GoldLink
Biography
D'Anthony William Carlos, professionally known as GoldLink, is an American rapper and singer from Washington, D.C., born on May 17, 1993. He rose to prominence with his unique sound, which he dubbed "future bounce," blending elements of hip-hop, funk, R&B, and go-go music. After his parents' separation, he moved with his mother to Bowie, Maryland, and later settled in Virginia, where he graduated from Hayfield Secondary School.
Career Beginnings
GoldLink began his music career performing under his birth name, D'Anthony Carlos, and started making music as a hobby after high school. He initially released tracks on Bandcamp under the name Gold Link James before adopting his current stage name in 2013 and releasing free tracks on SoundCloud. His debut mixtape, "The God Complex" (2014), garnered critical acclaim and marked his official entry into the music scene.
Rise to Fame
In 2015, GoldLink was selected for the XXL Freshman Class, a significant milestone for emerging hip-hop artists. That same year, he released his second mixtape, "And After That, We Didn't Talk," which featured the popular singles "Dance on Me" and "Spectrum." The mixtape was recognized by Pigeons & Planes as one of the best albums of 2015. His breakthrough came with the 2016 single "Crew," featuring Brent Faiyaz and Shy Glizzy. The song peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, achieved sextuple platinum certification, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
Studio Albums and Musical Style
GoldLink's debut studio album, "At What Cost," was released in 2017 and received positive reviews. The album pays homage to his D.C. roots, incorporating the city's indigenous go-go music, a percussive, funk-inspired sound. His second studio album, "Diaspora," followed in 2019, further showcasing his eclectic style and featuring collaborations with artists like Tyler, The Creator, and Khalid. His music often draws from a wide range of influences, including Missy Elliott and Outkast, and is characterized by its fusion of hip-hop with house, drum and bass, and R&B.
Notable Collaborations and Awards
Throughout his career, GoldLink has collaborated with numerous acclaimed artists. He worked with legendary producer Rick Rubin in 2015 and has been featured on tracks with Christina Aguilera, which earned him another Grammy nomination, as well as with Kaytranada, Mýa, and Wale. In addition to his Grammy nominations, he has been nominated for a BET Award for Best New Artist and an iHeartRadio Music Award.