Hip-Hop is GTTM (Goin Thru the Motions)
PnB Rock’s Influence on the Melodic Rap Scene and Accolades
By: Diamonte Giacovelli
Rakim Allen, known as PnB Rock (December 9th, 1991-September 12th, 2022), was an American rapper that recently had his life taken in a senseless act of violence, as he was robbed of his chain and fatally shot in a Roscoe’s House of Chicken n’ Waffles in Los Angeles. As a huge fan of the artist, I felt that PnB never received all the flowers he deserved, so I want to focus on the positive impact, influence, and accolades the Philly rapper received during his career.
PnB was known as one of the original SoundCloud rappers that hit mainstream music in the 2015-2017 era. He would drop a 3-mixtape trilogy which received good recognition. RNB3 gave hits like “Alone” and “No Time” in 2015, but it wouldn’t be until 2016 that his career would take a leap. In only two weeks in June, PnB Rock accompanied Kodak Black on the song “Too Many Years” and released his hit single “Selfish” which ultimately charted at 51 on the Billboard 100.
In 2017, PnB released his notorious mixtape GTTM: Goin’ Thru the Motions, which charted at 28 on the Billboard 200. He also featured on “Everyday We Lit” with YFN Lucci that charted at 33, was named an XXL Freshman, released the summer hit “Unforgettable (Freestyle)”, and featured on A Boogie’s “Beast Mode” that hit 86 on the Billboard 100. Lastly, he debuted his first studio album, “Catch These Vibes”, which topped at 17 on the Billboard 200.
In 2018, PnB was featured on XXXTENTACION’s song “changes” which hit 18 on the Billboard 100, and Meek Mill’s song “Dangerous” that hit 31 on the same chart. In 2019, PnB Rock became the most accomplished in his career, debuting his sophomore album Trapstar Turnt Popstar which charted at 4 on the Billboard 200. He would also collaborate with Ed Sheeran, Quality Control, and X to create hits “Cross Me” (25), “Leave Em Alone” (60) and “Bad Vibes Forever” (85). In the last couple of years, PnB dropped two EPs: 2 Get You Thru the Rain and SoundCloud Daze. At the end of August of this year, he dropped his single “Luv Me Again” which would’ve started his independent artist journey. PnB would work with artists like 50 Cent, Roddy Ricch, Tee Grizzley, and so much more throughout his career.
We will remember PnB as a pioneer of melodic rap for artists like Rod Wave, YK Osiris, Yung bleu, etc. R.I.P. to an amazing human being and artist, and make sure to stream his music as all the revenue will go toward his 2 beautiful kids.
