17. How Wilhelm Duke Built a Genre-Defying Rap Career Without Industry Backing

Wilhelm Duke has bars, bounce, and a catalog deeper than you might expect. In this episode, I catch up with the Swedish American rapper who’s been carving his sound from the streets of Chicago to viral moments on Facebook. We talk about his infectious single “Butterick’s,” what it was like being Twista’s assistant, and how becoming a husband and father shifted his perspective on success. Wilhelm’s catalog is layered: fast flows, real introspection, club knockers, and experimental risks, and we dig into all of it. This one’s for the real heads, the lyric lovers, and anyone who’s ever tried to find their lane while staying true to themselves.We Chat About:The unexpected origin story behind “Butterick’s”His time working for Twista and what he learnedSpeed rap as a skillset, and how it became his signatureBalancing growth, risk, and experimentation in his catalogThe power of great features and collaborationHow family shifted his definition of artistic successAI in music: where he draws the line, and where he leans inWhat genre he thinks is making a comeback in 2025About Wilhelm Duke:Wilhelm Duke, the Swedish American Rapper. Born in Omaha Nebraska, flow forged in Chicago (circa 2012). An enigmatic and electrifying fast emcee, Duke has been carving out his lyrics, speed, flow, and sound for over a decade now. In early 2022 WD went viral on Facebook for rapping over the Yo Gotti Dolla Fo Dolla instrumental culminating in 1.4M+ views on FB Reels. That same year he worked as Twista’s personal assistant earning his co-sign and respect with him reposting two of his rap remix videos to his IG feed. WD has garnered co-signs from Twista, Tech N9ne, Papoose , and the comedian Dana Gould. He’s worked with Crypt, Scru Face Jean, Joey Nato, Moxas, Deen Akbar, RappaHeartless, VIPeach, Orlando Coolridge, Yung Tact, the Swedish rapper Xersize and many more! Duke has 4 albums, 3 EPs, and 31 singles in distribution along with an extensive amount of videos on his YouTube to pair with his music catalog.Connect with Wilhelm:Spotify: Wilhelm DukeWebsite & Merch: wilhelmduke.com/shopYouTube: @WilhelmDukeInstagram: @wilhelmdukeOther Resources:Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:“Booterix” – Wilhelm Duke“Not A Movie” – Wilhelm Duke“Battle Beast” – Wilhelm Duke“Azure” – Wilhelm Duke (prod. by Mike Nappi)Albums/Projects:Berserker – Wilhelm DukeChrome Adrenaline – Wilhelm DukeFoundry IV – Wilhelm DukeAll Blues and Yellows – Wilhelm Duke (drops July 27)Artists & Bands:TwistaTech N9neJay-ZWu-Tang ClanNasLupe FiascoT.I.Kid CudiWiz KhalifaBone Thugs-N-HarmonyThe FaintPusha T50 CentAmy WinehouseGreen DaySum 41