Who is Lil Mabu? Biography, Net Worth & Wiki

In 2020, a 15-year-old from New York made his debut in the music world with “Miss Me,” a heavily autotuned, bubblegum rap track under the name Lil Mabu.

While the song initially gained 300,000 views on YouTube, his transformation over the next few years turned him into one of the most talked-about and viral artists of 2023.

Fast forward to 2023, and Lil Mabu dropped hits like “Trip to the Hood” and “Mathematical Disrespect,” both racking up over 50 million YouTube views and surpassing 150 million streams on Spotify.

With numbers like these, it’s clear Lil Mabu is making waves—but who exactly is he? How did he transition from an unknown rapper to a breakout sensation? Let’s dive into his journey to understand how artists rise to viral fame.

The Rise of Lil Mabu

Born Matthew DeLuca, Lil Mabu was raised in New York’s Upper East Side, growing up in a well-off family. He attended the prestigious Collegiate School, a private institution that once schooled John F. Kennedy Jr.

His music career started in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he gained attention with “Miss Me.” That song was a far cry from the hard-hitting drill music he would later embrace, but its catchy melodies and youthful energy made him an easy artist for younger audiences to connect with.

Interestingly, before diving deep into rap, Lil Mabu was excelling in academics. He won the 69th Annual Jack Woodruff Memorial Public Speaking Competition and the Jamie Porter Cup for his writing skills—suggesting he was always destined for a career in the public eye.

That same year, he appeared on WMSC Radio 90.3, discussing what set him apart from other rappers and hinting at an upcoming drill track—long before he went viral.

Breaking the Internet

In May 2021, Lil Mabu took a sharp turn in his career. He dropped “Demon Time,” his first attempt at drill music, which gathered nearly 2 million views. But the real game-changer was “Trip to the Hood.”

This controversial track saw him stepping out of his privileged lifestyle and into the streets, crafting a humorous yet striking contrast between his background and the world of drill music. While some saw it as entertaining, others questioned his authenticity. Despite the debate, the song’s success skyrocketed him into the spotlight.

Following that, he released “Mathematical Disrespect,” a track that gained more views in two months than “Trip to the Hood” did in four. His latest single, “Rich Scholar,” pulled in 6.3 million views in just three weeks.

Clearly, Lil Mabu has figured out the formula for maintaining virality.

While New York drill has been one of the dominant rap subgenres in recent years, Lil Mabu’s take on it is vastly different. Unlike the late Pop Smoke, who reshaped the drill scene before his passing, Lil Mabu isn’t necessarily following in those footsteps—he’s carving out his own niche.

His use of humor, compelling visuals, and sharp production make his music stand out. The contrast between his polished private-school life and the raw energy of his drill-style raps adds a unique dimension that keeps audiences engaged.

With media outlets like the New York Post, Pitchfork, and Complex debating his success and influence, it’s clear Lil Mabu’s approach has struck a nerve—whether people love or hate it.

Turning Controversy Into Success

The pushback against Lil Mabu isn’t new—many white rappers who mix humor with hip-hop have faced similar scrutiny. Think of acts like The Lonely Island, who thrived on comedic rap, or Lil Dicky, who blended satire with technical skill. While Lil Mabu’s music isn’t as overtly comedic, it offers something distinctly different from most drill rappers.

His rise highlights an important lesson for aspiring artists: controversy, bold moves, and originality can be powerful tools in the digital age. That doesn’t mean relying on gimmicks, but crafting a story that makes people curious about you can set you apart.

Music alone isn’t always enough—it’s the persona, the intrigue, and the ability to spark conversations that keep fans coming back. Take Ice Spice as an example. “Munch” wasn’t a groundbreaking track, but her unique style, engaging visuals, and magnetic personality kept her from being dismissed as a one-hit wonder.

Similarly, Lil Mabu’s background, coupled with his unconventional take on drill, continues to keep audiences watching.

What’s Next for Lil Mabu?

While he hasn’t dropped a full album yet, his 2022 EP served as a stepping stone for his breakout year in 2023. If he continues capitalizing on his momentum, his next move could push him even further into mainstream success.

One of the biggest keys to longevity in the industry is consistency. Even critical media coverage can work in an artist’s favor—after all, not everyone has to like you for you to stay relevant. Take Pitchfork, for example. Even if they aren’t impressed with Lil Mabu’s antics, the exposure alone brings him to a wider audience.