Miles Parks McCollum (born August 23, 1997), professionally known as Lil Yachty, is an American rapper and singer from Atlanta. He rose to public attention in the mid-2010s through songs released online and through high-profile guest appearances, building a reputation for a playful, melodic approach to hip hop and for a distinctive visual identity.

Early career and breakthrough

Yachty first attracted notice with self-released tracks that circulated on streaming platforms and social media. Early songs such as "One Night" and "Minnesota" helped him gain an audience, and a guest appearance on a popular single by another artist brought wider exposure. His first widely distributed project, the mixtape often referred to as "Lil Boat," introduced the nautical branding that became part of his image.

Musical style and public image

Musically, Lil Yachty is associated with the internet-driven wave of hip hop that emphasizes melody, youthful themes and lighthearted production. He often blends singing and rapped lines, uses vocal effects, and favors bright, sometimes whimsical instrumentation. Visually he is known for colorful hair, playful fashion and recurring nautical motifs tied to his early stage name. Critics and listeners note his willingness to shift styles, from catchy, pop-oriented tracks to more experimental, genre-blurring records.

Notable releases and collaborations

  • Mixtape: Lil Boat (early project that established his persona)
  • Studio albums: Teenage Emotions (2017), Lil Boat 2 (2018), and later projects that explored varied sounds
  • Singles and features: breakout songs that gained streaming traction and collaborations with a range of hip hop and pop artists

Over his career he has worked with other prominent musicians, appeared in media beyond music, and taken part in fashion and brand projects. These activities reflect a broader interest in culture and entrepreneurship common among contemporary recording artists.

Reception and influence

Public and critical reaction to Lil Yachty has been mixed at times: some listeners have welcomed his fresh, unconventional approach and catchy melodies, while others have been skeptical of his lyrical focus or production choices. Regardless, his early internet-era success and genre-mixing tendencies have contributed to the mainstream visibility of melodic, youth-oriented rap, and his later, more experimental albums have shown a willingness to evolve artistically.