Eli Youngblood has a two-word mission statement on TikTok: “MIDWEST RENAISSANCE.” The rapper grew up in southern Indiana, a long way from the coasts where hip-hop careers usually get made, and he is building one anyway. He has a production deal with Milk & Honey Music and Warner Chappell Publishing, a debut mixtape, a new single nearly every month in 2026, and another one, “GIMME DAT,” coming October 30.
At a glance
- Name: Eli Youngblood
- From: Southern Indiana
- Sound: Lyric-driven hip-hop with pop crossover
- Debut mixtape: American Youngblood (January 2024)
- Newest single: “Bang Bang” (September 18, 2026)
- Next: “GIMME DAT,” October 30, 2026
- Following: about 22,200 on Instagram (verified), 5,100 on TikTok
Who is Eli Youngblood?
His own website describes him as “a chameleon of sorts,” recognized for his lyricism and versatility. It also points out the contrast at the center of his story: an artist “hailing from the sprawling cornfields of southern Indiana” whose music carries more depth than his “midwestern, suburban upbringing” would suggest.
That range runs through his catalog. He can go from social commentary on “The Setup” to the big-talk ambition of “Babylon,” then turn around and make a soft pop record like “When I Get Lonely” with producer Trackdilla.
How did Eli Youngblood get signed?
He started independently. From 2020 to 2022 he released his own music, beginning with “Tough Love” (2020) and “Babylon” (2021), and then The Ivy Glenn Tapes EP in March 2022. According to his website, that run led to a music production deal with Milk & Honey Music and Warner Chappell Publishing.
After a short break he came back with his debut mixtape, American Youngblood, in January 2024. Its single “Dangerous” got a full music video directed by David and Ethan Dilegge, with music produced by Miles Whitworth, released under Deep Cuts/Milk & Honey Music.
Reader poll
Are you tapping in for “GIMME DAT” on October 30?
What has Eli Youngblood released in 2026?
He has been releasing at a fast clip. “The Come Up” arrived in February, “Invincible” in June, “For Life” in August and “Bang Bang” in September. Before that, 2025 brought “Want You Bad,” “The Hills Are Burning,” “Company,” “Familiar Faces” and “Moving Day.” On TikTok and YouTube he previews songs before they drop and posts freestyles, including an “OTIS” freestyle in September.
Eli Youngblood songs to start with
- “Bang Bang” (2026), the newest.
- “For Life” (2026).
- “The Come Up” (2026).
- “Dangerous” from American Youngblood (2024), with the music video above.
- “The Setup” from The Ivy Glenn Tapes (2022), the one his site singles out for its social commentary.
- “Babylon” (2021), the early single that showed his ambition.
Why Eli Youngblood is one to watch
Plenty of independent rappers have songs. Fewer have a publishing deal, a manager and a release calendar this steady. Eli Youngblood has all three, and he is making the case that the Midwest is due for its moment. “GIMME DAT” lands October 30.
Where to find Eli Youngblood
- Website: eliyoungblood.com
- Spotify: Eli Youngblood
- Apple Music: Eli Youngblood
- Instagram: @eliyoungblood_
- TikTok: @eliyoungblood_
- YouTube: @eliyoungblood
- Management: @blake_the_manager
Frequently asked questions
Who is Eli Youngblood?
Eli Youngblood is a rapper from southern Indiana. His TikTok bio reads “MIDWEST RENAISSANCE,” and he has a verified Instagram with more than 22,000 followers. His website says he signed a music production deal with Milk & Honey Music and Warner Chappell Publishing.
What is Eli Youngblood’s debut mixtape?
American Youngblood, released January 19, 2024. It includes “Dangerous,” “Choices,” “I’m Tired,” “Hottest One,” “My Wave,” “Last Time” and “Rollin’.”
What is Eli Youngblood’s newest song?
“Bang Bang,” released September 18, 2026. His Instagram bio announces “GIMME DAT” for October 30.
What was Eli Youngblood’s first EP?
The Ivy Glenn Tapes, released March 18, 2022, with “The Setup,” “Westside,” “Dumb Love,” “Life Bad,” “Fraction Away” and “Adrenaline (feat. Jefferson Brown).”
Who manages Eli Youngblood?
His Instagram lists his manager as @blake_the_manager.
Bill Choudhry is a digital marketer who specializes in e-commerce, with a not-so-secret knack for the entertainment industry. He channels that passion into features and interviews for The LA Note.
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