Powers Pleasant’s Victory Lap: Finding Triumph with ‘Life Sucks’

When Powers Pleasant dropped his highly anticipated album Life Sucks in October 2024, the reception was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Fans who had been waiting since 2019 for a new full-length project from the multi-platinum producer and DJ were not disappointed. But what surprised Powers most was the support he received from his peers and unexpected corners of the music industry. “It’s been great,” he shared. “I expected my fans to support me, but I’ve also been getting a tremendous amount of support from my peers and people I wouldn’t normally think would be tapping into my music. This is my first full-length body of work.”

Powers Pleasant is no stranger to making waves. As a co-founder of Pro Era alongside Joey Bada$$ and the late Capital STEEZ, he’s been instrumental in reinvigorating New York hip-hop since the early 2010s. His journey from a Brooklyn bedroom beatmaker to a celebrated producer and DJ has been fueled by a relentless work ethic and a passion for creating timeless music. Yet, the road to Life Sucks was not without its hurdles.

After releasing Life Is Beautiful in 2019, Powers was entangled in label struggles that delayed his next project. But instead of letting the setbacks stall him, he doubled down on his work. “Everything happens for a reason,” he reflected. “I learned never to stop working. Throughout that process, I pretty much made a whole new album. I scrapped about half the songs, made more, and improved the project. So yeah, everything happens for a reason. All in due timing.”

This perseverance shines through in Life Sucks, which Powers describes as a sonic roller coaster. The album’s lead singles, “Rumble” featuring Joey Bada$$ and “Shmoke” featuring A$AP Ferg and Armani Caesar, provide a glimpse into the album’s diverse soundscape. “Those tracks are definitely the most single-sounding records with the energy and hooks,” he explained. “But honestly, the project is a mixed bag; every song on the project is special and different. When you press play, you’re in for a ride—it’s like a roller coaster.”

This ability to craft a cohesive yet eclectic project is no accident. Powers has built a reputation as a master collaborator, working with artists as varied as Juice WRLD, NBA YoungBoy, BTS, and his Pro Era brethren. When asked about the secret to creating iconic posse cuts, he humbly replied, “I don’t know, man. I just go off the vibe. I never force these records. It’s never really planned out—it just depends on who I’m working with.”

For Powers, collaboration has always been second nature. Growing up in Pro Era, he learned early on how to orchestrate and harmonize diverse personalities and styles. “Those are my brothers; that’s where I got my start,” he said of the collective. “We started from humble beginnings, a grassroots family-style vibe. I’m happy to still have that type of energy around me. This industry can be cutthroat and crazy, so it’s great to have good people around you to keep you grounded.”

This foundation has served him well, not just as a producer but also as a DJ. Powers credits DJing with shaping his approach to music-making. “Absolutely; DJing and producing go hand in hand,” he said. “I’m always thinking about how the record is going to move people. When I’m producing, I’m always thinking about the show, the club, or the party and how I will sequence this record to make people move.”

Despite his accolades and achievements, Powers’s definition of success remains rooted in his connection to his fans and the art itself. “Success for me is touching my fans and supporters and making a dope piece of art that they would enjoy,” he said. “I’ve always been an organic artist, so I’m never really checking for numbers like that. I’ve always done well over the years, gradually so. But it’s about making a dope piece of art.”

Reflecting on the impact he and Pro Era have had on hip-hop culture, Powers feels a sense of fulfillment. “Coming up with Pro Era till now, the amount of lives we changed and saved… I feel like I can retire right now because we’ve made our impact in history and culture. We’re solidified. Anything else I’m doing now feels like a victory lap. I’m now in my second life as a solo artist, which is fun.”

Ultimately, Life Sucks is a testament to resilience and growth. “No matter how treacherous things might seem, it gets better,” Powers said. “It’s never over. No matter where you’re in life, there is always another level. Never give up.” With his first full-length album now out in the world, Powers Pleasant continues to push boundaries, proving that even when life sucks, the music doesn’t have to.