Melly Mike is the sound of self-made success, global connection, and unapologetic ambition.
Rising rap star Melly Mike, the artist behind one of the summer’s biggest viral sensations, has officially signed with Epic Records and released the official music video for “Young Black & Rich” the anthem that sparked the “aura farming” trend and captivated audiences around the world.
The record first took off after last year’s Pacu Jalar boat racing event in Indonesia, where a viral video of a young local dancer and creator, Dikha, grooving to “Young Black & Rich” ignited a worldwide phenomenon. This year, Melly Mike returned to the scene of the trend’s birth, headlining the event and teaming up with the same young “aura farmer” in a full-circle moment captured in the new official video. And now, Melly Mike is ready for his own close up.
The song itself came from a place of manifestation for the budding star. Last year, while coming out of a dark place, Melly wrote the song inspired by the positive changes he was making in his life, matching his new mentality.
“I was at the lowest point in my life and wanted it to change,” he told Complex. “I would wake up at 5am and run for miles, take cold showers, and listen to self help audiobooks. It became my new lifestyle, and I wanted the music to reflect that. To make my song an affirmation.”
The success of “Young Black & Rich” has transcended borders and industries — embraced by Super Bowl Champion Travis Kelce, iShowSpeed, and countless creators who’ve made the song’s signature dance their own. Along the way, the song debuted within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and continues to rack up millions of streams.
Speaking to the song’s continued virality, today a “Young Black & Rich” Fortnite emote launches in-game, allowing players to participate in the trend while playing the game.
An ex-military man hailing from Minnesota, Melly Mike’s approach to music is fueled by discipline and consistency, two of the virtues that helped make “Young Black & Rich” a possibility. As a decorated veteran and aspiring artist from a small town, Melly’s unorthodox path is merely inspiration for his work ethic, which has already taken him to unforeseen heights. Now with Epic Records, he’s set to expand on the creative vision that has already captivated the globe.
Watch “Young Black & Rich,” directed by Rick Lancaster (Druski, Snoop Dogg, Key Glock), now.
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