Tommy Richman

Tommy Richman, born on March 21, 2000, in Woodbridge, Virginia, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter who gained widespread recognition with his 2024 single “Million Dollar Baby.” The song’s success was propelled by snippets posted on TikTok, leading to its debut at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

Growing up in a musical environment, Richman was influenced by his drum teacher father, despite his legally deaf mother not playing music at home. He began taking voice lessons and performed opera as a child, developing his vocal skills early on. Richman started releasing music on platforms like SoundCloud and Spotify in 2016, with his debut song “Ballin’ Stalin.” Over the years, he explored various genres, including R&B and punk rock, steadily building a diverse musical repertoire.

In 2022, Richman released his first EP, Paycheck, which showcased his versatility and talent. The following year, he signed with Brent Faiyaz’s independent record label ISO Supremacy, in partnership with Pulse Records. This partnership marked a significant milestone in his career, leading to opportunities such as opening for Faiyaz’s Fck the World, It’s a Wasteland Tour*. Richman also collaborated with Faiyaz on the track “Upset” from the 2023 mixtape Larger than Life.

Richman’s breakout moment came in 2024 with the release of “Million Dollar Baby.” The song quickly gained popularity on TikTok, amassing millions of views from teaser videos posted in April. Released on April 26, 2024, the single garnered 38 million streams and debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its widespread appeal led it to be dubbed the “song of the summer” by some and it reached number one on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 in May 2024.

Before his mainstream success, Richman released numerous singles and EPs that reflected his eclectic musical style. Songs like “Ballin’ Stalin,” “Penelope Terrel,” and “Silent Hill” leaned towards alt-R&B and rap, while tracks like “LIKETHATSHIT” were geared towards underground raves and mosh pits. His music also drew from funk influences, as evidenced by the single “Selfish.”

In 2023, Richman released the EP The Rush, further establishing his presence in the music industry. His close relationship with Brent Faiyaz and the support from ISO Supremacy played a crucial role in his artistic development and success. Richman has cited Faiyaz as one of his inspirations, and their collaborative efforts have contributed to his rising profile.

Richman’s mantra, “everything is punk,” originated as an inside joke with his friends but evolved into a defining aspect of his brand. This slogan not only appears in his YouTube bio and website name but also inspired an underground concert series. Richman explained the phrase’s origins in an interview, highlighting its significance within his friend group and its impact on his creative endeavors.

Tommy Richman’s journey from releasing music on SoundCloud to achieving chart-topping success demonstrates his dedication and versatility as an artist. With a growing discography that spans multiple genres and a unique approach to his craft, Richman continues to make a significant impact on the music scene.