Golden's first music video, "Trappers Anthem", was released in 2017. In January 2019, he released the single "Valentino", which received over 100 million plays on Spotify. He received his first record deal through producer D. A. Doman. 24kGoldn got his big break through his 2019 "high-energy" single "Valentino". However, the rapper said in 2020 that "those ['Valentino'] were recorded over a year ago and don't exactly reflect the person I have become since then". Golden released his debut EP Dropped Outta College in November 2019, and he signed a record deal with Records, LLC and Columbia Records. In 2020, Golden gained further attention with single "City of Angels", which was officially released to US alternative radio on March 31, 2020; followed up in May 2020 with an official remix of the song by English singer-songwriter Yungblud. On May 20, 24kGoldn was featured on the remix of Olivia O'Brien's single "Josslyn".
On August 11, 2020, he was included on XXL's 2020 Freshman Class, placing in the 10th position after receiving the most fan votes. That same month, Golden's July 2020 single "Mood" featuring Iann Dior hit the charts due to its success on TikTok. It went on to peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
24kGoldn's music ranges from a variety of genres, motivated by his need to "never want[ing] to be constricted by one genre". Regarding his style, he stated: "depending on what song you listen to, my music can be described different ways". He attributes his "maturity and development" to rapper Paypa Boy, who initially got him into recording music.
24kGoldn grew up in San Francisco, California and attended Lowell High School, a selective public school. As a child, 24kGoldn acted in commercials. Golden sang in the choir in middle school and high school, and, with that, the importance of music in his life grew with his "own growth". Before he realised he could do music professionally, he planned on becoming a hedge fund manager. Golden attended the University of Southern California where he joined the Beta-Sigma Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, as a Spring 2019 initiate. He initially took a leave of absence from school to pursue his rap career. Golden stated that he was not anticipating "that things were going to happen so fast when I came to USC", and did not think he would finish University, but he wanted to round off the school year to further develop the relationships he made, stating his love for being on campus, and that being a student kept him "grounded".
CITY OF ANGELS
24kgoldn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They said, "Go to hell," but I told 'em I don't wanna
If you know me well, then you know that I ain't goin'
'Cause I don't wanna, I don't wanna
I don't wanna die young
The city of angels where I have my fun
Don't wanna die young
When I'm gone, remember all I've done, 'one
We've had our fun-un
But now I'm done-one
'Cause you crazy (yeah), I can't take it (no)
Just wanted to see you naked
Heard time like money, can't waste it
What's the price of fame? 'Cause I can taste it
So I'm chasin' (yeah), and I'm facin'
A little Hennessy, it might be good for me
I sold my soul to the devil for designer
They said, "Go to hell," but I told 'em I don't wanna
If you know me well, then you know that I ain't goin'
'Cause I don't wanna, I don't wanna
I don't wanna die young
The city of angels where I have my fun
Don't wanna die young
When I'm gone, remember all I've done-one
24kGoldn's "City of Angels" is a song about the allure of fame and fortune that comes with living in Los Angeles. The song begins with the lyrics "I sold my soul to the devil for designer," which is a nod to the idea that many people in Hollywood are willing to do whatever it takes to make it in the entertainment industry, including sacrificing their moral values. The singer is aware of the risks but is willing to take them because he wants to experience everything the city has to offer. He sings, "The city of angels where I have my fun."
The chorus of the song is a plea to not die young. The singer knows that living in the fast lane can be dangerous and wants to make the most of his life. The line "When I'm gone, remember all I've done," is a reminder that he wants to leave a mark on the world and be remembered for his achievements.
The song's verses explore the idea that fame and fortune come with a price. The singer is willing to pay that price and is chasing his dreams, even if it means drinking Hennessy and facing the darker side of fame. The line "What's the price of fame? 'Cause I can taste it," is a reminder that the singer is willing to do anything to achieve his goals.
Overall, "City of Angels" is a commentary on the allure of fame and fortune, as well as the risks that come with pursuing those goals.
Line by Line Meaning
I sold my soul to the devil for designer
I made a deal with the devil to acquire luxurious items.
They said, "Go to hell," but I told 'em I don't wanna
People warned me that my actions would lead me down a dark path, but I chose to ignore their advice.
If you know me well, then you know that I ain't goin'
People close to me are aware that I won't give in to negative influences.
'Cause I don't wanna, I don't wanna
I am adamant about staying true to myself and not taking part in destructive behavior.
I don't wanna die young
I refuse to let my vices lead to an untimely demise.
The city of angels where I have my fun
Los Angeles is where I find entertainment and pleasure.
When I'm gone, remember all I've done, 'one
When I pass away, I hope to be remembered for my accomplishments.
We've had our fun-un
We've enjoyed ourselves.
But now I'm done-one
I'm finished with this lifestyle.
'Cause you crazy (yeah), I can't take it (no)
I can't handle the craziness and chaos surrounding me.
Just wanted to see you naked
My intentions were purely physical.
Heard time like money, can't waste it
Time is valuable and shouldn't be wasted on frivolous pursuits.
What's the price of fame? 'Cause I can taste it
I'm willing to pay whatever cost to become famous.
So I'm chasin' (yeah), and I'm facin'
I'm relentlessly pursuing my goals and facing any obstacles in my way.
A little Hennessy, it might be good for me
I believe drinking alcohol may be beneficial to me.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Golden Landis Von Jones, Nico Catalano, Omer Fedi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Tyler-qr9gi
yungblud's part
1:45
If I take my heart out
Will you lock it up and keep safe for me
Cause city of anglels is hiding to much of my pain up it's sleeve
Tell me they want me tell me they need me (it's bullshit)
Tell me their bleeding tell me their grieving (shut my lips)
But my heart it's been falling out my chest now it's lying in my head so please don't hurt me
I sold my soul to the devil for designer they said go to hell but I told I don't wanna
If you know me well then you know that I ain't going cause
I don't wanna I don't wanna I don't wanna die young
This city angels where I have my fun
Don't wanna die young when I'm gone remember all I've done
@EmmyOnline_
Doms voice is so perfect here
@gracehunt2789
๐ค๐๐ค
@aryiakina6545
Yes โค๏ธ
@houdini2931
๐๐ผ๐๐ผ
@user-wm5ju4dw8j
+
@itzasherrr3254
Yes๐ค๐ค
@Yachrisea
Yung Blud killed his part. Him and mgk ๐ฅ
@imsobored.
YUNGBLUD*
@Tyler-qr9gi
Mgk? He's in this I didn't hear him
@Yachrisea
@@Tyler-qr9gihaha, no, I was saying YUNGBLUD x MGK are a fire together