It isn't everyday you sit down to write about a rapper from Sweden, let alone an 18-year-old who's selling out shows across the country with a style completely his own. But Jonatan Håstad, better known as Yung Lean, is quite the anomaly.
Yung Lean released his debut mixtape Unknown Death 2002, about a week before his 17th birthday, and has been on a path to increasing success ever since. Last year's Unknown Memory helped to solidify his position in the rap game as the world was given thirteen new songs of his cloud rap style.
With attention from Vibe, XXL, and even The New York Times, Yung Lean has garnered a ton of attention during his short career. His style is that captivating, though. Let's dig into the artist's 10 essential tracks.
Yung Lean - Oceans 2001
Off the Unknown Death 2002 mixtape, this track is a pretty good representation of what Lean does: airy beats, chopped & screwed tendencies, crazy (and sort of immature) lyrics.
Yung Lean - Gatorade
Aesthetic is also a huge part of Lean's success. Peep what he does here with the VHS-quality video and cheap graphics.
Yung Lean - Hurt
Here he is again with the graphics. The sea punk aesthetic, matched with his emotional rapping and airy beats, has taken him around the world...trip on that.
Yung Lean - Lightsaber
A track that sounds just equally as Bone Thugs as it does Enya is not something we ever thought we'd hear. Yung Lean comes again with a unique and relaxing style.
Yung Lean - Yoshi City
This Unknown Memory single is perfect. The wild beat plays background for some of Lean's realest lyrics:
"Fuck your life I need mine
I'll take yours and rewind
Walk in my shoes you'll see why
Fuck everyone, I don’t reply
Sad boys bitch we world wide
Grey sweatshirt, L size
Wakizashi and grape Nikes
Fuck norms, fuck a normal life
Fuck norms, I'll break em out
A year and I'll blow that’s what I said
Lean, Lean, Lean you got it in your head"
Yung Lean - Ghosttown featuring Travi$ Scott
Inviting Travi$ Scott on a track was a good move, even if it was last year. The two up-and-coming rap artists both have super bright futures, and they collaborate well together.
Yung Lean - Kyoto
Perhaps Lean's most popular song is "Kyoto." The trap beat is ambient and wavy as Lean embodies his Bone Thugs (or maybe even A$AP?) style of rapping.
Yung Lean - Ginseng Strip 2002
Thaiboy Digital - Diamonds featuring Yung Lean
Alongside his homie Thaiboy Digital, Lean goes in on an absolutely monstrous beat. The video is cool too, as the two MCs trudge through some gorgeous scenery.
Yung Lean - Volt
One of the darkest and most intense Yung Lean songs is "Volt." With a techno-influenced beat, the track is unlike anything else you'll hear today, and that's really Yung Lean's most appealing quality. He simply makes music unlike anyone else. Love him or hate him, you certainly can't take that away from the kid.