Juice WRLD left an indelible mark on hip-hop during his tragically brief career, creating a catalog that resonated with millions through raw emotion and melodic innovation. The Chicago artist born Jarad Higgins revolutionized modern rap by seamlessly blending emo-influenced lyrics with trap beats, establishing himself as a voice for a generation grappling with heartbreak, anxiety, and mental health struggles. His freestyling ability was legendary, and his vulnerability in addressing personal demons created music that felt intensely relatable. From breakthrough hits to deep cuts that showcased his versatility, these twenty tracks represent the pinnacle of Juice WRLD’s artistry and enduring influence on contemporary music.
Lucid Dreams
This breakthrough single from 2018 remains Juice WRLD’s signature achievement, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and introducing mainstream audiences to his emotionally charged style. Produced by Nick Mira, the track samples Sting’s “Shape of My Heart” and transforms it into a heartbreak anthem that defined a new era of vulnerable rap music. The production features atmospheric synths and a haunting guitar melody that perfectly complements Juice’s melodic flow as he processes the pain of a toxic relationship. His vocal delivery fluctuates between singing and rapping, showcasing the versatility that became his trademark, while lyrics about betrayal and lingering feelings struck a chord with listeners navigating their own romantic struggles. The song’s commercial success validated Juice’s approach to hip-hop, proving that audiences craved authenticity and emotional depth over traditional tough-guy posturing.
All Girls Are the Same
Released as Juice WRLD’s debut commercial single, this track established the thematic foundation that would define much of his catalog—heartbreak processed through a lens of youthful disillusionment. The Cole Bennett-directed music video accumulated hundreds of millions of views, with its visual aesthetic perfectly matching the song’s moody production and melancholic energy. Producer Nick Mira crafted a minimal yet effective instrumental that allows Juice’s melodic vocals to take center stage, creating space for his introspective lyrics about relationship patterns and emotional guardedness. The chorus became instantly memorable, with Juice’s delivery capturing both vulnerability and defiance as he grapples with trust issues stemming from past romantic experiences. This song demonstrated his ability to transform personal pain into universally relatable anthems, a skill that separated him from countless other artists attempting similar sonic territory.
Robbery
From his debut studio album “Goodbye & Good Riddance,” this track showcases Juice WRLD’s talent for crafting emotionally devastating hooks over production that balances aggression with melody. The song metaphorically compares heartbreak to being robbed, with Juice delivering some of his most quotable lyrics about giving everything to someone who ultimately takes without reciprocating. JW Lucas and Nick Mira’s production features haunting piano chords and hard-hitting 808s that create tension perfectly matching the song’s emotional weight. Juice’s vocal performance here is particularly impressive, as he transitions seamlessly between rapid-fire verses and soaring melodic passages that showcase his range. The track peaked within the top thirty on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing his commercial viability while maintaining the raw authenticity that made fans connect so deeply with his music.
Lean Wit Me
This brutally honest track confronts Juice WRLD’s struggles with substance abuse, turning his dependency into a darkly seductive invitation that reveals the self-destructive patterns he couldn’t escape. Produced by Nick Mira, the instrumental features dreamy synths and a hypnotic rhythm that mirrors the disorienting effects of the substances he’s referencing throughout the lyrics. The song’s hook is simultaneously catchy and disturbing, as Juice acknowledges his problems while seemingly resigned to continuing down a destructive path. His delivery here captures the numbness and detachment that often accompanies addiction, making this one of his most artistically brave performances even as it foreshadowed the tragedy that would eventually claim his life. The production quality is exceptional, with every element carefully balanced to support Juice’s vulnerable vocal performance without overwhelming the emotional core of the track.
Wishing Well
Released posthumously as part of “Legends Never Die,” this song stands as one of Juice WRLD’s most poignant reflections on his mental health struggles and relationship with prescription drugs. The track features production from Bobby Raps, BloodPop, and others, creating a lush sonic landscape that balances pop sensibilities with the raw emotion Juice brought to every recording. His lyrics reference throwing wishes down a wishing well, using the metaphor to explore feelings of hopelessness and the search for relief from internal pain. The vocal melodies here are incredibly intricate, demonstrating the musical sophistication Juice developed beyond simple hooks and straightforward verse structures. Upon release, the song achieved massive commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and reminding audiences of the irreplaceable talent lost when Juice passed away in December 2019.
Righteous
Serving as the lead single from “Legends Never Die,” this track addresses Juice WRLD’s awareness of his own mortality and the internal battles he faced throughout his life. The production by Nick Mira and others features celestial synths and emotional string arrangements that create an almost spiritual atmosphere befitting the song’s introspective subject matter. Juice’s lyrics acknowledge his struggles while expressing a desire for redemption, creating a complicated portrait of someone self-aware about their demons yet uncertain how to overcome them. His vocal performance captures a maturity that suggests growth even as the lyrics reveal ongoing struggles, making this one of his most complex emotional statements. The song debuted within the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating that audiences remained deeply connected to Juice’s music even after his passing, hungry for any remaining material that could provide closure or continued connection.
Come & Go (with Marshmello)
This collaboration brings together Juice WRLD’s emotive vocals with Marshmello’s polished electronic production, creating a pop-friendly track that maintains the emotional depth of Juice’s best work. The song explores relationship anxiety and the fear of abandonment, themes Juice returned to repeatedly throughout his catalog with varying musical approaches. Marshmello’s production features bright synths and an anthemic chorus structure that makes the song accessible to mainstream audiences while preserving the vulnerability that made Juice’s music resonate. The contrast between the uplifting production and melancholic lyrics creates an interesting tension that reflects the complicated emotions Juice was processing. Released posthumously, the track achieved significant streaming numbers and introduced Juice’s artistry to listeners who might not typically engage with rap music, expanding his legacy beyond genre boundaries.
Bandit (with YoungBoy Never Broke Again)
This collaboration pairs Juice WRLD with Baton Rouge rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, creating one of his harder-edged tracks that showcases versatility beyond heartbreak anthems. Produced by KBEAZY and BloodPop, the instrumental features aggressive 808s and a menacing melody that allows both artists to deliver confrontational verses about their lifestyles and success. Juice’s hook is incredibly catchy, demonstrating his ability to craft memorable melodies regardless of the song’s thematic content or production style. YoungBoy’s verse provides an effective contrast to Juice’s melodic approach, with his raw energy complementing rather than clashing with Juice’s more polished delivery. The song peaked within the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Juice’s biggest commercial successes and demonstrating his ability to create hits across different stylistic approaches within hip-hop.
Armed and Dangerous
Released in October 2018, this track finds Juice WRLD addressing relationship struggles and personal demons over production that balances melody with hard-hitting trap elements. The song’s title references being emotionally guarded and potentially dangerous to oneself and others, a theme Juice explored through metaphorical lyrics about weaponizing his feelings. Producer Purps on the Beat crafted an instrumental featuring eerie synths and punchy drums that create urgency matching Juice’s rapid-fire delivery in certain sections. The track showcases his freestyle ability, with verses that feel spontaneous yet perfectly structured, demonstrating the raw talent that made him a sensation. Though not released as a traditional single, the song achieved significant streaming success and became a fan favorite, demonstrating that Juice’s appeal extended beyond his major label singles to his broader catalog.
Moonlight
From “Goodbye & Good Riddance,” this track demonstrates Juice WRLD’s ability to create romantic, uplifting music that contrasts with his typically darker material. The production by Purps features bright, shimmering synths that evoke the celestial imagery of the title, creating a dreamlike atmosphere for Juice’s melodic vocals. His lyrics here focus on positive relationship moments and the intoxicating feeling of new love, showing emotional range beyond heartbreak and substance abuse themes. The vocal melodies are particularly infectious, with Juice crafting hooks that stick in listeners’ heads while maintaining the authenticity that defined all his work. This song demonstrates that Juice could have easily pursued a more commercially oriented pop-rap direction had he chosen to, though his commitment to raw emotional honesty ultimately defined his artistic identity more powerfully.
Hear Me Calling
This emotional track finds Juice WRLD grappling with relationship anxiety and the fear that his partner isn’t listening to his emotional needs. Produced by Purps on the Beat, the instrumental features melancholic piano melodies and atmospheric production that creates space for Juice’s vulnerable vocal performance. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Juice’s delivery capturing desperation and longing as he repeatedly asks if his partner can hear him calling out for connection and understanding. His verses explore the complicated dynamics of relationships where communication breaks down, using specific details that make abstract emotional concepts feel concrete and relatable. The song achieved significant streaming success and became a fan favorite, demonstrating Juice’s consistency in creating emotionally resonant music across his entire catalog rather than relying on a few breakthrough singles.
Fast
This high-energy track from “Death Race for Love” features aggressive production and introspective lyrics about Juice WRLD’s rapid rise to fame and the lifestyle that accompanied his success. Producers G Money and Rex Kudo crafted a frenetic instrumental with racing 808s and urgent melodies that match the song’s thematic focus on living life at an unsustainable pace. Juice’s delivery here is more aggressive than his typically melodic approach, showcasing his ability to adapt his vocal style to match different production styles and thematic content. The lyrics reference his drug use, relationship struggles, and the pressures of fame, creating a comprehensive portrait of his life during this period. The song’s energy makes it a standout on headphones and in live settings, demonstrating Juice’s versatility beyond the ballad-style tracks that initially brought him mainstream attention.
Graduation
Featuring Benny Blanco, this posthumous release finds Juice WRLD reflecting on growth, success, and moving forward from past struggles. The production features lush instrumentation with live elements that give the track a warmer, more organic feel compared to his typically synth-heavy material. Juice’s lyrics use graduation as a metaphor for leaving behind negative patterns and relationships, suggesting personal growth even as other songs revealed ongoing struggles. His vocal performance here is confident and assured, demonstrating the artistic maturity he was developing before his untimely death. The song achieved strong streaming numbers upon release and introduced new audiences to Juice’s music through Benny Blanco’s pop production sensibilities, expanding his legacy beyond traditional hip-hop spaces.
Black & White
This track showcases Juice WRLD’s ability to address complicated relationship dynamics through vivid metaphorical imagery and emotionally charged delivery. The production features dramatic strings and atmospheric synths that create a cinematic quality befitting the song’s exploration of love’s moral ambiguities. Juice’s lyrics acknowledge his own flaws while processing a partner’s betrayal, creating a nuanced emotional portrait that avoids simple victim/villain dynamics. His vocal melodies here are intricate and memorable, demonstrating the musical sophistication that separated him from artists who relied solely on catchy but simple hooks. The song became a deep-cut favorite among dedicated fans who appreciated Juice’s ability to craft compelling music beyond his mainstream singles, showcasing the depth of talent in his catalog.
Conversations
From “Legends Never Die,” this introspective track features Juice WRLD processing mental health struggles through the metaphor of having conversations with inner demons. The production by Rex Kudo creates a haunting atmosphere with eerie melodies and hard-hitting drums that emphasize the song’s dark subject matter. Juice’s lyrics are brutally honest about suicidal ideation and substance abuse, making this one of his most difficult songs to listen to given the tragic circumstances of his death. His vocal delivery captures the exhaustion and desperation of someone battling depression, creating an emotionally devastating listening experience that also highlights his artistic bravery in confronting these topics. The song resonated deeply with fans dealing with similar struggles, cementing Juice’s legacy as an artist who gave voice to pain that many people face but struggle to articulate.
Smile (with The Weeknd)
This collaboration brings together two masters of melancholic music, with The Weeknd’s smooth vocals complementing Juice WRLD’s emotional delivery over production that balances pop appeal with genuine depth. The Weeknd’s verse provides interesting context, as his lyrics seem to directly reference and pay tribute to Juice, creating a moving tribute from one artist to another. The production features lush instrumentation and polished mixing that showcases both artists’ vocals to maximum effect, creating a radio-friendly track that doesn’t sacrifice emotional authenticity. Juice’s chorus is incredibly catchy while maintaining the vulnerability that defined his best work, demonstrating his ability to craft commercially viable music without compromising his artistic vision. The song achieved strong chart performance and introduced The Weeknd’s massive fanbase to Juice’s artistry, expanding his influence across pop music more broadly.
Legends
Released shortly after the deaths of XXXTentacion and Lil Peep, this track finds Juice WRLD reflecting on the tragic pattern of young artists dying before reaching their full potential. The production by BloodPop and others features somber piano melodies and minimal drums that create space for Juice’s emotional vocal performance. His lyrics proved tragically prophetic, as he would pass away roughly a year after releasing this song, making it one of the most difficult tracks in his catalog to revisit. The vocal delivery captures a resigned sadness, as Juice processes grief while seemingly accepting that he might face a similar fate. The song became an anthem for fans mourning young artists lost to substance abuse and mental health struggles, cementing Juice’s role as a voice for a generation grappling with these issues.
Life’s a Mess (with Halsey)
This collaboration pairs Juice WRLD with Halsey, another artist known for emotionally vulnerable music, creating a powerful duet about finding connection amid personal struggles. The production features melodic guitar work and atmospheric elements that create a softer sonic palette compared to Juice’s typically harder trap-influenced material. Both artists deliver heartfelt performances that complement each other perfectly, with Halsey’s distinctive vocals providing interesting contrast to Juice’s melodic rap delivery. The lyrics acknowledge that life is messy and complicated while suggesting that relationships can provide solace even when everything else feels chaotic. The song achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim, demonstrating the universal appeal of Juice’s emotionally honest approach to music-making.
Hate Me (with Ellie Goulding)
This collaboration brings together Juice WRLD and British pop star Ellie Goulding for an exploration of self-sabotage and the fear of disappointing loved ones. The production features polished pop elements with electronic flourishes that showcase both artists’ strengths, creating a radio-friendly track that maintains emotional depth. Juice’s verses acknowledge his struggles with substance abuse and mental health while expressing awareness of how these issues affect people who care about him. Goulding’s contribution on the hook provides a different perspective, creating a dialogue that adds complexity to the song’s emotional narrative. The track performed well commercially and introduced Juice’s music to international pop audiences, expanding his influence beyond American hip-hop markets and demonstrating his potential for global crossover success.
Maze
This deep cut showcases Juice WRLD’s lyrical complexity and ability to craft intricate metaphors around the theme of feeling lost in life’s complications. The production features hypnotic melodies and atmospheric elements that create a disorienting sonic landscape matching the song’s exploration of confusion and searching for direction. Juice’s vocal performance here is particularly nuanced, with subtle inflections and melody changes that add emotional depth to already powerful lyrics. The song never received major promotional push but became a fan favorite through organic discovery, demonstrating the quality throughout Juice’s catalog beyond his major singles. His ability to freestyle entire songs meant that even tracks that didn’t receive extensive studio polishing contained moments of genuine brilliance and emotional resonance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Juice WRLD’s biggest hit song?
Lucid Dreams remains Juice WRLD’s most commercially successful track, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving diamond certification from the RIAA. The song’s sample of Sting’s “Shape of My Heart” and its raw exploration of heartbreak resonated with millions of listeners worldwide, accumulating billions of streams across platforms. Its success established Juice as a mainstream artist while maintaining the emotional authenticity that defined his artistic identity. If you’re exploring more great tracks from this era, check out our comprehensive collection of songs that defined modern hip-hop.
How did Juice WRLD create his music?
Juice WRLD was famous for his freestyling ability, often recording entire songs in one take without written lyrics, improvising verses and melodies spontaneously. He worked closely with producers like Nick Mira and others from Internet Money, typically recording vocals over completed instrumentals rather than building songs from scratch in traditional studio sessions. His process emphasized capturing raw emotion in the moment rather than perfectionist revisions, which contributed to the authentic, unfiltered quality of his music. For those interested in experiencing his music with optimal sound quality, consider exploring our headphones comparison to find equipment that reveals all the nuanced production details in his catalog.
What themes did Juice WRLD explore in his music?
Juice WRLD’s catalog primarily explores heartbreak, substance abuse, mental health struggles, and the complications of fame, with remarkable honesty about his personal demons and emotional vulnerabilities. He frequently addressed toxic relationship patterns, codependency, and the ways romantic pain drove him toward self-destructive coping mechanisms. His willingness to discuss depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation openly created music that resonated deeply with fans facing similar struggles, positioning him as a voice for young people navigating mental health challenges. The production quality across his releases benefits from careful listening through quality audio equipment, which you can research through our earbuds comparison guide.
How many albums did Juice WRLD release?
Juice WRLD released two studio albums during his lifetime: “Goodbye & Good Riddance” in 2018 and “Death Race for Love” in 2019, both achieving significant commercial success and critical acclaim. Following his death in December 2019, his estate released “Legends Never Die” in 2020 and “Fighting Demons” in 2021, both featuring previously unreleased material from his extensive recording archive. Additional posthumous releases and compilation projects have continued to introduce unreleased Juice WRLD music to fans hungry for any remaining material from the prolific artist.
What made Juice WRLD’s style unique in hip-hop?
Juice WRLD pioneered a melodic rap style that blended emo-influenced emotional vulnerability with trap production, creating a sound that felt simultaneously contemporary and emotionally timeless. His ability to sing and rap seamlessly within the same song, combined with his freestyling talent and willingness to address taboo topics like mental health and addiction, separated him from countless other artists. The production on his tracks often featured live instrumentation alongside digital elements, creating rich sonic landscapes that elevated his emotional performances beyond simple beat-and-vocals arrangements that dominated much contemporary rap music.