Fat Papi: NZ Rapper's Viral Hit Makes Billboard History 2026

Fat Papi, the little-known NZ rapper, has made history by landing on the Billboard Hot 100 with his viral hit 'Freaked Out'. Two months ago, Baban Hussain, a 22-year-old Kurdish New Zealander, was working from a self-run studio in Auckland, putting out music to a few thousand followers. Now, he's a global sensation with over 7.5 billion views across YouTube and nearly 10 million new monthly Spotify listeners.

The Rise of Fat Papi

Hussain's journey from obscurity to fame is a modern fairytale. His song 'Freaked Out' was released in May and initially gained little attention. But a short dance video by producer Owen Omen, known as Prodshushy, changed everything. The clip, featuring Fat Papi rapping "Get that bag, you ain't ever comin' last," quickly clocked up 1.5 million views.

Soon after, UK-based TikTok influencer Jocelyn Meiere, or Miss Diva Bob, posted a video of her slick bob haircut using the song as a backing track. The video went viral, and copycat videos flooded TikTok, including from British artist Raye and US rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

Billboard Hot 100 Achievement

Fat Papi's success on the Billboard Hot 100 is historic. He is the first Kurdish artist to land on the chart and only the second New Zealand rapper to do so. This achievement has catapulted him into the global spotlight, with industry meetings and promotional tours in New York City.

"It's a whirlwind," Hussain says. "My life is completely different. It's a very intense time and honestly amazing and everything we have ever wanted."

Key Stats and Comparison

Key Takeaways

• Fat Papi's viral success demonstrates the power of social media in music discovery.
• Collaboration with influencers like Miss Diva Bob can amplify reach exponentially.
• Historic Billboard achievement opens doors for underrepresented artists globally.

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