Genre-pusing Seattle rapper Ryan Caraveo’s lyrical rawness and otherworldly soundscapes have earned him a cult following of listeners who feel comforted by the elusive crooner. • Growing up, Caraveo’s older brother would write him rhymes so they could battle rap in the attic of their childhood home. • Caraveo wrote his first song in seventh grade and put together an album the following year. The middle school MC made $700 profit on the project. • At 21, he released his debut album, 2014’s Swings. The LP’s most successful single, “Paradise,” garnered more than 20 million streams. • His 2019 album Butterfly Boy was inspired by mind control and explores his ongoing battle against inner demons.