Remembering Juice WRLD: The Impact of a SoundCloud Pioneer

The music world mourned the loss of Juice WRLD, a pioneering figure in the SoundCloud rap scene, who passed away on December 8, 2019, at the young age of 21. Born Jarad Anthony Higgins in Chicago in 1998, Juice WRLD left an indelible mark on the genre with his unique blend of emo and hip-hop influences. His journey began in high school around 2015, when he started experimenting with music that ultimately led him to the platform of SoundCloud, designed to elevate independent artists.

Juice WRLD’s significant breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of the hit single “Lucid Dreams.” The track resonated widely, amassing over three billion streams on Spotify, and remains his most recognized work. In the span of his brief career, he released two studio albums: Goodbye & Good Riddance in 2018 and Death Race for Love in 2019. He collaborated with notable artists, including Lil Uzi Vert and Young Thug, further solidifying his influence in the music industry.

Tragically, Juice WRLD’s life was cut short during a flight that was set to land at Midway International Airport in Chicago. Authorities had received information suggesting he may have been carrying illegal substances. Reports indicate that while still aboard the plane, Juice WRLD consumed “several unknown pills,” which led to a seizure. He was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office later ruled his cause of death as “acute oxycodone and codeine intoxication.”

In the wake of his passing, speculation arose regarding the circumstances surrounding his drug use. Allegations suggested he took the pills to evade law enforcement. However, friends and those close to him disputed these claims, emphasizing his struggles with addiction. Videographer and friend Chris Long stated on social media, “J did not swallow a bunch of pills because the police were at the airport. We gave no f***s about them being there.”

Juice WRLD’s legacy continues to thrive, with three additional albums released posthumously: Legends Never Die in 2020, Fighting Demons in 2021, and The Party Never Ends in 2024. His music and emotional authenticity have resonated with fans around the world, ensuring his place as one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. As the sixth anniversary of his passing approaches, fans and fellow artists reflect on his profound impact on the music industry and the ongoing conversation about mental health and addiction in the creative community.