Post Malone (Austin Post) is a world famous musician and one of the most popular public figures of the past few years. He rose to fame with his hit single “White Iverson” in 2015 and has been riding high atop the wave of pop-culture ever since.
Unlike many others, I first discovered Malone on H3H3 Production’s YouTube Channel with Ethan and Hila Klein. I had heard his name before, but assumed that he was another new rapper I wouldn’t be interested in. Normally, I would’ve ignored his existence, but he was so damn likable in those H3H3 videos that I quickly became all about it — the guy is just a total sweetheart.
He has a sense of humor, he’s gracious, respectful and grateful — despite his recently acquired social status and wealth. Whether it is goofing and gaffing with Ethan and Hila or eating at Olive Garden with Jimmy Fallon, I get the feeling that he really appreciates what he has been given in terms of fame and recognition.
Even with a barbed wire forehead tattoo, Malone still manages to put out a wholesome vibe. I believe that this is what makes him as popular as he is. He isn’t just a musician or a star. At his core, he is a relatable person despite the extravagant aspects of his personality.
I wasn’t even a huge fan of the type of music he makes in the first place, but I like it more now because of him. In other cases, I might be able to make the distinction between the man and his music, like I might like the music and not the person or vice versa. However, Post Malone is the only guy who I have ever liked as a person so much that it actually made me like music I wouldn’t normally listen to.
His balance of success and relatability only causes people to root for him more. Everyone wants him to keep succeeding because they feel that he deserves it. Of course, being as famous as he is, there is plenty of hate directed his way for various reasons. But, I think that there is a particular attitude that Malone embodies which causes the people who enjoy him and his work to keep rooting for him to succeed over and over again.
In an archetypal sense, there is nothing more rewarding than watching someone like Malone prosper because people love to see someone get a reward when they deserve it. If you can get people to hope that you succeed in your endeavors, then there is little to no limit to your upward mobility. As long as you have the motivation, people will root for you to win because you have endeared yourself to them.
