The Untold Story Of Jarad Anthony Higgins: 5 Shocking Facts About Juice WRLD's Real Name And Final Legacy

The question of Juice WRLD's real name is a gateway into understanding the complex, introspective artist who defined a generation of emo rap. Born just 21 years ago, his life was tragically cut short, yet his music continues to dominate charts, cementing his status as a cultural icon. As of December 18, 2025, the legacy of this Chicago-born rapper is more current than ever, especially with the recent release of his heavily anticipated final studio album. This deep dive uncovers the man behind the moniker, from his childhood in Calumet Park to the profound symbolism he left for his millions of fans worldwide. The man the world knew as Juice WRLD was born Jarad Anthony Higgins. This full name, often overshadowed by his stage persona, belongs to an artist whose brief but explosive career bridged the gap between hip-hop, rock, and emotional vulnerability. Higgins’s work, characterized by raw lyrics about mental health, love, and drug use, resonated deeply with listeners, turning him into a leading figure in the SoundCloud rap movement.

Jarad Anthony Higgins: Complete Biography and Profile

Jarad Anthony Higgins, known professionally as Juice WRLD, was a prolific American rapper, singer, and songwriter. His music blended the melodic sensibilities of pop-punk with the rhythm and cadence of trap and drill music, creating a unique sound that critics dubbed "emo rap."

• Real Name: Jarad Anthony Higgins
• Stage Name: Juice WRLD (formerly Juice TheKidd)
• Date of Birth: December 2, 1998
• Date of Death: December 8, 2019
• Age at Death: 21
• Hometown: Calumet Park, Illinois, U.S.
• Genres: Emo Rap, SoundCloud Rap, Trap, Hip Hop, R&B
• Key Albums: Goodbye & Good Riddance (2018), Death Race for Love (2019), Legends Never Die (Posthumous, 2020), Fighting Demons (Posthumous, 2021), The Party Never Ends (Posthumous, 2024)
• Signature Mantra: '999'
• Cause of Death: Accidental overdose of oxycodone and codeine toxicity.

Higgins’s early life was marked by a strict but loving upbringing by his mother, Carmella Wallace, who forbade him from listening to hip-hop but allowed rock and pop music. This early exposure to bands like Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco, alongside his later appreciation for Chicago drill from artists like Chief Keef and Lil Durk, laid the foundation for his signature genre-bending style.

The Profound Meaning Behind the Name 'Juice WRLD' and '999'

The name "Juice WRLD" itself is an homage to the 1992 film *Juice*, starring Tupac Shakur. Higgins initially went by the moniker Juice TheKidd, but later changed it to Juice WRLD, signifying his ambition to take over the world with his music. This aspirational shift from "Kidd" to "WRLD" captured his rapid ascent from a SoundCloud artist to a global superstar. However, the most enduring piece of his personal brand is the number 999.

What Does Juice WRLD's '999' Really Mean?

The number 999 is far more than just a catchy phrase or a clothing line for his 999 Club brand; it is a spiritual and philosophical mantra that he lived by and wanted his fans to embrace. Juice WRLD explained that '999' represents the opposite of '666,' the number of the beast. It is a call to action: "taking whatever ill, whatever bad situation, whatever struggle you're going through and turning it into something positive to push yourself forward." This message of resilience and positive transformation became a cornerstone of his legacy, especially for fans dealing with their own struggles with mental health and addiction. The mantra is a constant reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a path to light.

The Final Chapter: Posthumous Albums and 'The Party Never Ends'

Despite his untimely death in December 2019, Jarad Anthony Higgins remains one of the most streamed artists globally. His estate and record label, Interscope Records, have continued to release music from his vast vault of unreleased songs, ensuring his voice is never silenced. His first two posthumous albums, *Legends Never Die* (2020) and *Fighting Demons* (2021), were massive commercial successes, proving the enduring demand for his emotional lyrical style.

The Highly Anticipated 'Final' Album

The most recent and significant release is the album The Party Never Ends, which, according to his manager Lil Bibby, is intended to be his final studio album. Released around the fifth anniversary of his passing in late 2024, this project serves as a definitive closing statement to his discography. The album is a testament to his collaborative spirit and features an all-star lineup, including:

• Nicki Minaj (on "AGATS2 (Insecure)")
• Eminem (on "Lace It")
• Fall Out Boy
• Offset
• The Kid LAROI
• benny blanco

The inclusion of tracks like "Empty Out Your Pockets" and "KTM Drip" showcases the diverse range of sounds Higgins was exploring, solidifying his status as a versatile musical visionary. The album's release ensures that the music of Jarad Anthony Higgins remains fresh and relevant, continually introducing his work to new listeners.

The Tragic End and Enduring Influence of Jarad Higgins

Jarad Anthony Higgins died on December 8, 2019, after suffering a seizure at Chicago’s Midway International Airport. His official cause of death was determined to be an accidental overdose due to oxycodone and codeine toxicity. The circumstances surrounding his death were particularly tragic. Federal agents and police were waiting for his private jet due to a tip about contraband on board. It was reported that Higgins ingested a large number of pills in an attempt to hide them from the authorities during the search.

A Legacy Focused on Mental Health

Juice WRLD's work was revolutionary in its frank discussion of mental health, anxiety, and drug dependency. Songs like the diamond-certified "Lucid Dreams" and "All Girls Are The Same" turned his personal battles into anthems for a generation struggling with similar issues. His influence can be seen in the rise of other artists who blend raw emotion with hip-hop melodies. He opened the door for greater vulnerability in mainstream music, making him a crucial figure in the modern soundscape.

The Live Free 999 Foundation

In response to his death, his mother, Carmella Wallace, established the Live Free 999 Foundation. This organization is dedicated to helping young people struggling with mental health challenges and substance abuse, directly carrying on the positive message of his '999' mantra. The foundation is a tangible piece of Jarad Anthony Higgins's legacy, ensuring his commitment to turning the negative into the positive continues to impact lives long after his passing. The story of Juice WRLD, or Jarad Anthony Higgins, is a powerful reminder of a talent lost too soon. His real name may be less known than his stage persona, but the music he left behind speaks volumes, a raw and honest soundtrack to the struggles of the modern world.