Polo G

Polo G is the stage name of Taurus Tremani Bartlett, an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. Born in 1999, he is associated with Chicago drill, drill, gangsta rap, hip hop and trap. He is signed to his own label, Polo G.

Background

Bartlett is from the Old Town area of Chicago and grows up in the city with three siblings in the Marshall Field Garden Apartments project development. He is raised by both parents. Before becoming known as a recording artist, he spends several periods in prison. He records his first song, titled "ODA", before his rise to wider attention.

Early releases and breakthrough

After creating a SoundCloud account in 2018, he releases "Gang With Me", which quickly gains millions of plays. He follows it with "Welcome Back" and "Neva Cared". Later in 2018 he releases "Finer Things", written while he is incarcerated, and it also draws millions of views.

He becomes best known for "Pop Out", a collaboration with Bronx rapper Lil Tjay, which peaks at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song gains a very large audience on YouTube and leads to a record deal with Columbia Records. Polo G is also known for work that moves from an earlier Chicago drill sound towards a more melodic style.

Albums and chart success

His debut studio album, Die a Legend, is released in 2019 and peaks at number 6 on the Billboard 200. The album includes videos for "Deep Wounds", "Through Da Storm", "Effortless" and "Dyin' Breed". A later single, "Heartless", is produced by Mustard and is later included on his second album.

In 2020 he releases "Go Stupid" with Stunna 4 Vegas and NLE Choppa, with production from Mike Will Made-It and Tay Keith. The track becomes his second Hot 100 entry after "Pop Out" and also appears on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts. His second studio album, The Goat, is released in 2020 and debuts at number two on the Billboard 200. Ten songs from the album enter the Hot 100, including "Flex" featuring Juice Wrld and "Be Something" featuring Lil Baby.

He also appears on Juice Wrld's posthumous album Legends Never Die on the song "Hate the Other Side", which reaches number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becomes his first top-ten single. Later in 2020, "Martin & Gina" is released as a single and reaches number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Lyrical themes and influences

Polo G is noted for vivid and explicit storytelling in his lyrics. His songs often address racism, mental health and other difficult subjects, while also referring to his hometown and experiences of injustice and police brutality. He says that Lil Wayne and Tupac Shakur are his biggest influences, and he also grows up listening to Gucci Mane, Lil Durk, G Herbo and Chief Keef.

Recognition

In August 2020, Polo G is included in XXL's Freshman Class.