Watsky

George Watsky, who goes by just Watsky, started out in San Francisco's slam poetry scene. He won the National Poetry Slam in 2006, which gave him a platform before he shifted toward making music. His early work, like the song 'Watsky Raps Even Faster,' showed how he brought that rapid-fire, word-focused style into hip-hop.

He put out his self-titled debut album in 2009. A few years later, his 2011 album 'Moral of the Story' and tracks like 'Cardboard Castles' connected with a wider audience. His writing often leans into personal reflection and social observation, as you can hear in songs such as 'A Hundred Words You Could Say Instead Of Swag' or 'Ask Me Anything.'

Watsky has been open about dealing with depression and anxiety, and that directness comes through in his music. He works as a solo artist but has recorded with others, like Dia Frampton on 'Sarajevo' and Rafael Casal on 'Amplified.' Over several albums, he's built a catalog that mixes hip-hop with pop and rock touches, keeping the focus on his lyrics.