Gazzy Garcia, better known as Lil Pump, is an American rapper who gained fame in the late 2010s through the online platform SoundCloud. His music is characterized by its simplicity, and his public image is known for being wild and energetic. Originally from Miami, Florida, he became widely recognized after his song "Gucci Gang" became a hit in 2017, reaching the top three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success led to the release of his first studio album, also titled "Lil Pump," in October of the same year.
2016: Early Career and SoundCloud Success
Lil Pump's rap career started in 2016 when he collaborated with Smokepurpp on his debut single "Lil Pump". He followed this with several popular tracks on SoundCloud, gaining recognition in the South Florida underground rap scene. He also participated in the No Jumper tour and performed at the Rolling Loud Festival, connecting with other rising artists like XXXTentacion and Ski Mask the Slump God.
2016: Deleted Tweet Resurfaces
A tweet from 2016, in which Lil Pump expressed a negative sentiment towards Donald Trump, resurfaced and went viral on Twitter, contradicting his later endorsement.
June 9, 2017: Signing with Tha Lights Global and Warner Records
Lil Pump signed his first record deal with Tha Lights Global and Warner Records on June 9, 2017.
July 2017: Debut Mixtape Announcement
In July 2017, Lil Pump announced on Twitter that his debut mixtape was in progress and scheduled for an August release. However, the release was postponed and ultimately never materialized.
October 6, 2017: Release of Debut Studio Album "Lil Pump"
Lil Pump released his debut studio album, also titled "Lil Pump," on October 6, 2017, at the age of 17. The album featured collaborations with notable artists such as Smokepurpp, Gucci Mane, Lil Yachty, Chief Keef, Rick Ross, and 2 Chainz.
November 8, 2017: "Gucci Gang" Charts on Billboard Hot 100
Lil Pump's single "Gucci Gang" entered the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three on November 8, 2017. This marked his first entry on the prestigious music chart.
2017: Rise to Fame
Lil Pump rose to prominence in 2017 as a part of the SoundCloud rap scene. His unique style and energetic persona helped him gain mainstream attention.
January 11, 2018: "Gucci Gang" Certified Gold and Platinum
On January 11, 2018, "Gucci Gang" was certified gold and platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
January 2018: Contract Voided
Lil Pump's contract with Warner Bros. Records, signed when he was a minor, was voided in January 2018.
January 18, 2018: Release of "I Shyne"
Lil Pump released the single "I Shyne," produced by Carnage, on January 18, 2018.
February 2018: Record Label Interest and Rumors
Following the voiding of his previous contract due to his age, Lil Pump attracted significant interest from various record labels, with reported offers reaching $8 million to $12 million. Artists like Gucci Mane and DJ Khaled expressed interest, leading to rumors of him signing with Gucci Mane's label, 1017 Records.
February 15, 2018: Arrest for Discharging a Weapon
On February 15, 2018, Lil Pump was arrested for discharging a weapon into an inhabited dwelling. According to his manager, three individuals attempted to break into his San Fernando Valley residence around 4 pm and fired shots at the door. However, police investigations suggested that the bullet might have originated from inside the house. A subsequent search of the property led to the discovery of an unloaded handgun under the balcony and ammunition elsewhere in the home. Consequently, Lil Pump's mother faced investigation for child endangerment and possession of an unsecured firearm.
April 13, 2018: Release of "Esskeetit"
Lil Pump released the single "Esskeetit" on April 13, 2018, which debuted and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.
May 24, 2018: Performance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"
Lil Pump performed "Esskeetit" on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on May 24, 2018, marking a significant mainstream television appearance.
July 31, 2018: "Gucci Gang" Certified Triple Platinum
By July 31, 2018, "Gucci Gang" reached triple-platinum certification by the RIAA, marking a significant commercial achievement for Lil Pump.
August 2018: "Harverd Dropout" Tour Announcement and Cancellation
Lil Pump announced a tour in August 2018 to support his upcoming album "Harverd Dropout." However, the tour was canceled a month later due to unspecified "unforeseen circumstances."
August 29, 2018: Arrest for Driving Without a License
Lil Pump was arrested on August 29, 2018, in Miami for driving without a valid license.
September 7, 2018: Collaboration on "I Love It"
Lil Pump collaborated with Kanye West and comedian Adele Givens on the track "I Love It," released on September 7, 2018. The song achieved chart success, reaching number one on the Canadian Hot 100.
October 2018: Prison Sentence
Lil Pump's manager confirmed to Billboard in October 2018 that the rapper had served time in prison, although specific details regarding the sentence and the charges were not disclosed.
December 4, 2018: Arrest for Marijuana Possession
On December 4, 2018, Danish police arrested Lil Pump in Copenhagen after a performance at Vega for possession of marijuana. He received a fine of $700–800. Following the incident, he live-streamed himself making an obscene gesture towards a police officer while in custody and was subsequently banned from entering Denmark for two years.
December 13, 2018: Arrest for Disorderly Conduct
On December 13, 2018, Lil Pump was apprehended at a Miami airport for disorderly conduct just before boarding a flight. Security personnel intended to inspect his luggage for cannabis, which he denied possessing. Although no drugs were found, Lil Pump's demeanor escalated during the encounter with law enforcement. He engaged in a heated argument with security staff, leading to his arrest.
December 16, 2018: Racist Lyrics Controversy
Lil Pump faced accusations of racism toward Asians on December 16, 2018, after previewing his song "Butterfly Doors." The lyrics contained offensive stereotypes and slurs, leading to backlash, negative media coverage, and diss tracks from Chinese rappers.
2018: Preview of Unreleased Music
Lil Pump previewed several songs in 2018 that were later released on SoundCloud, including "Lil Pimp Big MAGA Steppin" and "I'monna".
February 21, 2019: Release of "Be Like Me"
Lil Pump released "Be Like Me" featuring Lil Wayne on February 21, 2019, accompanied by a music video.
2019: Release of "Harverd Dropout"
Lil Pump released his second studio album, "Harverd Dropout," in 2019. The album achieved commercial success but received negative reviews from critics.
February 13, 2020: Brief Retirement Announcement
Lil Pump briefly announced his retirement from music on February 13, 2020, via his Instagram story, stating, "I'm done doing music I quit..." However, he retracted this statement days later and previewed a new song.
September 16, 2020: Release of "Life Like Me"
Lil Pump released the single "Life Like Me" on SoundCloud on September 16, 2020. The song had been previously previewed in 2018.
October 26, 2020: Endorsement of Donald Trump
On October 26, 2020, Lil Pump publicly endorsed Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign. He cited Joe Biden's tax plan as the reason for his endorsement and had previously been seen wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat on social media.
December 2020: JetBlue Ban
Lil Pump was banned from JetBlue in December 2020 after he refused to wear a mask on a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles. This incident occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when mask mandates were in effect for air travel.
March 2021: NFT Collection Launch
Lil Pump entered the NFT space in March 2021, partnering with the NFT marketplace Sweet to release a collection of digital jewelry and Lil Pump trading cards.
August 12, 2021: Release of "Racks to the Ceiling"
"Racks to the Ceiling," a collaboration with Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, was released on August 12, 2021.
November 2021: IRS Tax Lien
In November 2021, the IRS filed a lien against Lil Pump's Miami residence due to unpaid taxes amounting to $1.6 million.
December 14, 2021: Release of "No Name" with Ronny J
Lil Pump and producer Ronny J released a surprise album titled "No Name" on December 14, 2021. The album was not promoted on social media, contributing to its commercial failure.
April 8, 2022: Death of Lil Pump's Father
On April 8, 2022, Lil Pump shared the news of his father's passing through an Instagram post.
April 12, 2022: "All The Sudden" Release
On April 12, 2022, Lil Pump released "All The Sudden", the lead single from his album, "Lil Pump 2". This marked the beginning of a string of single releases leading up to the album's release.
March 2023: "Lil Pump 2" Announcement and Release
In March 2023, Lil Pump revealed the cover art and tracklist for his highly anticipated second studio album, "Lil Pump 2". The album, featuring collaborations with artists like Smokepurpp, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and Ty Dolla Sign, was released on March 17. Despite generating significant buzz on social media, the album failed to achieve commercial success and did not chart.
September 15, 2023: "Lil Pump 2" Deluxe Release
Lil Pump released the deluxe version of his album "Lil Pump 2" on September 15, 2023. This version included four new tracks: "6 Rings", "Glow in the Dark", "I Sell", and "Rick Rubin".
2023: Release of "Lil Pump 2"
Lil Pump released his third studio album, "Lil Pump 2", in 2023. The album received lukewarm reviews and failed to chart, marking a downturn in his career trajectory.