Protect (rapper)
Protect | |
|---|---|
| Also known as |
|
| Born | Ricky Shanklin[1] August 20, 2003 |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Rapper |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Label | Atlantic Records |
| Member of | Ball Hog |
Ricky Shanklin (born August 20, 2003),[2] professionally known as Protect, is an American rapper from Buffalo, New York. He first rose to fame in 2024 with the release of his second album, Ball Hog For Life, which was critically acclaimed for its "melodic" style and "pristine hooks".[3]
Early life
[edit]Shanklin was born on August 20, 2003, in Buffalo, New York.[3]
Career
[edit]Beginnings and breakthrough (2017-2025)
[edit]Shanklin began recording music in 2017, when he was just 14 years old.[4] His first ever song that he recorded was titled "Ignorant Freestyle".[5] On March 29, 2024, Shanklin would release his debut album, All On Me, but would not seek fame until midway through the year, with the release of his second album Ball Hog For Life, which was critically acclaimed for its melodic flows, catchy hooks, and relatability amongst fans.[3][6] Following the release of his second album, Shanklin was able to sign a record deal with Atlantic Records later in the year.[7]
500 Days of Summer & Slimedude2003 (2025-present)
[edit]Following his second album release and record signing, Shanklin released his third album and debut studio album under Atlantic on August 15, 2025, titled 500 Days of Summer, which took inspiration from the movie of the same name.[8][9][10] Entering 2026, Shanklin was revealed to make his debut at Rolling Loud Orlando, which was held from May 8-10.[11] As for his first release of the year, Shanklin released his first track of the year on February 6, 2026, titled "Pwned".[12] On February 21, it was announced that Protect would be performing at First Class Fest in Toronto on August 29, marking his second major performance[13] On June 5, 2026, Shanklin surprise released his mixtape, Slimedude2003.[14][15]
Artistry
[edit]Vivian Medithi of The Fader described Shanklin's musical style as "sat somewhere between" between rage and melodic artists such as OsamaSon and Destroy Lonely, and mentioned his collaborations with some of the most popular producers in underground hip-hop, specifically naming wegonebeok, Cade, prettifun, CXO, and Rio Leyva.[3] Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork wrote that Shanklin's sound was reminiscent to that of "the Pi'erre Bourne 2.0 wave of tdf’s Culture and the debauchery of Ken Carson."[6]
Personal life
[edit]Shanklin is affiliated with popular online streamer, BruceDropEmOff, the two formed a collective called Ball Hog.[4][6][5] Shanklin is a fan of the Buffalo Bills[5] and enjoys video games such as Sly Cooper, Fall Guys,[14] and Resident Evil 9, his favorite character from the Resident Evil franchise is Leon.[5]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| All On Me[16] |
|
| Ball Hog For Life[17] |
|
| 500 Days of Summer[18] |
|
Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Slimedude2003[14] |
|
References
[edit]- ↑ "ASCAP ACE Repertory – Performer: PROTECT". ASCAP Repertory Database. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
- ↑ "PROTECT biography". Last.fm. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Medithi Vivian (August 15, 2025). "Rap Blog: Protect gears up for an Irish exit". The Fader. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
- 1 2 BruceDropEmOff & Ball Hog interview: Hiatus, Return to Streaming? LUCKI, God, Protect, New Music. KidsTakeOver. Retrieved February 17, 2026 – via YouTube.
- 1 2 3 4 Medithi, Vivian (May 10, 2026). ""I rap from the heart" Protect at Rolling Loud 2026". The FADER. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Pierre Alphonse (December 15, 2025). "10 of the Best Under-the-Radar Rap Mixtapes of 2025". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
- ↑ Discover Atlanta (June 11, 2025). "Protect – Music & Concert Event". Discover Atlanta. Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ↑ Walden Green and Jazz Monroe (August 15, 2025). "10 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Dijon, Cass McCombs, Chance the Rapper, and More". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ↑ Spectrum Staff (September 25, 2025). "PROTECT kept it too cool on 500 Days of Summer". UB Spectrum. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ↑ Williams, Stereo (August 15, 2025). "The Listening: New Chance the Rapper Album, Cardi B 'Imaginary Players' and More". Okayplayer. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Rolling Loud 2026 US lineup: Playboi Carti, Don Toliver, NBA YoungBoy, Sexyy Red, Chief Keef, Che & more". BrooklynVegan. January 14, 2026. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
- ↑ Medithi, Vivian (February 12, 2026). "Protect plays to win on 'Pwned.'". The Fader. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Underground Rap Festival First Class Fest Comes to The Bowl at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto for 2026 Edition With Lucki, Osamason and More". Billboard Canada. March 2026. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Protect's Slimedude2003 is a perfect introduction". The FADER. June 5, 2026. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ↑ Monroe, Jazz; Corcoran, Nina (June 5, 2026). "14 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Vince Staples, horsegiirL, Modest Mouse, and More". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ↑ "All On Me - Protect". Spotify. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ↑ "Ball Hog For Life - Protect". Spotify. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ↑ "500 Days of Summer - Protect". Spotify. Retrieved February 17, 2026.