$uicideboy$: Pioneers of the Dark Underground Sound

The duo known as $uicideboy$, consisting of Ruby da Cherry (born Aristos Petrou) and $lick $loth (born Scott Arceneaux Jr.), has carved out a distinct place in the world of underground hip-hop. Known for their dark, gritty, and melancholic sound, $uicideboy$ has grown to become one of the most influential and polarizing acts in the genre, with a loyal fanbase and a deep impact on modern trap and cloud rap. Their blend of emotional vulnerability, raw energy, and experimental beats has resonated with a generation that feels disconnected from mainstream music, and they have built a platform from which they speak to issues of mental health, depression, and the struggles of youth.

The Formation of $uicideboy$

$uicideboy$ was formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2014. The duo, Ruby da Cherry and $lick $loth, are cousins who share a passion for music, but their paths into the industry were quite different. While Ruby da Cherry was exposed to music early in his life, his roots were more tied to the punk rock scene, and he initially worked with a punk band. Meanwhile, $lick $loth, who had a history of producing, was introduced to the world of rap and beat-making through his love of cloud rap and trap music. Over time, their collaboration grew, blending the dark, melancholic themes of the underground scene with their unique take on Southern trap music, a genre that originated in the streets of Atlanta and spread throughout the U.S.

Their early sound was heavily influenced by three 6 mafia, XXXTentacion, and the Memphis rap scene, combining elements of witchhouse, industrial, and trap metal. Their distinct style became known for heavy bass, distorted production, and heavily introspective lyrics that explore themes like self-doubt, suicide, drug abuse, and anxiety.

Musical Style and Influence

$uicideboy$ have often been associated with the emo rap and trap metal subgenres, largely due to their use of dark, atmospheric beats and emotionally charged lyrics. Their music often ventures into themes of existentialism, nihilism, and depression, which appeals to a generation grappling with similar emotional struggles. Their music is often abrasive, both in terms of sound and content, with lyrics that can be confronting and raw, offering listeners a space to express feelings of anger and frustration.

The duo’s beats are heavily distorted, creating an intense and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. They often use lo-fi production, chopped and screwed effects, and drum-heavy trap beats to create a soundscape that is both haunting and hypnotic. Ruby da Cherry’s gritty vocal delivery and $lick $loth’s production skills work together to create a sense of desperation and melancholy that defines their music. Their style can be both abrasive and meditative, reflecting their personal struggles with mental health and addiction.

Breakout Releases and Growth

The duo’s breakthrough came with the release of their first mixtape, “Kill Yourself Part I: The $uicide $aga”, in 2015. The project set the tone for their sound and lyrical themes, drawing listeners into their dark, alternative world. The mixtape was a raw and unpolished collection of tracks that dealt with themes of death, self-destruction, and emotional pain, all backed by a heavy, distorted beat style.

Following the success of their debut, $uicideboy$ continued to grow their presence in the underground rap scene with a series of mixtapes, including “Kill Yourself Part II: The $uicide $aga” (2016), which further solidified their unique brand. Their music gained more attention with each new release, and their growing fanbase helped propel them to the forefront of the underground hip-hop scene. They became known for their ability to blend emotionally raw lyrics with hard-hitting beats that pushed the boundaries of what hip-hop could sound like.

In 2018, $uicideboy$ released “I No Longer Fear the Razor Guarding My Heel”—a project that garnered widespread acclaim and further demonstrated the duo’s ability to create a visceral and personal listening experience. The mixtape featured tracks that showcased their evolving style, including more polished production while retaining their signature gritty and emotional undertones. This project not only increased their exposure but also expanded their influence in the underground scene, solidifying their place in the emo rap and cloud rap subcultures.

Themes of Mental Health and Self-Destruction

One of the core themes of $uicideboy$’s music is mental health, specifically the feelings of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This resonates with listeners who have felt similar struggles and created a deep connection between the artists and their fans. The duo’s willingness to be vulnerable and honest about their own mental health battles, substance abuse, and emotional pain has made them figureheads of a larger cultural conversation about mental health and the importance of addressing emotional well-being.

Many of their songs, such as “Paris” and “2nd Hand,” deal directly with the idea of escapism through substance abuse, with lyrics often referencing drug use as a form of coping with the pain. While these topics are often bleak and dark, they also offer listeners a form of catharsis, allowing fans to connect to the music on a deeply personal level. $uicideboy$ has frequently discussed their experiences with depression and trauma, allowing fans to see that they are not alone in their emotional struggles.

The name $uicideboy$ itself is a reflection of the duo’s willingness to confront darker themes in their music. It is a direct reference to the mental anguish and emotional turbulence they experience and reflects the nihilistic themes that appear throughout their work.

Influence on Modern Hip-Hop and the Emo Rap Movement

Since their emergence, $uicideboy$ has been widely recognized as one of the defining acts within the emo rap movement, influencing countless artists who have followed in their footsteps. Artists like Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Ghostemane have been heavily influenced by $uicideboy$’s unique sound and willingness to address darker subject matter in their music.

Their influence can be seen in the production choices and lyrical content of younger artists who explore themes of mental health, self-doubt, and existential pain in their work. $uicideboy$’s music has created a pathway for emo rap to grow from a niche genre to a major force in modern rap music, with cloud rap and trap metal becoming some of the most popular subgenres among younger listeners. The genre’s rise reflects a larger cultural shift toward emotional transparency and self-expression, allowing artists to create music that resonates with those who feel alienated from mainstream culture.

$uicideboy$’s Unique Fanbase and Their Cultural Impact

One of the most notable aspects of $uicideboy$’s success is their incredibly loyal and engaged fanbase. Their music, with its emotional depth and aggressive sound, has created a community of listeners who feel deeply connected to the duo. This bond between artist and fan has been a hallmark of $uicideboy$’s career, with many fans seeing their music as a form of therapy and validation.

This connection has fostered an underground culture around $uicideboy$, where their fans are seen as a collective group who share similar experiences and struggles. Their fanbase often embraces the rebellion and nihilism found in the music, creating a space for individuals to express their pain and frustrations without fear of judgment.

The Duo’s Independent Approach and DIY Ethos

Throughout their career, $uicideboy$ has operated largely independently and has built their brand without relying on major labels. Their ability to produce and distribute their music through platforms like SoundCloud has allowed them to maintain creative control while reaching an incredibly wide audience. Their DIY ethos has set a standard for independent artists who wish to build their careers on their own terms.

This independence is reflected in their music videos, album art, and overall brand aesthetic. They have created a cult-like following around their work, with each release carrying a level of mystique and authenticity that has resonated with their audience. $uicideboy$’s refusal to conform to industry norms or be co-opted by mainstream media has made them one of the most influential acts in underground music today.

The Future of $uicideboy$

As of now, $uicideboy$ shows no signs of slowing down. Their influence on the underground rap scene is undeniable, and their fanbase continues to grow. While both Ruby da Cherry and $lick $loth continue to explore their own individual projects, the duo has consistently delivered new material, maintaining their position as leaders in the emo rap and trap metal scenes.

The duo has shown an incredible ability to adapt while staying true to their roots. Their evolution as artists is a reflection of their personal growth, and fans continue to rally behind them with every release.

Conclusion

$uicideboy$ has established themselves as one of the most important and innovative forces in modern underground hip-hop. Through their unique sound, willingness to address taboo topics, and DIY approach, they