At some point, we started to wonder who the shirtless rapper was that kept popping up all over our TikTok feeds. Everything about this rapper is captivating, so we decided it was time we met Jeleel!
Is it the way he aggressively and independently markets his music on TikTok? Or the wild stunts he pulls off on stage while performing? One thing is clear—Jeleel! is the definition of ultra-high energy, and we’re diving into what makes him so electrifying.
Jeleel! launched his music career in 2018, debuting with tracks like “Play Me.” By 2021, he gained traction with “Jeleel Juice!,” a fan favorite known for its energetic vibe and humor. However, his breakthrough came in 2023 with “DIVE IN!” from his REAL RAW! album. The song exploded in popularity, amassing over 117 million streams on Spotify alone.
The REAL RAW! album also featured collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, Chow Lee, and Denzel Curry, with tracks like “Shot,” “Fast Car,” and “Confetti” further fueling his rise.
Now, let’s get to meet Jeleel! —the energetic rapper taking over our TikTok FYPs—with these Seven must-know facts!
Where Is Jaleel Rapper From?
Abdul Jeleel Yussuf, popularly known as Jeleel!, is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, and songwriter who has proven that artists don’t need a record label to promote their work. Born on October 14, 1995, in Rhode Island, Jeleel! was raised in the same city, a place not typically known for producing rappers, making his rise even more unique.
When asked in an interview with Noisey how a rapper emerges from Rhode Island, he simply replied, “I don’t know, I guess I was just summoned.”
What Made Jeleel! Go Viral on TikTok?
He brings humor and creativity into his marketing, embedding his songs into all kinds of TikTok trends. He seamlessly embeds his songs into trending TikTok challenges, making his sound impossible to ignore.
Thanks to his consistency and viral appeal, he has captured the attention of a massive audience. His relentless energy, athleticism, and innovative approach to content creation on TikTok and Instagram continue to set him apart.
What Style Of Rap Is Jeleel!?
What we like to call Jeleel! is a versatile rapper. He seamlessly blends Hip-Hop, rage rap, and punk with reggae, R&B, and Afrobeats into his art—and it bangs! What truly sets him apart, though, is his signature heavy bass, electrifying sound, and high-energy athleticism, making every performance an intense and thrilling experience from start to finish.
What Does Jeleel! Do To Get So Jacked?
Fans often wonder how Jeleel! maintains his ripped physique, with some even asking about his workout routine and meal plan. However, Jeleel! has repeatedly described himself as a “genetic freak,” attributing his muscular build to his African heritage.
While he claims he was simply born this way, we believe his physique is also a result of consistent gym workouts and his background in athletics.
What Is He Like When He’s Not Performing?
While fans expect wild energy from Jeleel! whenever he’s performing, they are often surprised by his calm and soft-spoken nature in regular conversations. Many admire the contrast between his explosive music and his gentle personality.
In our opinion, we feel the contrast shows how intentional he is with his art; Jeleel! is on a mission.
Is Jeleel! Juice An Actual Drink?
He often uses the phrase. He even tells people to “drink the Jeleel!” juice to feel more alive and energized. However, it’s not an actual drink; it’s the title of his song “Jeleel Juice!,” which perfectly embodies the humor and high-energy vibes he brings to the industry.
Has Jeleel! Sustained Serious Injuries While Performing?
While Jeleel! is known for his unbelievable stunts during performances, there aren’t many records of him sustaining serious injuries on stage. However, during the Nitro Circus Mega event in late 2023, he took a brutal plunge off a 40-foot ramp while attempting a bike trick.
In a 2024 interview with the One More Time Podcast, he also admitted that his knees hurt from constantly doing backflips.
We hope we helped you meet Jeleel! If you haven’t already, use this as an opportunity to get into his music and learn more about the budding talent.
Connect with Jeleel! on Instagram
Image Credit: Mario Skraban / Contributor | Getty Images