View source for Polo G

{{Short description|American rapper}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Polo G
| image             = Polo G in 2022 (cropped).png
| caption           = Polo G in 2022
| birth_name        = Taurus Tremani Bartlett
| alias             = {{hlist|Polo Capalot|Lil Capalot|Piano G}}
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1999|1|6}}
| birth_place       = [[Chicago]], Illinois, U.S.
| education         = [[Wendell Phillips Academy High School]]
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Midwestern hip-hop]]|[[drill music|drill]]<ref>Alphonse Pierre [https://pitchfork.com/features/article/2010s-drill-rap-songs/ "11 Songs That Define Chicago Drill, the Decade’s Most Important Rap Subgenre"], ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'', ''From Chief Keef to Polo G, these tracks defined drill...'' ''Polo G: "Battle Cry" (2019) - Polo G is the most accessible drill rapper since Chief Keef.''</ref><ref>Andre Gee [https://www.complex.com/music/a/andre-gee/chicago-drill-music-rap-forced-out "How Drill Music Took Over Chicago—and Was Almost Forced Out"], ''[[Complex Networks|Complex]]'', ''There’s a new generation of Chicago-born talent with proximity to drill, like Polo G, Calboy, and Eazzyy''</ref><ref name= "xxlmag" /><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Hall of Fame - Polo G|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/polo-g-hall-of-fame/|access-date=March 26, 2025|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>|[[trap music|trap]]|[[conscious hip hop]]}}
| occupation        = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|songwriter|record executive}}
| years_active      = 2017–present
| label             = {{hlist|[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]|[[#2020–2021: The Goat, Hall of Fame, and Only Dreamers Achieve Records|ODA]]}}
{{Infobox person
| child = yes
| children          = 1
| website           = {{URL|polocapalot.com}}
| signature         = Polo G sig.svg
}}
}}

'''Taurus Tremani Bartlett''' (born January 6, 1999), known professionally as '''Polo G''', is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to prominence with his singles "[[Finer Things (Polo G song)|Finer Things]]"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sun-Times|first=Selena Fragassi-For the|date=August 23, 2019|title=Chicago rapper Polo G embracing a new path in life, music|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/8/23/20825767/polo-g-chicago-success-finer-things-rap|access-date=March 30, 2021|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en}}</ref> and "[[Pop Out]]" (featuring [[Lil Tjay]]). His debut album ''[[Die a Legend]]'' (2019) peaked at number six on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and was certified [[Music recording certification|double platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]], a feat matched by his two subsequent albums.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gold & Platinum|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/|access-date=March 30, 2021|website=RIAA}}</ref>

Bartlett's second studio album, ''[[The Goat (album)|The Goat]]'' (2020), peaked at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Polo G|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/polo-g/chart-history/tlp/|access-date=March 30, 2021|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> and contained ten songs which charted on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart.<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|title=Polo G|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/polo-g/chart-history/hsi/|access-date=March 30, 2021|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> His third studio album, ''[[Hall of Fame (Polo G album)|Hall of Fame]]'' (2021), was met with continued success as it became Bartlett's first chart-topping album, also spawning his first number-one single, "[[Rapstar]]".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Polo G Is Living Life Like A "Rapstar"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/polo-g-is-living-life-like-a-rapstar-new-song.1990896.html|access-date=April 19, 2021|website=HotNewHipHop}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|title=Polo G Scores First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 With Debut of 'Rapstar'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9558932/polo-g-rapstar-debuts-no-1-hot-100|access-date=April 19, 2021|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

==Early life==
Taurus Tremani Bartlett was born on January 6, 1999, and raised in the [[Marshall Field Garden Apartments]], located in the [[Old Town, Chicago|Old Town]] neighborhood on the north side of [[Chicago]], Illinois, to Taurus Bartlett and Stacia Mac.<ref>{{cite web|title=#CivilTV - Polo G "Welcome To My Neighborhood"| date=June 25, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC3pfpiGxWQ|via=YouTube|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> Mac, a former property manager, serves as Bartlett's manager.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Ihaza|first1=Jeff|date=October 6, 2021|title=Polo G Saw All of This Coming|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/polo-g-rapstar-hall-of-fame-album-tour-chicago-1233792/|access-date=October 7, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://rollingout.com/2018/12/25/chicago-rapper-polo-g-explains-why-he-is-different/ |title=Chicago rapper Polo G explains why he is different |publisher=Rolling Out |date=December 25, 2018 |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> He is the second of four children, having an older sister, a younger brother, Taurean, who's also a rapper under the stage name Trench Baby, and a younger sister.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/news/2020/5/29/21274772/polo-g-the-goat-documentary/ |title=Polo G releases 'The Goat' documentary |publisher=Revolt TV |date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2021}}</ref> After graduating high school, Bartlett was accepted to [[Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)|Lincoln University]] with a broadcasting major, but decided not to go on his first day, opting to pursue a music career full-time.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Ihaza|first=Jeff|date=October 6, 2021|title=Polo G Saw All of This Coming|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/polo-g-rapstar-hall-of-fame-album-tour-chicago-1233792/|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> He is affiliated with the Chicago-based gang [[Almighty Vice Lord Nation]], which is known to feud with gangs like the [[Gangster Disciples]].<ref>{{Cite video|last=Daily|first=Hip-Hop|date=July 3, 2021|title=The Criminal History of Polo G|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68kdHLOsVoo|website=YouTube}}</ref>

==Career==
===2018–2019: Beginnings, record deal, and ''Die a Legend''===
Bartlett's first song ever recorded was titled "ODA", which he released to [[YouTube]]. Upon creating a [[SoundCloud]] account in 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Polo G|url=https://soundcloud.com/polo-g|access-date=March 30, 2021|via=SoundCloud}}</ref> he released the track "Gang with Me", which quickly racked up millions of plays. He continued gaining traction with his songs "Welcome Back" and "Neva Cared". Bartlett went on to release "[[Finer Things (Polo G song)|Finer Things]]", a song he wrote while incarcerated, in the latter half of 2018 and quickly gained millions of views. In early 2019, Bartlett released "[[Pop Out]]" featuring [[Lil Tjay]] which peaked at number 11 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The song's music video gained over 200 million views on YouTube and led to him signing a record deal with Columbia Records. Bartlett also released videos for his songs "Deep Wounds", "[[Through da Storm]]", "Effortless", and "Dyin' Breed" from his debut studio album ''[[Die a Legend]]'', which was released on June 7, 2019, and peaked at number 6 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/megan-thee-stallion-dababy-polo-g-hot-100/|title=Emerging Hip-Hop: Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby & Polo G Make Waves on Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 26, 2019}}</ref> "[[Heartless (Polo G song)|Heartless]]", a single released later in 2019, featured production from [[Mustard (record producer)|Mustard]], and was later featured on his second album.

===2020–2021: ''The Goat'', ''Hall of Fame'', and Only Dreamers Achieve Records===
On February 14, 2020, Bartlett released the track "[[Go Stupid]]", with rappers [[Stunna 4 Vegas]] and [[NLE Choppa]] with featured production from [[Mike Will Made It]] and co-production from [[Tay Keith]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Schatz |first=Lake |title=Polo G Unleashes New Single "Go Stupid": Stream |date=February 14, 2020 |url=https://consequence.net/2020/02/stream-polo-g-go-stupid-song-video/ |access-date=March 13, 2020}}</ref> "Go Stupid" became his second song on the Hot 100 (after "Pop Out"), peaking at number 60.<ref name="Billboard Charts">{{cite magazine |title=Polo G Chart History |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/polo-g/chart-history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 13, 2020}}</ref>

Bartlett then released his second studio album, ''[[The Goat (album)|The Goat]]'', on May 15, 2020.<ref name="Goat">{{Cite tweet|title=5/15🖤🐐...click the link for presale🔥 https://polog.lnk.to/GOAT|number=1257763811185930241|user=Polo_Capalot|date=May 5, 2020}}</ref> The album debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200 and ten songs from the album hit the Hot 100, including "[[Flex (Polo G song)|Flex]]" featuring [[Juice Wrld]] and "Be Something" featuring [[Lil Baby]], peaking at numbers 30 and 57, respectively. The same month, he was featured alongside Lil Baby on "[[3 Headed Goat]]" by [[Lil Durk]] which peaked at number 43 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.

In July, Bartlett was featured on Juice Wrld's posthumous album ''[[Legends Never Die (Juice Wrld album)|Legends Never Die]]'' on the song "[[Hate the Other Side]]". The song peaked at number 10 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, becoming his first top-ten single. On August 11, 2020, he was included on ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]''{{'}}s 2020 [[XXL (magazine)#Annual Freshman Class List|Freshman Class]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-2020-freshman-class-revealed/|title=XXL 2020 Freshman Class Revealed|work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|last=Cline|first=Georgette|date=August 11, 2020|access-date=August 11, 2020}}</ref> Later that month, he released the music video for his single "[[Martin & Gina]]", which peaked at number 61 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. In September, he released the single "[[Epidemic (song)|Epidemic]]", which peaked at 47 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. On October 30, 2020, he was featured on "[[The Code (King Von song)|The Code]]" by [[King Von]] off his debut album ''[[Welcome to O'Block]]''. The song peaked at number 66 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and charted in Canada.

In September, Bartlett announced his own record label, Only Dreamers Achieve (ODA), with Syracuse-based artist [[Scorey]] being his first signee.<ref name=launch>{{cite web |title=Polo G Launches Label ODA in Partnership with Columbia Records |url=https://www.musicconnection.com/polo-g-launches-label-oda-in-partnership-with-columbia-records/ |website=Music Connection |date=September 10, 2020 |access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Grant |first1=Shawn |title=Polo G Lanuches New Label ODA in Partnership With Columbia Records |url=https://thesource.com/2020/09/11/polo-g-launches-new-label-oda-in-partnership-with-columbia-records/ |website=The Source |date=September 11, 2020 |access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref>

Bartlett was honored in the 2021 [[Forbes 30 Under 30|''Forbes'' 30 Under 30]] listing, under the music category.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2021/music/?profile=polo-g|access-date=February 1, 2021|website=www.forbes.com|title=Forbes 30 Under 30 2021: Music}}</ref>

On February 5, 2021, he released the single "[[GNF (OKOKOK)]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Bloom |first=Madison |title=Polo G Shares Video for New Song "GNF (OKOKOK)": Watch |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/polo-g-shares-video-for-new-song-gnf-okokok-watch/ |website=Pitchfork |date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=February 7, 2021}}</ref> On February 12, he was featured on the soundtrack for the film ''[[Judas and the Black Messiah]]'', on the song "Last Man Standing".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=Evan F.|date=February 11, 2021|title=Lil Durk, Polo G, G Herbo featured on 'Judas and the Black Messiah' soundtrack|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/2/11/22278291/judas-black-messiah-fred-hampton-durk-herbo-polo-bump-noname-jay-rakim-chicago-black-panther|access-date=May 23, 2021|website=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> On March 5, Bartlett was also featured on the soundtrack for the 2021 film ''[[Boogie (2021 film)|Boogie]]'' on the song "Fashion" by late rapper [[Pop Smoke]]. Bartlett collaborated with Lil Tjay and [[Fivio Foreign]] on the song "[[Headshot (Lil Tjay, Polo G and Fivio Foreign song)|Headshot]]", released on March 19. His song "[[Rapstar]]", released on April 9, 2021, debuted at the [[List of Billboard Hot 100 number ones of 2021|number-one spot]] on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name=":0" /> 
On May 17, he announced that he finished recording his third studio album ''[[Hall of Fame (Polo G album)|Hall of Fame]]''. He released the album's fourth single "[[Gang Gang (Polo G and Lil Wayne song)|Gang Gang]]" with [[Lil Wayne]] on May 21, with the song peaking at 33 on the Hot 100.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/polo-g-and-lil-wayne-dropping-collab-friday-news.132115.html|title=Polo G & Lil Wayne Dropping Collab Friday|website=HotNewHipHop|last=Findlay|first=Mitch|date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021}}</ref>

On June 11, Bartlett released ''Hall of Fame'', which debuted at number one on the US ''Billboard'' 200 and became his first number-one album, selling 143,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. He released ''[[Hall of Fame 2.0]]'', a deluxe edition of the album, on December 3, 2021.<ref name="HHDX">{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.65718/title.polo-g-to-flip-michael-jacksons-smooth-criminal-for-hall-of-fame-2-0-deluxe-album|title=Polo G Flips Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal' For 'Hall Of Fame 2.0.'|work=[[HipHopDX]]|last=Saponara|first=Michael|date=November 8, 2021|access-date=November 10, 2021}}</ref> The album featured fourteen new songs in addition to the previous twenty,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/first-stream-ariana-grande-kid-cudi-juice-wrld-justin-bieber-1235005522/|title=First Stream: New Music From Ariana Grande & Kid Cudi, Juice WRLD & Justin Bieber and More|first=Jason|last=Lipshutz|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 3, 2021}}</ref> and contained guest appearances from [[Lil Baby]], [[Moneybagg Yo]], YungLiV, [[NLE Choppa]], and [[Lil Tjay]].

On July 15, 2021, Bartlett participated at the remix of the song "Lurkin", as a tribute to his friend and late Chicago rapper [[King Von]], to whom the song originally belonged together with [[Funk Flex]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2021-07-16/49129/polo-g-joins-funk-flex-and-the-late-king-von-on-lurkin-remix/|title=Polo G joins Funk Flex and the late King Von on "Lurkin (Remix)"|first=Jon|last=Powell|magazine=[[Revolt (TV network)|Revolt Tv]]|date=July 16, 2021}}</ref>

===2022–present: Hiatus and ''Hood Poet''===
On June 3, 2022, Bartlett released "[[Distraction (Polo G song)|Distraction]]", the presumed lead single to his next album. It was accompanied by a music video directed by Christian Breslauer which was released the same day.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Helfand |first1=Raphael |title=Watch the video for Polo G's new song, "Distraction" |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/06/03/polo-g-distraction-video |website=The Fader |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref> "Distraction" peaked at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Polo G Chart History |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/polo-g/chart-history/glo/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref>

Bartlett released a variety of singles throughout late 2022 and early 2023, including "[[Bag Talk]]",<ref>{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jon |title=Polo G drops off new visual for "Bag Talk" |url=https://news.yahoo.com/polo-g-drops-off-visual-171322228.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALD4s9_ifmW2aj230Nl-aZTYEFk8wgDYHzCw5kTYl95E6taSZm6j24PGgK550-IRLR0BzE1-sOzi6-3E66CKQUSgG4BSevaMuBWJttIz1likvcivD99asFcOEYJiCfL2lGAO1r8uPDUcBS1uX4ezmhFSJ56IUGq_WaIZ1_4EcPDA |website=Revolt |date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref> "[[My All (Polo G song)|My All]]" (including a music video that released on the [[Lyrical Lemonade]] YouTube channel),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Galindo |first1=Thomas |title=Polo G drops new single 'My All' with Lyric Lemondade visuals |url=https://ourgenerationmusic.com/news/polo-g-my-all/ |website=Our Generation Music |date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref> and "[[No Time Wasted]]" featuring American Rapper [[Future (rapper)|Future]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Alex |title=Polo G And Future Share Their Motivational New Song, 'No Time Wasted' |url=https://uproxx.com/music/polo-g-future-no-time-wasted/ |website=UPROXX |date=February 17, 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref>

On March 31, he was featured on the single "Grown Man" by American DJ [[Marshmello]] alongside Atlanta-based producer [[Southside (producer)|Southside]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Marshmello Teams Up With Polo G and Southside for New Single "Grown Man" |url=https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/marshmello-teams-up-with-polo-g-and-southside-for-new-single-grown-man |website=Sony Music |access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref> On April 14, he was featured on NLE Choppa's album ''[[Cottonwood 2]]'' on the song "Disability Checks" alongside G Herbo.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cottonwood 2 by NLE Choppa |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/cottonwood-2/1676442799 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref> On May 5, he was featured on [[SleazyWorld Go]]'s single "Off The Court," where in the accompanying music video he can be seen recreating basketball star [[Ja Morant]]'s Instagram Live gun-flashing incident in a strip club.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cho |first1=Regina |title=Polo G References Ja Morant in New SleazyWorld Go "Off The Court" Video |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2023/05/08/sleazyworld-go-polo-g-off-the-court-video/ |website=Rap-Up |access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref> On July 14, he was featured on both the posthumous [[King Von]] Album ''[[Grandson (album)|Grandson]]'' on the song "Phil Jackson,"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Breihan |first1=Tom |title=Stream King Von's Posthumous Album Grandson Feat. Lil Durk, Polo G, Moneybagg Yo, & More |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2230097/stream-king-vons-posthumous-album-grandson-feat-lil-durk-polo-g-moneybagg-yo-more/music/ |website=Stereogum |date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref> as well as on the song "Beat The Odds Part 2" on Lil Tjay's album ''[[222 (album)|222]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lane |first1=Lexi |title=Lil Tjay's '222' Tracklist Boasts Features Polo G, Summer Walker, And The Kid Laroi |url=https://uproxx.com/music/lil-tjay-222-tracklist-features/ |website=Uproxx |date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref> On July 21, he was featured on the country song "[[Heartbroken (Diplo, Jessie Murph and Polo G song)|Heartbroken]]" by [[Diplo]] alongside country singer Jessie Murph,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bras Nevares |first1=Gabriel |title=Diplo Recruits Polo G & Jessie Murph For A "Heartbroken" New Single |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/697570-diplo-heartbroken-polo-g-jessie-murph-stream-music-video |website=Hot New Hip Hop |date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref> which peaked at 64 on the Billboard Hot 100.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Diplo Chart History |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/diplo/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref>

On August 11, Bartlett became the first and only rapper to have all of his albums certified double-platinum.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bras Nevares |first1=Gabriel |title=Polo G Reaches This Historic Sales Milestone With All Of His Albums |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/702326-polo-g-only-rapper-albums-double-platinum |website=Hot New Hip Hop |date=August 11, 2023 |access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref>

On August 15, 2023, Bartlett officially announced his next album, ''[[Hood Poet]]'' (stylized as H.O.O.D P.O.E.T., an acronym for "He Overcame Obstacles During Pain or Emotional Trauma)". He announced a single titled "[[Barely Holdin' On]]" for release the following Friday, with the album to release on September 15, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bartlett |first1=Taurus |title=Polo G - HOOD POET (Album Trailer) {{!}} Out September 15 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obwqgSylFJ0 |website=YouTube |date=August 15, 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref> However, the album was delayed after Bartlett and his brother, who raps under the name "Trench Baby," were arrested on kidnapping, armed robbery, and assault charges.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pointer |first1=Flisadam |title=Why Was Polo G's 'Hood Poet' Delayed? |url=https://uproxx.com/music/why-was-polo-g-hood-poet-delayed/ |website=Uproxx |date=September 15, 2023 |access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref> Trench Baby was later charged in a separate drive-by murder case.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Helfand |first1=Raphael |title=Polo G's brother Trench Baby charged with murder |url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/11/20/polo-g-brother-trench-baby-charged-with-murder |website=The Fader |access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref> The album was released in August 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Polo G 'Hood Poet' Album Coming in August, Doesn't Want to String Along Fans |url=https://www.tmz.com/2024/01/05/polo-g-hood-poet-release-date-august-string-fans-along/ |website=TMZ |date=January 5, 2024 |access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref>

On February 16, 2024, Bartlett released the single "[[Sorrys & Ferraris]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Tallie |date=2023-09-08 |title=Polo G Returns With New Video And Single "Sorrys & Ferraris" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/764441-polo-g-returns-with-new-video-and-single-sorrys-ferraris |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref>

==Artistry==
Polo G has been associated with the Chicago [[drill music|drill]] sound, characterized with a melodic style.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/01/polo-g-interview-the-break/ |title=The Break Presents: Polo G – XXL |publisher=Xxl Mag |date=2019 |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> He often raps over piano-driven beats, which he claims he has perfected the use of.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bartlett |first1=Taurus |url=https://twitter.com/Polo_Capalot/status/1423034743935803393|title=Tbh I perfected the use of piano beats |website=X.com |access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref> He has been noted for his "vivid and explicit storytelling"; his lyrics often involve tough subjects, including racism and mental health. He has stated that American rappers [[Lil Wayne]] and [[Tupac Shakur]] are his biggest influences.<ref name= "xxlmag">{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/video/2019/03/polo-g-interview-lil-wayne/|title=Polo G Names Lil Wayne as One of His Biggest Rap Influences|work=XXL|date=March 20, 2019 |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2020/05/polo-g-interview-trending-topics/|title= Polo G on 2Pac, Juice. Wrld, and Why the Lakers Will Win the 2020 NBA Championship – Complex|website= [[Complex Networks]]}}</ref> He also grew up listening to [[Gucci Mane]], as well as Chicago rappers [[Lil Durk]] and [[G Herbo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/01/polo-g-interview-the-break/|title=The Break Presents: Polo G – XXL|last=Acevedo|first=Kai|website=XXL Mag|access-date=December 31, 2016}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Bartlett has a son, born on July 6, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Polo G Goes Undercover on Reddit, Youtube and Twitter {{!}} GQ| date=April 23, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2BLTOkEXq8|via=YouTube|access-date=June 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Polo G talks overcoming addiction, how Nipsey Hussle impacted him, becoming a father last week| date=July 25, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFuFLR00L9g|via=YouTube|access-date=June 12, 2021}}</ref>

Bartlett was hospitalized on August 12, 2019, due to a near-fatal drug overdose at a party. Due to his aforementioned hospitalization and the death of fellow rapper and friend [[Juice Wrld]], he has since quit [[MDMA|Ecstasy]] and [[Xanax]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Tony |last=Centeno |title=Polo G Hospitalized, Claims He Almost Lost His Life |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/08/polo-g-hospitalized-emergency/ |website=XXL |date=August 13, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Moorwood |first=Victoria |title= Polo G reflects on 3-year drug addiction |url= https://www.revolt.tv/news/2020/1/6/21051978/polo-g-addiction-comments |website=Revolt TV |date=January 6, 2020 |access-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Polo G - The Goat (Documentary)| date=May 28, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDSXy2_2tus|via=YouTube|access-date=June 12, 2021}}</ref> His brother Taurean Bartlett uses the stage name Trench Baby; Trench Baby would later be charged with murder in November 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/11/20/polo-g-brother-trench-baby-murder-charges/|title=Polo G'S Brother Accused OF Murder In Drive-By Case|publisher=TMZ|date=November 20, 2023|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref>

== Legal issues ==
=== Miami arrest ===
On June 11, 2021, Bartlett and his 16-year-old brother were arrested by officers from the [[Miami Police Department]] leaving Bartlett's album release party. Bartlett was charged with two [[Felony|felonies]]: battery of an officer and threatening a public servant and three [[misdemeanor]]s: criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and resisting an officer without violence. According to police, the vehicle was stopped due to having "dark tinted windows". Bartlett initially refused to exit the vehicle and called his mother on [[FaceTime]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |title=Polo G No Longer Facing Three Charges Tied to Incident With Police in Miami |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/polo-g-arrested-in-miami-following-incident-with-police-1183433/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 15, 2021 |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref> According to ''[[USA Today]]'', in the arrest report, officers stated that they ordered everyone to exit the vehicle to be searched for firearms after a passenger stated that the vehicle was bulletproof. Police stated that Bartlett struggled with the officer attempting to handcuff him, striking him.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Licon |first1=Adriana |title=Rapper Polo G pulled over, arrested in Miami after releasing new album 'Hall of Fame' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/06/13/rapper-polo-g-arrested-miami-after-album-release-party/7676700002/ |website=USA Today |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref>

In July 2022, [[TMZ]] obtained police [[Body camera|body cam]] footage of an irate Bartlett in custody berating the arresting officers. Bartlett is also seen receiving medical treatment and alleges that he passed out after hours in the back of the hot police car in which the police department disputed that it had occurred. Bartlett received criticism in the media for his behavior shown in the video <ref>{{cite web |last1=Staff |title=Polo G Miami Arrest Footage Shows Rapper Mouthing Off in Holding Cell |url=https://www.tmz.com/2022/07/07/polo-g-miami-police-bodycam-arrest/ |website=TMZ |date=July 7, 2022 |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cowen |first1=Trace |last2=Callas |first2=Brad |title=Body Cam Footage Released of Polo G's Widely Criticized 2021 Arrest in Miami (Update) |url=https://www.complex.com/music/body-cam-footage-released-of-polo-g-2021-arrest-miami |website=Complex |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref> with Bartlett's attorney, Bradford Cohen, stating that the video was "heavily redacted" to make Bartlett look bad.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Center |first1=Tony |title=Polo G's Lawyer Shames Police For Releasing Video Of Client's 2021 Arrest |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-07-11-polo-gs-lawyer-shames-police-for-releasing-video-of-clients-2021-arrest/ |website=iHeart |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref>

In a cell phone video that has since been released to the public, upon his mother's arrival, officers refused to give her any information and she stated that she was told that "in Miami, that we would be arrested if I asked what was going on with my minor son or any of my children." She went on to state that she felt "powerless" and later clarify that Bartlett and his brother were passengers in licensed [[car service]] driven by hired professional driver and had security personnel with them. Neither Bartlett nor his brother were driving nor owned the vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Alter |first1=Rebecca |title=Polo G Has Felony Charges Dropped in Miami Arrest |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/11/polo-g-arrested-during-a-police-stop-after-his-album-launch.html |website=Vulture |date=November 15, 2021 |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref>

On November 15, 2021, police dropped the two felony charges and the misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief citing insufficient evidence. Prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges if Bartlett attended an [[anger management|anger management program]]. It was reported on April 9, 2022, that Bartlett did not plead guilty to any wrongdoing but did complete the program and the remaining charges were dropped.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Blanchet |first1=Brenton |title=Misdemeanor Resisting Officer Charges Against Polo G Reportedly Dropped |url=https://www.complex.com/music/polo-g-charges-dropped-report |website=Complex |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref>

=== Los Angeles arrests ===
On August 23, 2023, Bartlett and his brother were arrested in connection with a robbery.<ref name=2023arrest>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-08-24/polo-g-trench-baby-arrested-robbery-illegal-gun-chatsworth|title=Rapper brothers Polo G and Trench Baby arrested after Chatsworth raid prompted by robbery|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=August 24, 2023}}</ref><ref name=fourarrests>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/rapper-polo-g-arrested-during-police-raid-los-angeles-home-7852147|title=Rapper Polo G Arrested During Police Raid at His Home in Los Angeles|first=Alexis|last=Jones|publisher=People|date=August 23, 2023|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref><ref name=robberyarrest>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2023/08/rapping-brothers-polo-g-trench-baby-facing-criminal-charges-after-police-raid-1235527862/|title=Rapping Brothers Polo G And Trench Baby Facing Criminal Charges After Police Raid|first=Bruce|last=Haring|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|date=24 August 2023|access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref> The two brothers were among four robbery suspects arrested at Bartlett's mansion.<ref name=fourarrests /> The arrests came after police searched Bartlett's mansion and car.<ref name=2023arrest/><ref name=robberyarrest /> An illegal [[short-barreled rifle]] would be among the items found during the police search,<ref name=2023arrest/><ref name=robberyarrest /> which led to an additional charge against Bartlett.<ref name=charges /> Following the LAPD robbery and illegal firearm possession-related arrest, the brothers were then arrested again by the Burbank Police Department and booked on kidnapping, robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon charges related to a separate incident which occurred in April 2023.<ref name=bail>{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/polo-g-arrested-on-robbery-kidnapping-and-assault-charges-3488668|title=Polo G arrested on robbery, kidnapping and assault charges|first=Anagrical|last=Strauss|publisher=NME|date=August 25, 2023|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref><ref name=charges>{{cite news|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/polo-g-arrested-on-kidnapping-robbery-and-assault-charges-in-california/|title=Polo G Arrested on Kidnapping, Robbery, and Assault Charges in California|first=Matthew|last=Strauss|publisher=Pitchfork|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/national/polo-g-brother-charged-gun-possession-kidnapping-robbery-1234783907/|title=Polo G And Brother Trench Baby Charged With Gun Possession, Kidnapping, And Robbery|first=Preezy|last=Brown|publisher=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=August 25, 2023|access-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref> The brothers were released after they each posted $100,000 bail.<ref name=bail /><ref name=robberyarrest />

On October 19, 2024, Bartlett was arrested in Los Angeles on a gun charge, for which he was not granted [[bail]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/polo-g-arrested-second-gun-charge-this-year/|title=Polo G Arrested For His Second Gun Charge This Year - Report|first=C. Vernon|last=Coleman|publisher=XXL Magazine|date=October 21, 2024|access-date=October 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2024/10/21/polo-g-arrested-gun-possession-los-angeles/|title=Polo Busted With Loaded Gun After Traffic Stop for Speeding|publisher=TMZ|date=October 21, 2024|access-date=October 21, 2024}}</ref> On October 21, he would be released one day after posting a $100,000 [[Bail bondsman|bond]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/polo-g-arrested-felony-weapon-possession-los-angeles-1235808049/|title=Polo G Arrested on Felony Weapon Possession Charges in Los Angeles|first=Michael|last=Saponara|publisher=Billboard|date=October 22, 2024|access-date=October 22, 2024}}</ref>

=== Manhattan arrest ===
On April 10, 2024, Bartlett was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and possession of a loaded firearm. He was at his Manhattan Hotel when this occurred.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/polo-g-arrested-weapons-charges-new-york-1235655177/|title=Polo G Arrested on Weapons Charges in New York|first=Michael|last=Saponara|publisher=Billboard|date=April 12, 2024|access-date=October 22, 2024}}</ref> The rapper promptly posted a $25,000 bail.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/04/11/rapper-polo-g-busted-with-gun-in-manhattan-hotel-nypd/|title=Rapper Polo G busted with gun in Manhattan hotel|first=Thomas|last=Tracey|work=New York Daily News|date=April 11, 2024|access-date=October 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/polo-g-abuses-drugs-alcohol-cope-emotional-pain-1234871431/|title=Polo G Says He Uses Drugs And Alcohol To Cope With Emotional Pain|first=Preezy|last=Brown|publisher=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=April 18, 2024|access-date=October 22, 2024}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|Polo G discography}}
'''Studio albums'''
* ''[[Die a Legend]]'' (2019)
* ''[[The Goat (album)|The Goat]]'' (2020)
* ''[[Hall of Fame (Polo G album)|Hall of Fame]] ''(2021)
* ''[[Hood Poet]]'' (2024)

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 2021
| ''[[Juice Wrld: Into the Abyss]]''
| Himself<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ourgenerationmusic.com/news/juice-wrlds-upcoming-album-the-party-never-ends-to-feature-lil-uzi-vert-documentary-to-air-only-on-hbo/|title = Lil Bibby speaks on Juice WRLD documentary premiere rumors|website=Ourgenerationmusic.com|date = October 13, 2021}}</ref>
| Documentary 
|}

==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable"
!Award
!Year
!Nominee
!Category
!Result
!Ref.
|-
|[[Brit Awards]]
|2022
|"Rapstar"
|International Song of the Year
|{{nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Reilly |first=Nick |date=February 8, 2022 |title=Brit Awards 2022: The Complete Winners List |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/brit-awards-2022-winners-list-1 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[MTV Video Music Awards]]
| rowspan="2" |2021
|Himself
|Best New Artist
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hailu |first=Selome |date=September 21, 2021 |title=2021 MTV Video Music Awards: The Complete Winners List |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/2021-vmas-winners-list-mtv-1235059129/ |website=Variety}}</ref>
|-
|"Rapstar"
|Best Hip-hop
|{{nom}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{allMusic}}

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{{Polo G}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Polo G}}
[[Category:1999 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century American male singers]]
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[[Category:21st-century African-American male rappers]]
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[[Category:African-American male singer-songwriters]]
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