Student sees rise in popularity as SoundCloud rapper

5,413 plays in 1 month.

114 likes in 1 month.

16 reposts in 1 month.

While some students dream to reach these numbers, for Julian Elliott, senior, these numbers are his reality. Over the past month, his rap song “Coolest of Da Coolest” gained attention on SoundCloud, a social platform that enables users to stream and share songs.

Elliott was amazed by the feedback that came from his song. The song was published after he had gone quiet for a while and hadn’t released anything since last year.

“Crazy results happened when I dropped the song,” Elliott said. “I was just like ‘woah.’”

When Elliott was 11 years old, he was inspired by his 18-year-old brother to begin rapping. He didn’t put his main focus on rapping until four years later when he really began to commit to the art through developing and perfecting his own style.

“Everyone knew that I had a little vocal harmony, but I never really took it seriously until then,” Elliott said.

From there, Elliott continued to further his career by coming out with music videos as well as new content. Elliott said there’s only a slight chance to go viral off a song, so he needs to focus on networking, marketing and consistency.

“I haven’t really done any of that yet really and I’ve gotten good results,” Elliott said. “So imagine the results when I do. That’s what I’m waiting for.”

Elliott described his style as a mix of both rapping and singing. In his songs, he writes about what’s real and happening in his own life.

“Nowadays, in the music, you can’t sound like everybody else,” Elliott said. “You have to have your own unique style.”

Despite his achievements in rapping, Elliott’s main goal in life is to become an actor. He said that realistically, he won’t be going to school for acting because of the focus on theater and Broadway. He loves music but hopes it can benefit him in getting the acting career.

Jaiden Williams, senior, is not only Elliott’s friend but also listens to Elliott’s music. Williams said Elliott definitely works hard and takes his work seriously.

“He doesn’t take his rapping as a joke,” Williams said. “He doesn’t mess around in the studio and works really hard.”

Williams said Elliott is a guy that anyone could get along with and is easy to talk to. Elliott looks out for his friends and always has their backs.

Kylie Wurgler, MHS TV adviser, described Elliott as upbeat, optimistic and hardworking.

“He’s creative.  In class, he doesn’t move forward with a project until he knows exactly what his ideas are and has written it out,” Wurgler said. “That’s cool to see in class, and I know he’s doing that with his music too.”

Just over the time Wurgler has had him in class, she’s seen his music grow in popularity.

“I think it’s really cool to be a high schooler and for kids to know your music.  What a prime time to have that happen,” Wurgler said. “He’s being recognized now, so when he goes off and does whatever’s next, he’ll have the population in school that knew and supported him in high school.”