Osiris Jahkail Williams[2] (born September 7, 1998), known professionally as YK Osiris, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter. He is best known for his 2019 single "Worth It," which peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100 and received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song preceded the release of his debut studio album, The Golden Child in October of that year, which was met with lukewarm critical and commercial response. The year prior, he first gained popularity from his 2018 song "Valentine," which received platinum certification by the RIAA and led him to sign with Def Jam Recordings. He was dropped from the label in 2022.
Life and career
Williams was born in Jacksonville, Florida. He began creating music at a young age. Williams first uploaded songs under his birth name, posting his song "Fake Love" in 2017 before using the moniker "YK Osiris" (initialism for Young King Osiris) for future productions.[3][4]
In 2018, he signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings, stemming from the virality of his song "Valentine".[5] In the following year, he released a follow up single "Worth It", which became his most successful single, and remains as his only Billboard Hot 100 entry as a lead artist to date.[6] In October 2019, he released his debut studio album, The Golden Child, under Def Jam Recordings; in December 2022, he was released from the label.[7] The same year, he made his second entry on the Billboard Hot 100 for his performance on DaBaby's song "Gospel"—peaking at number 55. In July 2023, he released a single titled "Dear Fans".[8]
In 2024, YK Osiris signed with Drummer Records, and released the single "Time Goes By" in February of that year.[9]
Personal life
On August 22, 2018, Williams's tour bus was shot at as it traveled along Interstate 64 in St. Louis, Missouri. Williams was not harmed, but four others inside the bus were shot and wounded.[10]
In November 2019, Williams was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia for aggravated assault after allegedly choking and biting his girlfriend.[11][12]
In the summer of 2023, Williams stirred online controversy after a clip leaked of him attempting to kiss rapper Sukihana, while taping a basketball game, provided by Revolt, a digital cable network founded by Sean "Diddy" Combs.[2] After he gained backlash for what users assumed was attempted sexual assault, he apologized to his fans and Sukihana, who later forgave the artist.[13][14]
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