Everything You Want to Know About Polo G

Taurus Tremani Bartlett, better known by his stage name Polo G, is one of the most influential artists to emerge from Chicago's modern rap scene. Known for his melodic style, introspective lyrics, and gritty storytelling, Polo G has built a reputation for authenticity, resilience, and lyrical prowess. From his turbulent upbringing on Chicago’s North Side to topping the Billboard charts, this is the comprehensive guide to everything you ever wanted to know about Polo G.

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Early Life and Background

Born: January 6, 1999
Birth Name: Taurus Tremani Bartlett
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Polo G was raised in the Marshall Field Garden Apartments in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, a community marked by poverty and crime but also rich with cultural history. He is the second of four siblings and grew up surrounded by the realities of inner-city life.

His mother, Stacia Mac, worked as a property manager and is now his manager. Interestingly, his younger brother, known as Trench Baby, is also a rising rapper. Polo G's decision to rap was initially a personal outlet to express the pain and trauma he experienced while growing up.

After graduating from high school, he was accepted to Lincoln University to study broadcasting. But fate had other plans — Polo G chose to skip college on his first day and dedicate himself fully to music.

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Musical Journey and Breakthrough

Early Beginnings

Polo G started uploading music to YouTube and SoundCloud in 2017. Early songs like “ODA” and “The Come Up” started gaining traction in Chicago. His breakthrough single, “Finer Things”, written while he was incarcerated, became a viral hit for its emotionally raw content and melodic hook.

This track marked a shift in Chicago rap, which had been heavily dominated by the aggressive drill style. Polo G’s introspective and melody-driven approach resonated with a generation craving authenticity.

Die a Legend (2019)

His debut studio album, Die a Legend, released in June 2019, showcased a deeply personal look at his struggles with mental health, street violence, and personal loss. The album peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200 and eventually went Platinum.

Standout tracks include:

• “Pop Out” (featuring Lil Tjay) — his breakout Billboard hit, peaking at #11

• “Battle Cry”

• “Through da Storm”

The Goat (2020)

His second studio album, The Goat, dropped in May 2020, solidifying his presence as a major player in hip-hop. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, selling 99,000 equivalent album units in its first week.

Notable tracks:

• “Heartless” (featuring Mustard)

• “DND”

• “Martin & Gina”

The album title, a nod to the phrase “Greatest of All Time,” was an audacious claim, but critics and fans praised the maturity in his lyrics, storytelling, and continued evolution of his sound.

Hall of Fame (2021)

In June 2021, Polo G released Hall of Fame, which marked his first #1 album on the Billboard 200. It included his biggest single to date, “Rapstar,” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album featured collaborations with:

• Lil Wayne

• DaBaby

• Roddy Ricch

• G Herbo

• The Kid Laroi

The 20-track project was celebrated for its versatility — with songs ranging from melancholic reflections on fame and mental health to classic street anthems.

Hood Poet (2024)

After a brief hiatus and some personal setbacks, Polo G returned in August 2024 with Hood Poet, an acronym for He Overcame Obstacles During Pain or Emotional Trauma.

The album dives deeper into his journey through trauma, resilience, and survival. Notable collaborations on the album include Future, Lil Durk, and The Kid Laroi.

Despite delays due to legal troubles, the album was received positively by fans and critics alike, praising its vulnerability and maturity.

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Personal Life

Polo G became a father on July 6, 2019, a milestone that profoundly shaped his outlook on life and influenced the themes of responsibility, legacy, and fatherhood in his music.

He has openly discussed his battles with substance abuse, revealing that he suffered a near-fatal drug overdose in August 2019. The passing of his friend Juice WRLD further motivated him to seek sobriety.

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Legal Issues

Polo G has faced several legal issues:

• In June 2021, he was arrested in Miami after a police altercation during a traffic stop.

• In August 2023, he and his brother were arrested in connection with a robbery, contributing to the postponement of Hood Poet.

• In April 2024, Polo G was arrested in New York after a loaded firearm was discovered in his hotel room.

Despite these setbacks, he has remained committed to his music career and personal growth.

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Artistry and Style

Polo G’s style is a fusion of melodic rap and lyrical storytelling. His music often reflects:

• Personal trauma and grief

• Mental health struggles

• Systemic issues like poverty and violence

• The challenges of sudden fame

He cites Lil Wayne, Tupac, Meek Mill, G Herbo, and Lil Durk among his key influences. His music, while rooted in Chicago's drill scene, leans heavily on melody and introspection, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries.

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Business Ventures

In 2020, Polo G founded Only Dreamers Achieve (ODA), his own record label under Columbia Records. The label aims to provide a platform for up-and-coming artists and foster creativity without the constraints of traditional labels.

Notable signees:

• Scorey

• YungLiv

He was also featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2021, recognizing his influence not just as a musician but as an entrepreneur and cultural figure.

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Philanthropy and Advocacy

While not heavily publicized, Polo G has quietly supported various community initiatives in Chicago, including:

• Violence prevention programs

• Youth mentorship

• Mental health awareness campaigns

He frequently speaks out on the importance of mental health and breaking cycles of violence and poverty.

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Interesting Facts About Polo G

• His stage name combines “Polo” for his favorite clothing brand and “G” in honor of a late friend.

• He originally intended to pursue a college degree in broadcasting.

• Polo G considers Juice WRLD’s death one of the biggest turning points in his life.

• “Rapstar” was one of the few rap songs in 2021 to debut directly at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Polo G’s Legacy and Impact

In a relatively short time, Polo G has become a voice for a generation navigating trauma, fame, and resilience. His unflinching honesty about personal struggles has helped destigmatize conversations about mental health within hip-hop.

Musically, he has expanded the boundaries of Chicago rap, moving beyond drill to a more melodic and reflective sound. His success paves the way for other artists from similar backgrounds to find mainstream acceptance without compromising their stories.

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Final Thoughts

Polo G’s journey — from Chicago’s gritty streets to global superstardom — is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling, resilience, and emotional vulnerability in hip-hop. As he continues to evolve, both personally and artistically, Polo G remains one of rap’s most compelling and impactful voices.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Polo G’s discography offers a raw, unfiltered look at the trials and triumphs of a modern hip-hop legend.