Four Ways Fetty Wap Became Much More Than "Trap Queen" in 2015

We at Fuse are starting our look back at the year with #2015Breakout Week, commemorating one undeniable up-and-coming act each day. For “Trap Queen” hitmaker Fetty Wap’s turn, we’re parsing out a few of the key secrets that led him to a No. 1 debut album, more than 319 million views on his signature single, three Top 10 hits and a fan base that will stick with him long past 2015.

Here’s how the 24-year-old father of two from Paterson, New Jersey pulled it off. For more perspective, check out our Fetty Wap By the Numbers infographic and read our compendium of the star explaining himself and his year in his own words.

Consistency and Personality. You don’t really fall in love with a Fetty Wap song without enjoying the rest of his oeuvre. “Trap Queen” wasn’t a “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” giving way to a good kid, m.A.A.d city–esque wide world where every track could live on a different album in a different era. “Trap Queen” was a blueprint with a quality assurance sticker slapped on top. Future, Young Thug and Fetty all prolifically paint in shades of improvised-sounding warbles and grainy raps, and the steadiness is the ticket. Fetty’s identity—which we’ll parse through more in a minute—is always on full display. If you’re in, you’re in, and he won't lead you astray.