BERLIN – In an era where genre lines blur as fast as viral trends, Austin Richard Post—better known to the world as Post Malone—has become the voice of the in-between. With a career that spans hip-hop, rock, pop, and now country, the Syracuse-born and Texas-raised artist is one of the most genre-defiant hitmakers of the 21st century. His journey, however, began in the most unexpected ways: Guitar Hero, high school mixtapes, and a gamble on Los Angeles.
The Origins of a Rockstar in Disguise
Born on July 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York, Post moved to Grapevine, Texas, at age nine. His father, Rich Post, a former DJ and Dallas Cowboys staffer, raised him on a steady rotation of classic rock, hip-hop, country, and more—a cocktail of influence that would one day define his sound.
In high school, young Austin played guitar in a metalcore band and even auditioned for Crown the Empire. A self-described bedroom producer, he crafted his first mixtape—Young and After Them Riches—using Audacity. But it wasn’t until he dropped out of Tarrant County College and relocated to L.A. that lightning struck.
“White Iverson” and the Viral Boom
In 2015, Malone uploaded a haunting, melodic ode to Allen Iverson titled “White Iverson.” The song exploded overnight, and so did his career. Teaming up with producer FKi 1st, the track garnered millions of streams and caught the attention of major labels. He eventually signed with Republic Records, quickly earning a slot on Justin Bieber’s Purpose Tour in 2016.
From 'Stoney' to Stadiums
Post Malone’s debut album, Stoney (2016), introduced his laconic, melodic delivery with hits like Congratulations (feat. Quavo). But it was his sophomore project, Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018), that solidified his status as a global chart force. Featuring Rockstar (feat. 21 Savage) and Psycho (feat. Ty Dolla $ign), the LP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and received Grammy nominations and multi-platinum certifications.
Then came the genre-blurring Hollywood’s Bleeding (2019), powered by the anthemic Circles and Marvel-fueled Sunflower with Swae Lee. In 2022, Twelve Carat Toothache arrived with introspection and vulnerability—but it was just the calm before a new storm.
F‑1 Trillion: Post Goes Country
In 2024, Post made his boldest pivot yet: a full embrace of country music with F‑1 Trillion. Featuring collaborations with Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Blake Shelton, the album became a global smash, debuting at No. 1 in several countries and earning him 8 Grammy nominations, including Best Country Album.
Tracks like I Had Some Help and Fortnight (a surprise crossover with Taylor Swift) took the top spots on Spotify Global and Billboard’s Hot 100, proving that Post Malone wasn’t just experimenting—he was expanding the definition of pop stardom.
A Tour Like No Other
Launched in April 2025, Post Malone’s Big Ass Stadium Tour sold out arenas across North America and Europe. With visuals as kaleidoscopic as his discography and a setlist that moved from trap-heavy bangers to acoustic heartbreakers, the tour reinforced what fans already knew: there is no box that can contain Post Malone.
Legacy in the Making
With over 95 million singles sold in the U.S. alone and accolades that include multiple Billboard Music Awards, MTV VMAs, and American Music Awards, Post Malone stands as one of the most decorated artists of his generation.
And yet, for all the platinum plaques and sold-out tours, the man behind the mic remains elusive and relatable—gaming with fans, sipping Bud Light, and raising his daughter away from the limelight in his “apocalypse-proof” Utah compound.
Post Malone Is Not a Rapper—He’s a Movement
"I’m just making music that I love," Malone told fans recently. "I don’t care what you call it."
Neither do we. With F‑1 Trillion still burning up the charts and his influence permeating everything from rap to rodeo, Post Malone isn’t just genreless—he’s boundless.
đ¸ Follow his journey: instagram.com/postmalone
✍️ Words by: BillboardGermany Team