Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abdul Jeleel Yussuf |
| Stage Name | Jaleel Rapper |
| Birth Date | October 14, 1995 |
| Birth Place | Providence, Rhode Island, USA |
| Parental Origin | Nigeria |
| Education | B.A. in Psychology, Loyola University Maryland |
| Primary Genres | Rage Rap, Hyperpop, Punk, Trap, Afrobeats |
| Active Years | 2018–present |
| Record Label | 10K Projects |
| Breakthrough Single | “Dive In!” (2021) |
Early Life & Education
Abdul Jeleel Yussuf was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 14, 1995, and reared in Pawtucket by Nigerian immigrant parents who loved all kinds of music. He was raised on Afrobeat, Fuji, Highlife, classic rock, hip hop, and punk at home, shaping his musical taste. He owes his rhythmic senses and spiritual depth to eighteen months in southwestern Nigeria immersed in Yoruba and Islamic traditions, including daily Qur’anic recitation, at age 8.
After returning to Rhode Island, he attended LaSalle Academy, balancing academics with gymnastics and athletics. His secondary education prepared him for stage acrobatics and psychological lyrics. Having studied psychology at Loyola University Maryland since 2014, he graduated in 2018. He released “Play Me” on Rapchat at Loyola in 2018, starting his musical career.
Family Background
Family life for Jaleel Rapper combines Nigerian and American roots. His parents, from southwestern Nigeria, kept ethnic customs alive through home cooking and music. The artist preferred solitude, therefore the multigenerational household did not identify siblings despite frequent extended family visits to Nigeria. His bilingual upbringing inspired his use of English, Yoruba, and West African rhythms.
Career Journey & Key Releases
| Period | Release Type | Title | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Single | “Play Me” | 2018 | University release via Rapchat (now removed) |
| June 7, 2019 | Mixtape | Angel From Heaven | June 7, 2019 | Explored dancehall, trap, melodic rap |
| June 3, 2020 | EP | Generation Z | June 3, 2020 | Fused EDM, Caribbean rhythms, punk-rap energy |
| 2021 | Single | “Dive In!” | 2021 | TikTok viral hit; 50 million+ Spotify streams; signed to label |
| April 4, 2022 | Single | “Rain On You!” | April 4, 2022 | First post-signing release |
| June 17, 2022 | Single | “CLUBHOUSE!” ft. Mike Dimes | June 17, 2022 | Featured rising rapper Mike Dimes |
| July 12, 2022 | Single | “UNCIVILIZED! (GO!)” | July 12, 2022 | High-energy trap-punk hybrid |
| August 26, 2022 | Single | “STONE COLD!” | August 26, 2022 | Noted for aggressive vocal delivery |
| September 22, 2022 | Single | “DELIVER!” | September 22, 2022 | Continued punk-rap experimentation |
| January 11, 2023 | Single/Video | “Ride The Wave!” | January 11, 2023 | Shot in Nigeria; emphasized transcontinental appeal |
| May 5, 2023 | Album | Real Raw! | May 5, 2023 | Debut LP; collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, Denzel Curry |
- After his university release, Jaleel Rapper self-released the mixtape Angel From Heaven in mid-2019, demonstrating his versatility in several genres. His 2020 EP Generation Z solidified his genre-bending reputation.
- 2021 viral breakthrough: “Dive In!”” gained popularity on TikTok, garnering over 50 million Spotify streams and a contract with 10K Projects.
- Ramping Up (2022–2023): His 2022 singles showed his intensity rising. At the Made in America Festival in September 2022, his stage acts included backflips and shirt-ripping, enhancing his reputation as a high-energy performer.
- On May 5, 2023, he released Real Raw!The full-length album was praised for its raw energy and cross-genre collaborations.
Musical Style & Influences
Jaleel Rapper blends anger rap, hyperpop, punk, trap, and Afrobeats. His psychiatric studies inform his introspective times, while his parents’ Afrobeat and Fuji music inspire his melodies. His early Islamic upbringing informs his melodic recitations and thematic religion studies. Critics describe his presentation as an intense vocal bombardment, blending yelling, melodious singing, and rapid-fire rap over rock-inspired sound.
Public Image & Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Followers | Notable Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | @jeleeeel | 1.2 million+ | Viral challenges to preview new tracks |
| @jeleeeel | 1.05 million | Behind-the-scenes clips; stunt highlights | |
| Live Shows | N/A | N/A | Death-defying stunts, including flying body press at Rolling Loud Miami 2023 |
- Jaleel Rapper is known for his high-energy performances, which include acrobatic feats like kickflips, backflips, and even a flying body push on a fan who attacked the platform.
- Social Strategy: Since November 2021, he has used TikTok to start viral trends around his singles, while Instagram is for studio sessions and personal moments. Fans now use “Drink the Jaleel juice” to describe his undiluted vigor.
Recent Developments (July 2025)
- On July 23, 2025, electronic producer BAMBII released the video for “Thunder,” featuring Jaleel Rapper in a noteworthy position on her EP Infinity Club II, demonstrating his growing involvement in electronic music.
- On July 24, 2025, he teased a remix of his single “Rhude Gyal” with UK vocalist Darkoo on Instagram, indicating a move towards international collaborations for late 2025 releases.
FAQ
What inspired Jaleel Rapper’s musical diversity?
His genre-blending music was influenced by Nigerian Afrobeat and Fuji at home, American punk and rock, and psychology.
How did “Dive In!” impact his career?
The song went big on TikTok in 2021, generating over 50 million Spotify streams and landing a contract with 10K Projects.
Which album marked his first full‑length release?
Really Raw!The album, published on May 5, 2023, was his debut studio album with notable collaborations.
What is his signature stage move?
At Rolling Loud Miami 2023, he accomplished backflips and a flying body press on a stage-crasher.
What upcoming projects has he teased?
He teased a remix of “Rhude Gyal” with UK musician Darkoo in July 2025, implying multi-continental distribution.
