Tacoma, Washington, might not be the first city you think of when it comes to shaping the modern rap sound. But in the shadows of the Pacific Northwest, Ghoulavelii has been quietly pioneering a movement that blends punk, EDM, and gothic aesthetics with raw, unapologetic rap. His story isn’t just about music—it’s about rewriting the rules and setting a new standard for genre-bending creativity.
Breaking the Mold with Breakout Tracks
Ghoulavelii’s rise didn’t follow a typical trajectory, and neither does his music. One of his breakout moments came on October 31, 2017, with the release of “Red Mansion”, a track accompanied by a visually striking video directed by @YungTada. The song became an instant cult favorite, encapsulating the eerie, high-energy sound that would define his style. From the haunting production to his hypnotic delivery, “Red Mansion” wasn’t just a song—it was a statement.
Fast forward to May 21, 2021, and Ghoulavelii dropped “Tik! Tik! Tik!”, a track that leaned even further into his punk and gothic influences. The aggressive energy, paired with gritty, unapologetic visuals, bridged the gap between punk rock and rap, showing the world that Ghoulavelii wasn’t afraid to experiment—and excel—outside traditional hip-hop norms.
Tacoma’s Secret Weapon
It’s easy to see why Ghoulavelii remains one of Tacoma’s best-kept secrets. While others chased trends, he created them, blending the chaotic energy of Korn with the futuristic vibes of EDM and layering it all with introspective, raw lyrics. His music doesn’t just demand attention; it grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go.
While underground artists like Test, Nettspend, and 2hollis dominate the current conversation, Ghoulavelii has been quietly influencing their sound for years. Tracks like “Red Mansion” and “Tik! Tik! Tik!” serve as blueprints for what underground rap can be: loud, rebellious, and impossible to ignore.
The DIY King
What makes Ghoulavelii stand out is more than just his music. His DIY approach has set a new standard for underground artists. From his Slipknot-inspired fashion to his cinematic music videos, every project is a carefully crafted piece of his larger aesthetic.
Ghoulavelii doesn’t just drop songs—he creates experiences. “Red Mansion” wasn’t just a song; it was a Halloween masterpiece that felt more like a horror film set to a beat. “Tik! Tik! Tik!” didn’t just sound like punk—it embodied the raw, untamed spirit of the genre.
Ghoulavelii’s Legacy
The beauty of Ghoulavelii’s work is that it’s both deeply personal and widely influential. He’s not just making music for Tacoma—he’s making music that speaks to anyone tired of the same old sound. His ability to blend genres, break boundaries, and create a sound all his own is a testament to his creativity and vision.
As his influence continues to ripple through the underground and beyond, one thing is certain: Ghoulavelii isn’t just a kid from Tacoma. He’s a movement, a trendsetter, and a pioneer. Tracks like “Red Mansion” and “Tik! Tik! Tik!” are more than just songs—they’re pieces of a legacy that’s quietly shaping the rap scene we hear today.
So the next time you’re scrolling through your playlist or seeing gothic vibes creep into your favorite artist’s aesthetic, remember the kid from Tacoma who made it cool to be different. Ghoulavelii didn’t just make music—he made a blueprint for standing out.