Polo G: Rising Star of Chicago Hip-Hop

In the world of hip-hop today, a young talent from Chicago is making waves. Polo G, born Taurus Tremani Bartlett, has quickly become a standout. He combines gritty realism with soulful expression, winning fans worldwide.

So, what makes Polo G special? And what’s next for this Chicago native? Let’s explore Polo G’s journey and how he’s changing hip-hop.

Early Life and Upbringing

Childhood in Chicago’s Old Town Neighborhood

Polo G, born Taurus Tremani Bartlett on January 6, 1999¹, grew up in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood¹. He lived in the Marshall Field Garden Apartments, seeing the city’s tough side². This included gang violence and drug addiction².

The city tore down Cabrini-Green Homes in 2011, where Polo G grew up².

Influence of Family and Gang Affiliation

Polo G is the second of four kids, and his mom, Stacia Mac, manages his career³. Despite tough times in Chicago, he was inspired by local rappers like G Herbo and Lil Durk². He also has ties to the Vice Lords gang, which has rivalries with other gangs³.

“Almost everybody in Chicago, including kids and older people, use ecstasy pills. I’ve witnessed at least six or seven altercations that left someone bleeding out in my neighborhood. The desensitization to murders and shootings is a norm in Chicago.”

Polo G talks about the tough life in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood². He saw a lot of drug use and violence. But music became his escape, starting to rap at 18³.

Breaking into the Music Industry

Polo G started his music career in Chicago with simple beginnings. In 2018, he uploaded his first song, “ODA,” to YouTube and made a SoundCloud account⁴. His songs like “Gang with Me,” “Welcome Back,” and “Neva Cared” quickly became popular⁴.

His hit single “Finer Things” was a major turning point for him⁴. Written while he was in jail, it helped him get noticed. His song “Pop Out” with Lil Tjay also got a lot of views, nearly 50 million on YouTube⁴. This success led to him signing with Columbia Records in 2019⁴.

“Polo G’s authenticity and storytelling have contributed to his success in the hip-hop industry. His approach to music involves a strict standard of quality, aiming to release hit songs consistently, and his ability to appeal to a wide audience has resulted in a loyal fanbase.”⁴

Polo G’s hard work and planning have been crucial to his success⁴. He moved from Chicago’s Old Town to a successful music career, showing his growth and overcoming obstacles⁴. Despite his family’s different dreams for him, Polo G showed he was meant for music⁴.

Debut Album “Die a Legend”

In June 2019, Polo G released his debut album “Die a Legend.” It mixed pop and drill sounds, getting great reviews. It even reached number six on the Billboard 200 chart⁵. The lead single, “Pop Out” with Lil Tjay, was a hit, adding to the buzz around Polo G’s music⁶.

Successful Singles and Record Deal

“Pop Out” hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving Polo G’s talent⁷. Another hit, “Finer Things,” showed Polo G’s deep storytelling and honesty, touching on his life experiences⁶. These hits led to a record deal with Columbia Records, boosting his career⁶.

Polo G’s album was a hit, praised for its emotional depth and skillful rhymes⁵. The album’s simple guest features, like Lil Tjay, let Polo G’s talent shine⁵. “Die a Legend” made Polo G a star in Chicago’s hip-hop scene and beyond⁶.

The Goat: Cementing His Superstar Status

Polo G’s rise to fame soared in 2020 with “The Goat,” his second album. It hit number two on the Billboard 200 chart, proving he’s a rising star in hip-hop⁸. The album had hits with Juice WRLD and Lil Baby, showing Polo G’s broad appeal and success⁸.

Experts and critics loved “The Goat,” giving it high marks for Polo G’s quick rise and chart success⁸. This success led to his first number one album, “Hall of Fame,” in 2021. It debuted at the top, selling 143,000 units in the U.S⁸.

Polo G’s journey to the top of hip-hop is incredible. His deep lyrics and hits have won him praise and fans⁹. His work on “Hall of Fame” with Roddy Ricch and others solidifies his talent⁸.

polo g: Achieving Billboard Chart Dominance

Polo G has quickly risen in the hip-hop world, topping the Billboard charts. His album “Hall of Fame” hit number one on the Billboard 200 chart in June 2021. The album’s lead single, “Rapstar,” also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Rapstar” by Polo G got 53.6 million U.S. streams and sold 5,300 downloads in its first week. This was the highest weekly sum for a male artist in 2021¹⁰. It also became the 1,122nd song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in its 62-year history¹⁰. Polo G’s previous peak was with “Hate the Other Side,” which reached number 10 in July 2020¹⁰.

The success of “Hall of Fame” and “Rapstar” has boosted Polo G’s music career. He has become a rising rapstar and a major player on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts.

“The last six weeks have seen six songs each spend their first week at No. 1 on the Hot 100¹⁰, showcasing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the music landscape today.”

Polo G’s chart success has earned him his first number one hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts with “Rapstar”¹⁰. This achievement solidifies his role as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop.

Polo G’s ongoing success on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts is undeniable. His consistent delivery of chart-topping hits has made him a key figure in hip-hop¹⁰¹¹.

Hall of Fame: Polo G’s First No. 1 Album

Polo G’s third album, “Hall of Fame,” was a big win for him. It came out on June 11, 2021, and hit the top of the Billboard 200 chart. It sold 143,000 units in its first week, a new high for Polo G¹²¹³.

The deluxe edition, “Hall of Fame 2.0,” came out on December 3, 2021. It had 14 more tracks. This made Polo G even more known in hip-hop.

Collaborations and Critical Acclaim

The “Hall of Fame” album had work from many talented producers. Names like Einer Bankz and Angelo Ferraro were involved¹². The deluxe edition showed Polo G’s range with tracks from Lil Baby and Lil Wayne¹².

These big names and great reviews made Polo G a star in hip-hop. He’s now in the hall of fame of hip-hop.

“Hall of Fame” got good reviews from critics. They loved Polo G’s lyrics and the album’s sound¹².

The album’s hits, like “Rapstar,” made it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart¹². Songs like “Epidemic” and “Gang Gang” featuring Lil Wayne also did well. This made Polo G very popular and successful.

“Hall of Fame” was a big step for Polo G. It showed his work with big names in hip-hop. It made him one of the most exciting young artists in the genre¹²¹³.

Artistry and Musical Influences

Polo G is a rising star in Chicago’s hip-hop scene. He is known for his melodic and introspective style. He often raps over piano-driven beats¹⁴. His music is influenced by Lil Wayne and Tupac Shakur, who are known for their storytelling and emotional depth¹⁴
.

Growing up in Chicago’s Old Town, Polo G was inspired by the local Chicago drill sound. He was also influenced by Gucci Mane, Lil Durk, and G Herbo¹⁴. These artists’ raw lyricism and catchy melodies have shaped Polo G’s unique style¹⁴.

“I’m really inspired by Lil Wayne and Tupac. The way they tell stories and the emotions they can evoke through their music is something I strive for in my own work.”

Polo G tackles tough subjects like racism and mental health in his music. He does so with vulnerability and honesty, connecting with fans¹⁴. His transition to a more melodic approach has earned him critical acclaim¹⁴.

Polo G’s music journey has seen significant achievements. His debut album “Die a Legend” reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum¹⁴. His second album “The Goat” reached number two on the Billboard 200 and had ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart¹⁴. His single “RAPSTAR” debuted at number one on the Hot 100, solidifying his superstar status¹⁴.

Polo G’s artistry and musical influences have been key to his success in the Chicago hip-hop scene and beyond¹⁴. His blend of the gritty drill sound with melodic and introspective approaches has won him a dedicated following and critical acclaim¹⁴.

Personal Life and Legal Troubles

Polo G’s rise to fame was swift, but his personal life has faced many challenges. He has openly talked about his mental health and drug use, including a near-fatal overdose in 2019¹⁵. Polo G said drugs and alcohol helped him deal with pain and emotional issues. However, he stopped using them after Juice WRLD passed away¹⁵.

Polo G has been arrested several times for various crimes. These include criminal possession of a weapon, possession of a loaded firearm, and more¹⁶. In 2021, he was arrested in Miami for battery on a police officer and other charges¹⁶. His brother, Trench Baby, also faced legal troubles, including kidnapping and robbery charges¹⁶.

Despite these challenges, Polo G keeps making music. His latest single, “Sorrys and Ferraris,” came out in February 2024¹⁶. He and his brother were arrested in California in 2022 for a robbery charge¹⁷. They were released on $100,000 bail and will face court in October¹⁷.