Lil Dicky is an American rapper, comedian and actor who became popular in 2013 with million views of "Ex-Boyfriend".
| Full Name | David Andrew Burd |
| Age | 35 |
| Birthday | March 15, 1988 |
| Birth Sign | Pisces |
| Born | United States |
| Height | 5′ 11′′ |
| Net Worth | $8M |
| Social |
Early Life and Background
Born David Andrew Burd in 1988, Lil Dicky grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of Cheltenham Township. From a young age, he displayed creative talents – writing comedy skits for talent shows and parody raps for his amused family.
After graduating high school in 2006, he attended the University of Richmond on a partial academic scholarship. He earned a bachelor‘s degree in business administration in 2010.
However, the corporate world didn‘t interest the aspiring comedian. He spent two years writing for TV shows like Rob Dyrdek‘s Fantasy Factory to build his resume.
In 2011, Lil Dicky moved to LA to pursue music full-time. He worked day jobs while honing his rap skills at night. The stage name "Lil Dicky" was a nod to his short stature as a teen and a satirical jab at rapper conventions.
Viral Success and Rise to Fame
Lil Dicky first tasted viral success in 2013 with the release of the music video for "Ex-Boyfriend." The clever concept depicting Dicky crashing his ex‘s dates struck a chord, racking up over 20 million YouTube views.
He capitalized on that momentum with his debut mixtape So Hard in 2013. The project showcased Dicky‘s trademark blend of satirical rap and laugh-out-loud punchlines. Downloaded over a million times, So Hard marked the arrival of hip-hop‘s newest comedic force.
As Dicky kept releasing instant classic singles like 2014‘s "Lemme Freak," his stock in the rap game skyrocketed. He signed a deal with Commission Records in 2015 to release his long-awaited debut studio album.
Debut Album – Professional Rapper
When Professional Rapper dropped in 2015, it exceeded all expectations. Featuring artists like Snoop Dogg and Brendon Urie, the album displayed the full scope of Lil Dicky‘s talents.
Smash singles included "Save Dat Money" and "Pillow Talking," the latter showcasing Dicky‘s elite technical rapping skills. Debuting at #7 on the Billboard 200, Professional Rapper earned Lil Dicky a Best Rap Album Grammy nod.
In the following years, Dicky focused on touring and collaborating with top artists. He also broke into TV, starring in the hit comedy Dave on FX playing a fictionalized version of himself.
Comedic Style and Lyricism
So what makes Lil Dicky so unique in the rap landscape? For starters, he‘s a gifted lyricist who can stand bar-for-bar with anyone. But it‘s his injection of satirical humor into songs that really sets him apart.
Dicky regularly mocks and exaggerates rap cliches, touching on off-limits topics with a comedic twist. He‘ll transition from rapping double-time to singing a ridiculous R&B hook seamlessly. It‘s this blend of skills and styles that makes his music so unexpected and fun.
And beneath the humor lies substance. Lil Dicky raps about relatable struggles like anxiety, depression, loneliness, and feeling out of place. By pairing vulnerability with laugh-out-loud jokes, he connects with audiences on multiple levels at once.
Influences
- Musical influences: Snoop Dogg, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, Outkast, Kanye West
- Comedy influences: Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Louis CK, Larry David
Impact and Legacy
In just a few short years, Lil Dicky has become one of rap‘s most recognizable figures. He‘s proven comedy and hip-hop can fuse seamlessly when done right. Lines blur between "rapper" and "comedian" when listening to his songs.
By charting his own path, Dicky has inspired other unconventional artists. His embrace of the underdog mentality has connected with millions of fans who also feel outcast.
Despite critics who initially wrote him off as a joke, Lil Dicky has the stats – hundreds of millions of streams, multi-platinum singles, sold-out tours – to back up his legend status.
And at just 35, there‘s no telling how much farther Lil Dicky can push the boundaries of hip-hop. But after reigniting a spark in the rap game that was missing, his legacy as a comedic pioneer is already set in stone.
The Future is Bright
In conclusion, Lil Dicky remains one of music‘s most creative and engaging acts. His commitment to charting his own course has inspired other outlier artists.
As he balances TV, fashion, and music, fans eagerly await Dicky‘s next moves as an entertainer and entrepreneur. No matter what he tackles next, his trademark wit and authenticity will surely shine through.
One thing is certain – with Lil Dicky, the future of hip-hop looks bright. He continues to subvert expectations of what a rapper can be. By embracing his quirks and skills, Lil Dicky sets an example for anyone striving for greatness against the odds. His comedic edge will no doubt continue influencing the genre and culture for years to come.
