GoldLink
Where the intersections of the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) collide, GoldLink is a direct product. The 23 year old emcee, after accruing over 500 million music streams, has captured the attention of an entire industry with his only two projects, The God Complex and And After That We Didn't Talk, which were released in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
GoldLink’s sound is densely weighted with shimmering polyrhythmic sounds, constructed with formidable producers like Kaytranada, Lakim and Louie Lastic. His sound milks nostalgic cuts of 90s hip-hop and R&B and the area’s natural go-go heritage with transcending circadian drops of EDM and Afro-Caribbean drum patterns. GoldLink’s raps are calculated, tackling them with a roller-coaster delivery, with a distinct voice and unmeasurable cadence. With his unyielding charm, Goldlink tackles his own battles of social and cultural injustice, pursuing a relatable voice of romantic instability. Without relying on talent alone, GoldLink has studied rap’s hierarchy, building his biting flow that’s quicker than a salesman and fouler than a sailor. Citing Edgar Allan Poe, Grimes, and Pink Floyd as his main influences, GoldLink’s subject matter highlights dealing cocaine, gun-toting friends, an absent father, and the general hardship of growing up in the ghetto.
With only two projects under his belt, Goldlink has still been able to receive the support of outlets like FADER, Pitchfork, Complex, Noisey, Teen Vogue, Shade 45 and VSCO––which documented GoldLink’s meeting with Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin at his Malibu-based Shangri La studio. The recognition spread further than the web, as GoldLink played several showcases at SXSW, Calvin Klein's Coachella day party, toured with Mac Miller and embarked on his first headlining US tour in summer 2015. In 2016, the DMV rapper additionally embarked on a European tour as well as toured Australia/New Zealand before closing out the year. While working on his 3rd solo effort, GoldLink is additionally preparing for his first Coachella performance at Coachella 2017.
The short career of GoldLink thus far has shown him relative success, winning crowds over with his explosive energy that’s engaging at each live show. As he prepares for his third project with glowing support from Redbull, Adidas, Beats by Dre and Calvin Klein, we are all excited to watch, experience, and dance to his progression.
Latest releases additionally include “Fall in Love,” which Annie Mac deemed “Hottest Record of the Week” on August 25th and his December 2016 single “Crew,” which landed on Spotify’s “Most Necessary” and “Channel X” playlists.
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