The first time many listeners encountered Cletus Strap, he wasn’t behind a microphone, but behind a drum kit in West Oakland. For the Inglewood native, the transition from percussionist to rapper was less of a leap and more of a natural progression. As he explains, the mechanics of drumming—finding the notes between the beats—mirrors the rhythmic precision required to craft compelling verses. This summer, Cletus stepped fully into the spotlight with his eighth studio album, rappers suck, released via Earl Sweatshirt’s Tan Cressida Records.
The album serves as a pointed, poised exploration of life in Los Angeles, delivered with a relaxed, monotone flow that cuts through the noise of modern hip-hop. For Cletus, the title rappers suck is not a condemnation of the craft he loves, but a commentary on the industry’s tendency to treat art as a competitive sport rather than a form of expression. Drawing inspiration from the “Ravers Suck” shirts of skate culture, he reclaimed the phrase to highlight the absurdity of the industry’s pretension.
The Evolution of an Artist
Cletus describes himself as a naturally shy person who never initially sought the fame that often accompanies a successful music career. His path was paved by a deep-seated desire to create and a supportive community of peers, including collaborators like MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt. These relationships have been instrumental in his growth, providing him with the confidence to embrace his voice and share his experiences with a broader audience.
His music is deeply personal, filtering his feelings, conversations, and observations through a lens of cultivated calm. Whether he is ruminating on the mundanities of daily life or addressing heavier themes like depression, Cletus remains committed to authenticity. “There’s really no masking with the music or the messages I’m conveying,” he notes. By staying true to his own narrative, he has found that his music resonates with listeners who are looking for something genuine in an era of manufactured personas.
A Destiny Defined by Persistence
Looking back, Cletus views his career as a culmination of lifelong inclinations. From freestyling in the bathtub as a child to performing on a makeshift stage in his bedroom, the drive to create was always present. Even when he pursued a trade as an electrician to maintain financial stability, his commitment to his craft never wavered. This balance allowed him to invest in his own projects, including the independent production of his vinyl records.
Today, Cletus Strap stands as a testament to the power of self-belief. By focusing on the art rather than the pursuit of fame, he has built a career that feels both sustainable and deeply fulfilling. As he continues to evolve, his focus remains on the music, the community, and the simple, profound act of telling his own story.