Sheck Wes

Biography

Khadimou Rassoul Cheikh Fall (born September 10, 1998), known professionally as Sheck Wes, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and model. He was born in Harlem, New York City, to parents of Senegalese descent and was raised in a Muslim household. At the age of five, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he lived for nine years before moving back to New York at 14. Wes began making music at age 11 as a way to cope with a troubled childhood in a hostile environment.

Career Beginnings

While in high school, basketball was a major focus for Wes, but he also drew the attention of a fashion talent scout. This led him to a pivotal decision: skipping a playoff basketball game to participate in the Yeezy Season 3 fashion show at Madison Square Garden. This event opened up new opportunities for him in the fashion world. His interests in music, modeling, and basketball often intersected and created a unique path for his career. After his mother sent him to Senegal to refocus due to his "wild lifestyle," he returned to the US with a renewed determination to pursue music seriously.

Breakthrough with "Mo Bamba"

Sheck Wes's breakout moment came in 2017 with the release of his single "Mo Bamba," named after his childhood friend and NBA player, Mohamed Bamba. The song, which was initially released on SoundCloud, went viral in 2018. It eventually peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying his place in the mainstream. The success of "Mo Bamba" was largely driven by its organic popularity online and at sporting events. This viral hit led to a joint record deal with Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Records and Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music, in conjunction with Interscope Records.

Music Career

Following the success of his hit single, Sheck Wes released his debut studio album, "Mudboy," on October 5, 2018. The album, which features no guest appearances, was praised for its raw energy and debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. He was also part of the Travis Scott-led hip-hop collective JackBoys, which released the compilation album "JackBoys" in 2019. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Wes has continued to release singles, including "Rich One Day" and has announced a future project titled "Hell 2 Paradise".

Ventures Outside of Music

Beyond his music career, Sheck Wes has maintained his passion for basketball. In November 2020, he declared for the 2020 NBA draft, though he went undrafted. Shortly after, he signed to play professional basketball for Paris Basketball in the French LNB Pro A league, making his debut in May 2021. He has also continued his work in modeling, having walked in a Yeezy fashion show early in his career.