All-Time Best Bladee Songs

Bladee is pronounced either "blade" (like the sharp object) or "blade-ee" (with two syllables). Both pronunciations are accepted by fans and the artist himself. The name comes from his real surname Reichwald, but the exact origin of why he chose 'Bladee' as his stage name isn't widely documented.

Drain Gang is an artistic collective and music group formed by Bladee in 2013, along with Ecco2K, Thaiboy Digital, and producer Whitearmor. According to Bladee, the name 'Drain' is about loss and gain - you could be drained of energy or drain something to gain energy. The group is known for their experimental approach to hip-hop, incorporating elements of cloud rap, ambient music, and heavily processed vocals.

Some of Bladee's most well-known tracks include songs from his debut album 'Eversince' (2016) and his mixtape 'Gluee' (2014). His collaborations with Yung Lean also helped boost his popularity early in his career. Bladee's music is known for its emotional depth, dealing with themes like mental illness, existentialism, and personal transformation, which resonates strongly with his dedicated fanbase.

Bladee started gaining attention in 2013 when he began releasing music and formed Drain Gang. His breakthrough came through collaborating with Yung Lean, who was already established in the cloud rap scene. Being from Stockholm and completely detached from traditional American rap culture, Bladee created his own unique sound that stood out. His emotionally charged, experimental approach to rap music gradually built him a cult following online.

Bladee's music is hard to categorize into one genre. It's often described as experimental hip-hop, cloud rap, or 'drain' music. Music critics have called his sound 'frostbitten futurism' that evokes a wide spectrum of emotions. He introduces recognizable elements of American rap to completely new environments, heavily using auto-tune and atmospheric production to create an otherworldly sound.

Yes, Bladee has strong connections to Yung Lean and the Sad Boys collective. They collaborated early in Bladee's career, which helped him gain recognition. In 2017, Bladee even became the art director for Yung Lean's clothing line, Sadboys Gear. While they're separate artists with their own projects, they've maintained a close creative relationship over the years and are both part of the Swedish alternative rap scene.

Bladee's music is polarizing because it's so experimental and different from mainstream hip-hop. His heavy use of auto-tune, abstract lyrics, and unconventional song structures can be challenging for listeners expecting traditional rap. However, his fans appreciate exactly these qualities - his willingness to be vulnerable about mental health, his artistic authenticity, and his refusal to conform to industry standards. He's built a devoted fanbase who see him as a genuine artist pushing boundaries.