iann Dior, Denzel Curry, and Flo Milli. $NOT released several new songs in 2021, including “Whipski” featuring Internet Money and Lil Skies, and the Cochise collaboration “Tell Em.” The rapper’s third full-length, Ethereal, arrived in February 2022 and boasted appearances by A$AP Rocky, Trippie Redd, Kevin Abstract, and others. Subsequent singles included “Ms Porter” (featuring Night Lovell), “Immaculate,” and “Simple,” as well as collaborations with Eem Triplin (“Let You Know”) and Rich Brian (“Vivid”). Solo singles “Easter Pink” and “Cruel World” appeared in 2023. Viceroy, $NOT’s fourth full-length, arrived in 2024. ~ David Crone