Rapper Slim Jesus has been hailed as ‘the new Eminem’. With his track “Drill Time,” the then 18-year-old from Hamilton, Ohio made a major online impression in 2015. The song prominently samples the sounds and ideas of drill music, a subgenre of trap rap that originated in Chicago’s most violent neighbourhoods and was made popular by Chief Keef and his associates. It has gone on to garner over 60 million views on Youtube, while the channel ‘ImSlimJesus’ has more than 280,000 subscribers.

Slim has gained popularity online since he was cosigned by drill musician Lil Bibby and featured in a Complex profile. He has also aroused some criticism, which has led to discussions about cultural appropriation and plagarism. Slim recorded an exclusive feature interview on VLAD TV, a rite of passage for many rappers, in which he discussed his celebrity – including endorsements by Bibby, Amber Rose, and Meek Mill – as well as his criticism. He has acknowledged that he does not lead the lifestyle, characterised by drug trafficking and gang membership, that is typical of many drill artists.

Slim released the album The Most Hated in 2017, followed by Against All Odds in 2019. He has also released the singles Kold As Ice (2020), Trending (2020), Splurgin (2021) and Gettin’ Off (2022). He keeps up with his fans on Instagram @imslimjesus, where he boasts more than 110,000 followers.