454 (rapper)
Willie Wilson | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 25, 1996 Florida, United States |
| Other names | 454 |
| Occupation(s) | Hip-hop artist, producer |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Known for | Fusion of psychedelic rap and plugg genres |
Willie Wilson (born July 25, 1996), who also performs under the alias 454, is an American hip-hop artist and producer originating from Florida. He is noted for his unique fusion of psychedelic rap and plugg genres. Wilson has put out three mixtapes and contributed production work for notable musicians such as Denzel Curry, Freddie Gibbs, Zelooperz, and Tony Shhnow.
Early life
Wilson was born in Florida, and in 2007, his family settled in Longwood. His father, a devoted car aficionado, was incarcerated between 1997 and 2003 and tragically passed away in 2009 due to a shooting. Afterward, the family moved to various locations within Florida, including Tampa and Orlando. Wilson’s sister is also active in the rap scene under the name Pig the Gemini.
Career
Starting out by creating beats at home alongside relatives, 454 chose his stage name as a tribute to the Chevrolet 454 engine, reflecting his father’s love for automobiles. In 2018, he relocated to New York City with his girlfriend and took a job at the Alife Rivington Club footwear store. The dynamic environment of the city rekindled his passion for music, leading him to release tracks on SoundCloud under the monikers Sqvxlls and Lil 454. His track "Late Night" gained viral attention, motivating him to develop a complete project.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to Florida to finalize his first mixtape, 4 Real, which was released on March 16, 2021. That same year, Frank Ocean’s luxury label Homer featured his music. In 2022, he collaborated on Denzel Curry’s album Melt My Eyez See Your Future and served as an opening performer on Aminé’s The Best Tour Ever Tour. His sophomore mixtape, Fast Trax 3, was released on October 26, 2022. In 2023, he supported Mike on the Ipari Park Tour and issued a joint EP with Surf Gang titled Fast 5 on July 12. His third mixtape, Casts of a Dreamer, came out on October 2, 2024.
Personal life
Following the death of his father, 454 found solace in skateboarding and has been featured in publications such as Transworld Skateboarding.
Influences and artistry
454’s sound is characterized by a blend of psychedelic rap and plugg, incorporating elements reminiscent of J Dilla-inspired neo soul and hyperpop. Early inspiration came from the pitched-up vocal style of Quasimoto, Madlib’s alter ego. Additional influences encompass jungle music, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Lil Wayne, DJ Screw, Zaytoven, Pi'erre Bourne, Pharrell Williams, Lex Luger, and Currensy. A hallmark of his technique includes starting a track with pitched-up vocals that transition into a slower, natural tempo during the latter half.
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Fast 5 (with Surf Gang) |
|
Mixtapes
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| 4 Real |
|
| Fast Trax 3 |
|
| Casts of a Dreamer |
|
Singles
| Title | Release Year | Associated Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Thankful" | 2022 | Template:Non-album single |
| "Gangster Party" | 2023 | Fast 5 |
| "One In a Million" | 2024 | Template:Non-album single |
| "Beretta" |
As Supporting Act
- The Best Tour Ever Tour (Aminé) (2022)
- Ipari Park Tour (Mike) (2023)
- Somebody Fine Me Trouble Tour (Mike) (2024)
- Mischievous South Tour (Denzel Curry) (2025)