Kashdami
KA$HDAMI (born David Wallace III; December 16, 2004) is an American rapper and singer originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, who rose to prominence in the underground hip-hop scene.[1] Raised in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area after relocating at a young age, he began developing his music skills between ages 8 and 13, influenced by his father's involvement in the industry before his passing.[2][3] KA$HDAMI released his first tracks at age 13 in 2018, including early singles like "Kappin' Up," which gained traction through TikTok challenges and SoundCloud.[4] His breakthrough came in 2021 with viral hits such as "Look N The Mirror!" (over 64 million Spotify streams as of 2025) and "Reparations!" (over 109 million streams as of 2025), blending melodic flows, distorted 808s, and humorous, off-the-wall lyrics inspired by SoundCloud rap pioneers.[4][5][6] This success led to a signing with Republic Records in May 2021, marking his entry into major-label distribution.[4] Since then, KA$HDAMI has built a prolific discography, releasing projects like the mixtape HYPERNOVA (2021), WORLD DAMINATION (2022), oasis (2024, featuring 12 short tracks averaging under two minutes), INFINITI (2024), the EP $$$ (2024), and his most recent studio album PAPER TRAIL on September 5, 2025, via Mercury/Republic Records.[2][7][8][9] His style draws from pop-rap influences including Juice WRLD, Young Thug, and Playboi Carti, often focusing on themes of partying, street life, and introspection with clever wordplay and catchy hooks.[2] By 2024, he had amassed over 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, peaking at that figure before approximately 712,000 as of November 2025, and signed additional management with IAG, solidifying his position in contemporary hip-hop.[2][10][1]Early life
Birth and family
David Wallace III, known professionally as Kashdami, was born on December 16, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada.[11][4] He was introduced to music at a young age by his father, who played a significant role in his early exposure to hip-hop.[12][3] Tragically, his father passed away when Wallace was a child, an event that profoundly influenced his decision to pursue a music career as a way to honor his father's unfulfilled dreams.[13][3] Limited public information is available regarding other family members, such as his mother or siblings, as Wallace has maintained a private stance on his personal life beyond these details.[4]Relocation and upbringing
Kashdami, born David Wallace III in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 16, 2004, relocated to the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area at the age of six following the death of his father.[14] His father, who worked as a music manager, had introduced him to hip-hop and R&B through an iPod filled with tracks by artists such as Jay-Z and Kanye West, fostering an early interest in music.[15] The move was prompted by family circumstances following his father's death, leading them to seek support closer to relatives; they initially settled in Fort Washington, Maryland.[14] Upon arriving in the DMV, Kashdami's family faced significant instability, frequently moving between houses and relying on stays with friends or relatives, which disrupted his education—he switched schools multiple times and was periodically homeschooled.[14] His mother, a church singer, provided emotional support and encouraged his musical pursuits amid these challenges, including periods of financial hardship that forced them into smaller apartments.[14] Later, the family briefly moved to Virginia, where Kashdami encountered racism and tense interactions with law enforcement, contributing to a sense of self-reliance during his formative years.[14] Growing up in Prince George's County, Maryland, Kashdami drew from a blend of gospel influences from his mother's church involvement and secular hip-hop from his father's legacy, shaping his melodic style.[15] By age eight, he began experimenting with recording on apps like ooVoo, but the instability delayed more serious efforts until his early teens, when he used a basic computer setup to create freestyles.[4] These experiences in the DMV, marked by resilience and limited resources, informed his transition into a professional music career around 2018.[15]Career
2020–2021: Breakthrough and debut mixtape
In 2020, KA$HDAMI achieved his breakthrough with the single "Kappin Up," originally released in 2018 but surging in popularity after its official music video premiered on WorldStarHipHop in April and sparked the "Kappin Up Challenge" on TikTok.[4][16] This viral momentum marked a shift from his earlier, lighter sound to a deeper, more mature vocal style, helping him build a dedicated online following among young rap enthusiasts.[17] Building on this traction, he released his debut project, the mixtape #KashDontMiss, on June 12, featuring raw plugg-influenced tracks that showcased his emerging flow and production choices.[18] Later that year, he dropped the single "SumnSlight" and the collaborative track "14" with BabySantana, followed by the 10-track project 16 in December, which further solidified his presence in the DMV rap scene with melodic trap elements.[10] Entering 2021, KA$HDAMI's momentum accelerated with the release of "Reparations!" on January 15, a high-energy single that amassed over 23 million streams on Spotify within months, highlighting his confident delivery and themes of success and street life.[4] This was quickly followed by "Look N The Mirror!" in March, another breakout track exceeding 18 million Spotify streams, praised for its introspective lyrics over dreamy production.[4] These singles attracted major label attention, culminating in his signing to Republic Records in May, a deal that positioned him alongside rising rap talents like Ski Mask the Slump God and Lil Tecca.[4] On June 2, 2021, KAHDAMI released his debut commercial mixtape, *Epiphany*, through Republic Records, comprising 17 tracks that blended plugg beats with ethereal, video game-inspired soundscapes and gruff, wink-infused punchlines.[39][17] Featuring collaborations with artists such as tana, yvngxchris, and SSGKobe, the project explored teenage perspectives on fame, violence, and self-reflection, with standout tracks including "Look N The Mirror!," the atmospheric "Figures," and the concise "Dior."[17] Pitchfork described it as a "dreamy yet dark" effort earning a 6.8/10 rating, noting its effective fusion of DMV rap influences while critiquing some filler features and repetitive instrumentals.[17] *Epiphany* marked a pivotal step in his career, amassing millions of streams and affirming his role in the evolving plugg subgenre. Later that year, on November 12, KAHDAMI released the mixtape HYPERNOVA via Republic Records, featuring 11 tracks with production from artists like Lil Tecca and a collaboration with Trippie Redd, further showcasing his melodic style and building on his major-label momentum.[19][20]2022–2023: Major releases and growing recognition
In 2022, Kashdami released his debut studio album, WORLD DAMINATION, on September 16 through Mercury Records and Republic Records.[21] The 13-track project marked a significant step in his career, featuring collaborations with artists such as NoCap, XLOVCLO, ilyFall, Slump6s, and midwxst, and showcased his evolving sound blending trap and melodic elements.[22] In an interview, Kashdami described the album as "all evolution" for him, reflecting his growth as a 17-year-old artist transitioning from underground mixtapes to major-label production.[23] That year, Kashdami gained further visibility through live performances at prominent festivals, including Rolling Loud Miami in July and Rolling Loud Toronto in September.[24] These appearances highlighted his stage presence and helped solidify his presence in the hip-hop scene, drawing crowds with high-energy sets of tracks like "komission" and other album cuts.[25] He capped the year with the release of his EP 18 on December 16, also under Mercury/Republic, which celebrated his recent milestone of turning 18 and included introspective tracks on personal growth.[26] Entering 2023, Kashdami continued building momentum with the release of his single "Games" on October 27, produced by Mannyvelli, Sparkheem, and L.3.M.[27] This track represented his first venture into R&B, exploring themes of loyalty and relationships over a smooth, atmospheric beat, and was accompanied by an official music video directed to emphasize emotional vulnerability.[28] The single's rollout positioned it as a pivotal moment, signaling his intent to diversify beyond rap while maintaining his core fanbase from prior releases.[29] His performance at Rolling Loud California in March further amplified his rising profile, where he delivered fan-favorite material to enthusiastic crowds.[30]2024–2025: Recent albums and label establishment
In 2024, KAHDAMI began the year with the release of his third studio [album](/page/oasis), *oasis*, on February 23. The project, distributed under [Republic Records](/page/Republic_Records), [Mercury Records](/page/Mercury_Records), and his imprint KAHWAYZ, explored themes of personal pain and ambition, as described by the artist himself on social media. Featuring tracks like "Want!" and "Loyalty," the album marked a continuation of his plugg-influenced sound while building anticipation for independent ventures ahead. Later that year, on September 13, KAHDAMI independently released his fourth studio [album](/page/INFINITI), *INFINITI*, through his newly formed label INFINITI Records in partnership with KAHWAYZ, severing ties with Republic Records. This 14-track effort, entirely self-produced without guest features, was hailed by KA$HDAMI as a "masterpiece" on Twitter and represented a pivotal shift toward full creative control.[31][8][32] The momentum carried into December 2024 with the surprise drop of the $$$ EP on December 27, also under INFINITI Records and KAHWAYZ. This six-track [extended play](/page/Extended_play), clocking in at around 11 minutes, included songs such as "Draco," "Fine & Foreign," and "Okay Cool," emphasizing trap beats and introspective lyrics on wealth and excess. The EP served as a bridge to 2025, reinforcing KAHDAMI's prolific output with shorter-form releases amid his label transition.[33] Entering 2025, KAHDAMI delivered *PAPER TRAIL*, his fifth studio album, on September 5 via INFINITI Records and KAHWAYZ. The 20-track project, lasting approximately 29 minutes, featured concise, high-energy tracks like "V.I.P." and "HAHAHA," blending his signature plugg style with experimental elements. User scores on platforms like Album of the Year averaged around 50 out of 100, highlighting its role in sustaining his underground momentum.[34][7] A cornerstone of this period was the formal establishment and expansion of KAHDAMI's independent label infrastructure. Building on his 2020-launched multimedia brand KAHWAYZ—which began as a solo imprint for his music and later incorporated merchandise—KAHDAMI founded [INFINITI](/page/Infiniti) Records in 2024 as an [indie](/page/Indie) label to handle his releases post-Republic. This move enabled full ownership of his masters and creative decisions, as evidenced by *INFINITI*'s credits. By June 2025, the label expanded with its first signee, 19-year-old artist yoon, whose debut album *wounds* was released under INFINITI, signaling KAHDAMI's entrepreneurial pivot toward artist development.[35][8][36]Artistry
Musical style
Kashdami's musical style is rooted in plugg, a subgenre of trap characterized by lush, melodic beats with choppy drums and atmospheric production elements. His tracks often feature soft, dreamy synths and phase side-chain effects that create a somber yet punchy vibe, blending aggressive, no-nonsense flows with captivating vocal melodies. This approach draws from DMV-area street rap traditions, emphasizing hard-hitting punchlines and free-associative flexes over videogame-like soundscapes that evoke a sense of unaffected cool.[37][16] Lyrically, Kashdami employs a mix of youthful bravado, off-the-wall humor, and themes of violence and personal reflection, delivered in short, concise songs that prioritize energy and vibe over extended narratives. His delivery alternates between melodic singing influenced by R&B and rapid, rhythmic bars reminiscent of SoundCloud rap's underground edge, often incorporating gospel-tinged harmonies for emotional depth. Tracks like "Look N the Mirror" exemplify this fusion, putting a fresh spin on plugg by integrating local DMV aggression with broader melodic trap aesthetics.[4][37][16] Overall, his sound evolves from early SoundCloud influences toward a more polished, contemporary hip hop framework, maintaining a dark, melodic core that slides seamlessly over plugg production while carving a distinct lane in the new wave of underground rap. This style has garnered comparisons to artists like Tay-K and SoFaygo for its wild, innovative energy.[4][38]Influences
Kashdami's musical influences draw from a diverse array of genres, reflecting his evolution from early pop and R&B exposures to the raw energy of SoundCloud rap. As a child, he was particularly inspired by the Black Eyed Peas, a dominant group during his formative years, which prompted him to record his first song at age eight using the ooVoo app.[4] Additionally, gospel, soul music, and R&B played a significant role in shaping his melodic sensibilities, as he has noted that "gospel was really in my face" and helped form the foundation of his vocal style.[4] In pursuing a career in music, Kashdami credits Michael Jackson as a pivotal figure who ignited his ambition, stating that Jackson "made me want to pursue music" through his commanding presence and ability to captivate audiences effortlessly.[23][16] This admiration for Jackson's iconic status underscores Kashdami's desire to create a lasting impact in the industry. Transitioning to hip-hop, XXXTentacion emerged as a key influence, introducing him to the creative process of music-making and the appeal of concise song structures, with Kashdami explaining that XXXTentacion "put me on to that type of short-song style."[23][16] Kashdami's immersion in the SoundCloud rap scene further refined his approach, with artists like Duwap Kaine and XXXTentacion deepening his love for the genre's experimental side.[23] He has highlighted Famous Dex and Diego Money as early hip-hop inspirations from his youth, influencing his energetic delivery and subject matter.[4] Ugly God, in particular, shaped his use of punchlines, earning praise from Kashdami who believes he "deserves a lot more credit than he gets."[16] Other figures from the era, including D. Savage and Trippie Redd, have informed his melodic trap elements, while Lil Tecca's hard-hitting tracks resonate with him personally, leading to collaborations born from mutual admiration.[16] These influences collectively blend melodic introspection with punchy, youthful bravado in Kashdami's artistry.Discography
Studio albums
KA$HDAMI's studio albums represent his core full-length releases, evolving from his early plugg-influenced sound to more experimental trap elements, often self-produced or in collaboration with producers like Taz Taylor. Since debuting in 2021, he has issued five studio albums, primarily through major labels before transitioning to his independent INFINITI Records imprint. These projects highlight his melodic delivery and themes of ambition, relationships, and street life, with increasing emphasis on ownership and artistic control.[39][40][31][8][34] His debut studio album, epiphany, arrived on June 2, 2021, via Republic Records, comprising 17 tracks that introduced his signature airy production and gruff flows.[39] Featuring guests like BabySantana on "Receipts" and Riovaz on "Trust Issues," the album garnered attention for its dreamy yet introspective vibe, earning a 6.8/10 from Pitchfork for leaning into "gun-toting punchlines with a wink."[17] Key singles such as "Look N The Mirror!" and "Reparations!" helped establish his breakthrough, amassing millions of streams on platforms like Spotify.[39] The follow-up, WORLD DAMINATION, was released on September 16, 2022, through Mercury Records and Republic Records, delivering 13 songs over 26 minutes.[40][22] With features including midwxst on "kompany" and NoCap on "less than," the project continued his rage-trap style while incorporating more polished beats, reflecting his growing recognition in the DMV rap scene.[41] Tracks like "Phoenix" and "mud" emphasized themes of dominance and resilience, contributing to his expanding fanbase.[40] In 2024, KA$HDAMI released oasis on February 23 via Mercury Records and Republic Records, a concise 12-track effort clocking in at 18 minutes.[31][42] Featuring Dro Kenji on "Want!" and Karri on "Games," the album offered an atmospheric escape with melodic hooks and minimalistic production, praised by XXL for its "brief but impactful" delivery after a year of anticipation.[43] Standouts like "Ain't Me" and "Loyalty" underscored his maturation, blending vulnerability with bravado.[44] Later that year, on September 13, INFINITI marked his fourth studio album and first under his own INFINITI Records in partnership with KA$HWAYZ, spanning 14 tracks.[8] This independent pivot allowed greater creative freedom, with self-reflective cuts like "3x" and "kommission" exploring legacy and industry navigation, free of major label constraints for the first time.[45] The release solidified his entrepreneurial shift, as noted in coverage of his label's formation.[8] Most recently, PAPER TRAIL, his fifth studio album, dropped on September 5, 2025, via INFINITI Recordings, featuring 20 songs that delve deeper into trap introspection and success motifs.[34][7] With no confirmed features listed at launch, the project emphasizes KA$HDAMI's solo prowess, building on prior works to showcase refined production and lyrical depth, aligning with his ongoing label expansion.[34]| Title | Release date | Label(s) | Format(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| epiphany | June 2, 2021 | Republic Records | Digital download, streaming |
| WORLD DAMINATION | September 16, 2022 | Mercury Records, Republic Records | Digital download, streaming |
| oasis | February 23, 2024 | Mercury Records, Republic Records | Digital download, streaming |
| INFINITI | September 13, 2024 | INFINITI Records, KA$HWAYZ | Digital download, streaming |
| PAPER TRAIL | September 5, 2025 | INFINITI Recordings | Digital download, streaming |
Mixtapes
KAHDAMI released his debut [mixtape](/page/Mixtape), *#KashDontMiss*, on June 12, 2020, as an independent early project under KAHWAYZ, marking his initial foray into plugg and trap with short, energetic tracks emphasizing youthful bravado and street themes. His next mixtape, 16, arrived on December 16, 2020, coinciding with his 16th birthday. The 10-track project, self-produced in part and featuring collaborators like BasedNas, Since99, and MrHeadA$$Trendy, expanded on his sound.[46] On November 12, 2021, KAHDAMI dropped *HYPERNOVA.*, his second commercial [mixtape](/page/Mixtape), comprising 11 tracks over 23 minutes and featuring [Trippie Redd](/page/Trippie_Redd) on "HEADHOT!" The project blended plugg, rage, and hyperpop elements, with atmospheric production highlighting his evolving melodic delivery and themes of transformation and ambition.[19][47][48]| Title | Release Date | No. of Tracks | Selected Notes and Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| #KashDontMiss | June 12, 2020 | — | Independent debut mixtape under KA$HWAYZ. |
| 16 | December 16, 2020 | 10 | Features BasedNas, Since99, MrHeadA$$Trendy; focusing on plugg rap.[49] |
| HYPERNOVA. | November 12, 2021 | 11 | Features Trippie Redd; incorporates hyperpop and rage elements.[19] |
Extended plays
KA$HDAMI has released two extended plays as of 2024, marking key milestones in his discography alongside his full-length albums and mixtapes. These projects showcase his evolving sound in the plugg and trap genres, often featuring concise tracklists with collaborations from peers in the underground rap scene.| Title | Release date | Label(s) | Format(s) | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | December 16, 2022 | Mercury Records / Republic Records | Digital download, streaming | — |
| $$$ | December 27, 2024 | Mercury Records / Republic Records | Digital download, streaming | — |
Singles
Kashdami's singles discography reflects his evolution from independent releases to major-label outputs, often blending plugg, trap, and melodic elements that propelled his rise in the underground rap scene. Early tracks like "Kappin Up" established his gritty, street-oriented lyricism, while later singles such as "Games" and "Seance" demonstrate a shift toward more introspective and atmospheric production under Republic Records. Many of these releases achieved viral success on platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud, contributing to his growing fanbase without always tying directly to full projects.[27][52] Notable singles include:| Title | Year | Featured Artists | Album/EP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kappin Up | 2020 | None | Standalone | Debut single gaining traction on WorldStarHipHop; produced by Young Emphasis.[53] |
| Reparations! | 2021 | None | Standalone | Breakthrough track with over 10 million Spotify streams; key to Republic Records signing.[10][54] |
| Look N The Mirror! | 2021 | None | Standalone | Viral hit emphasizing self-reflection; peaked in underground playlists. |
| Receipts (feat. tana) | 2021 | tana | epiphany | Promotional single from debut EP; highlights collaborative chemistry.[55] |
| Wake Up (feat. SSGKobe) | 2021 | SSGKobe | epiphany | Melodic trap single boosting cross-artist exposure. |
| posed2be | 2022 | None | Standalone | Charted on emerging artist lists; produced by Bakkwoods and Deuce.[56] |
| Games | 2023 | None | Standalone | R&B-infused track marking stylistic experimentation; official video directed by Mannyvelli.[28] |
| Seance | 2024 | None | $$$ EP | Lead single for holiday EP; airy production evoking cloud rap vibes.[52][57][58] |