Privaledge is a Philadelphia-born hip-hop artist known for his sharp lyricism, versatile sound, and powerful storytelling rooted in real-life experiences. Raised in West Philadelphia, though discovering his passion in Southwest Philly, Privaledge is an artist who embodies both the grit and ambition of his city. He discovered his passion for rap at the age of ten, freestyling and battle rapping with friends around his grandmother’s neighborhood. Hip-hop quickly became his outlet a way to express what was happening in his community and to inspire change through his art.

“I remember my big cousin freestylin’ over old DJ Clue tapes—back when they were still cassette tapes.”
 

— Privaledge

​

Growing up, Privaledge was influenced by legends such as Jay-Z, Nas, Lil Wayne, The Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac Shakur. East Coast movements like Roc-A-Fella, State Property, Bad Boy, and Dipset shaped his lyrical foundation, while producers like Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, and Pharrell Williams inspired his sound design and creativity.

While attending college in Arizona, Privaledge met NBA star James Harden through mutual friends, forming a genuine friendship built around their shared love of music. That connection led to an introduction to Kevin Durant, and together with producer C.L. McCoy, they created his debut mixtape, Itz a Privaledge. The project caught the attention of DJ Skee, who went on to collaborate with him on The Playbook, featuring standout records like “This the Life” featuring Waka Flocka Flame, “Neva Did” featuring YG, and “Sh*tted on ’Em” featuring Kendrick Lamar.

Building momentum, Privaledge released Joe World, featuring “So Cold” with Nipsey Hussle, “Thinking of You” featuring Trina, and “Rolls Royce” with Kevin Durant. The project also included production from Jahlil Beats, DJ Mustard, and Boi-1da, earning widespread attention from fans and tastemakers alike.

​

Privaledge continued expanding his catalog with They Hated (2015) and Black Priv (2016), which included “Work It,” spun on Philadelphia’s Power 99 by DJ Diamond Kuts. His single “Worried Bout Tomorrow,” another collaboration with Kevin Durant, was featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live! during Durant’s 2016 appearance, while “Cheffin” was highlighted by HipHopDX as the winner of their Litness Test and later featured on BET Jams.

​

In 2019, he released Reality, a 12-track project that blended energetic anthems like “Ride or Die” and “Peezy” with introspective tracks addressing social issues, including “How It Goes” and “Takin’ a Break.” The album and accompanying visuals were featured in major outlets such as XXL, HipHopDX, HipHopSince1987, and The Hype Magazine.

​

Throughout his career, Privaledge has performed alongside Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Trina, Waka Flocka Flame, YG, Young Thug, G Herbo, Roddy Ricch, Tyga, and Nelly. He has appeared on tours including Young Thug’s HiTunes Tour, MTV’s Wild ’N Out College Tour, and The Rel Carter Culture Tour, while also headlining his own Introduction Tour presented by Legend Studios Entertainment.

​

In 2020, he released six EPs — Respect Don’t Expect, Reality Check, Racism Still Alive, Actions Speak Louder, The Missing Piece, and Most Consistent — showcasing his unmatched consistency and artistic growth.

In 2024 and 2025, his collaboration with Kevin Durant, “Rolls Royce,” received high-profile recognition after being played during Phoenix Suns warm-ups at the Footprint Center, further cementing his influence at the intersection of music and sports. Additionally, Privaledge has earned television placements on MTV’s Catfish, expanding his reach into media and sync licensing.

​

With the hunger of a newcomer and the polish of a veteran, Privaledge continues to build the Black Priv movement — a message centered on perseverance, self-belief, and breaking generational cycles.

“I grew up in the hood, my mom grew up in the hood, my grandmom grew up in the hood... somebody has to break the cycle.”

— Privaledge