Quadeca

Benjamin Fernando Barajas Lasky, known professionally as Quadeca, is a 23-year-old American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and former YouTuber who has gained recognition for his diverse artistic talents. He was born on October 2, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, Quadeca grew up in a family with a strong creative and entrepreneurial background. His father, Mitch Lasky, is a well-known venture capitalist and former video game executive, which perhaps influenced Benjamin’s early interest in video games and eventually in music and content creation.

Quadeca’s journey into the public eye began in 2012 when he launched his YouTube channel under the name QuadecaX8. Initially, his channel focused on video game commentary, particularly related to the FIFA franchise, reflecting his passion for both soccer and gaming. However, his interests soon expanded beyond gaming, and he began uploading rap songs, freestyles, and music videos, gradually transitioning from a YouTube personality to a serious musical artist.

In 2015, at just 14 years old, Quadeca released his debut mixtape, Work in Progress. This project marked the beginning of his evolution from a YouTube rapper into a more complex and mature artist. Over the next few years, he released several more mixtapes, including Nostalgia for the Now in 2016, Bad Internet Rapper in 2017, and Out of Order later that same year. His early work was heavily influenced by rappers like Logic and J. Cole, and his style was initially categorized as YouTube rap—a label he would eventually outgrow.

Quadeca’s rise to fame was significantly boosted by his involvement in a high-profile feud with fellow YouTuber and rapper KSI in late 2018. KSI called out Quadeca and other YouTube rappers, labeling them as “frauds,” which prompted Quadeca to release a diss track titled “Insecure.” The track quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and earning praise from KSI himself. This exchange elevated Quadeca’s status within the YouTube and rap communities and set the stage for his subsequent success.

In March 2019, Quadeca released his debut studio album, Voice Memos. The album showcased his growing skills as a rapper and producer, peaking at No. 42 on Billboard’s Independent Albums and Heatseekers Albums charts. His music began to attract more critical attention, and he was invited to explain the lyrics of his song “Uh Huh!” in a Genius interview, further solidifying his credibility as an artist.

Quadeca’s second studio album, From Me to You, released in March 2021, marked a significant artistic shift. Drawing inspiration from artists like Tyler, The Creator, Joji, and Childish Gambino, the album explored more experimental sounds, blending elements of hip-hop, art pop, and neo-psychedelia. The lead single, “Sisyphus,” received widespread critical acclaim, highlighting Quadeca’s ability to innovate within his genre.

In 2022, Quadeca released his third studio album, I Didn’t Mean to Haunt You, which pushed the boundaries of his musical style even further. Influenced by artists such as The Microphones, Björk, and Caroline Polachek, the album incorporated elements of folktronica and experimental hip-hop, showcasing his growth as an artist willing to take creative risks.

In 2024, Quadeca continued to build on his artistic legacy with the release of the mixtape SCRAPYARD, featuring collaborations with Brakence and Kevin Abstract. As he looks toward the future, Quadeca remains a dynamic force in the music industry, constantly evolving and pushing the limits of his creativity while maintaining a strong connection with his roots as a content creator and musician.