WATER$
At just 18 years old, WATER$ is already carving out his own lane in Chicago’s diverse music scene. Born in the city but raised in the suburbs of Elgin, he’s no stranger to navigating between two worlds: a challenge that has shaped his sound and his story. With over 100,000 streams across platforms and a co-sign from DC The Don, WATER$ is proving that hard work and authenticity can make waves even without the traditional Chicago drill sound.
WATER$’ journey into music started long before the studio lights. Back in 2010, he was just a kid obsessed with The Michael Jackson Experience video game — mimicking the King of Pop’s moves and vocals every chance he got. That early spark turned into a lifelong passion. “I used to sing and dance all the time,” he recalls. “Michael Jackson and Chris Brown made me want to perform.”
By 2020, his creative drive led him to BandLab, where he began recording songs using whatever tools he could access. His debut release, “Break Me” (feat. Flacoyoungin), hit over 30,000 streams, marking a turning point. Soon after, he upgraded to FL Studio and started recording in professional environments, a move that solidified his commitment to his craft. While Chicago is often defined by its gritty drill roots, WATER$ has chosen a different route. His sound leans toward melodic rap and emotional storytelling — a blend influenced by artists like Juice WRLD, Tory Lanez, iayze, Chief Keef, and even Rema. This genre-bending approach hasn’t always made it easy to find an audience, but it’s given him something rarer: originality. “I don’t have the original drill sound that Chicago is known for, which makes it harder for me to grow,” he admits. “But that’s also what makes me different.”
When asked where he sees himself in five years, WATER$ doesn’t hesitate: “Honestly, somewhere working on music and learning more about my craft while being a successful artist to the point where I’m a household name.” His goals reach beyond fame, he wants to travel the world, perform, and inspire others through his art. Despite growing up without the best resources, WATER$ never let financial struggles or creative roadblocks stop him. His journey is one of steady growth: from making music on a phone to earning co-signs from major artists.
In a city overflowing with talent, WATER$ stands out for his ability to fuse introspection with ambition. He represents a new generation of Chicago artists who don’t fit neatly into one box — a generation that values authenticity, emotion, and evolution. With his recent co-sign, growing fanbase, and relentless drive, WATER$ is on pace to live up to his name — fluid, powerful, and impossible to ignore.