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Masked Wolf
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Harry Michael (born 12 February 1991), known professionally as Masked Wolf, is an Australian rapper from Sydney, New South Wales.[1] He is best known for his song "Astronaut in the Ocean", which became a sleeper hit in 2021, peaking at number 4 on the Australian ARIA Charts and number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, having been initially released in June 2019.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Michael was raised by his grandparents who were Greek immigrants to Australia.[2] In an interview in 2019, Michael said, "I've always been interested in music and as a young kid, my musical outlet was actually playing instruments like the piano, keyboard, guitar and drums." He is a "huge fan" of American hip hop.[3] He began writing at the age of 13.[4]
Career
[edit]Michael signed to Teamwrk Records and released his debut single "Speed Racer" in December 2018.[5][6] All of his subsequent releases were on the label, up until 2021, when "Astronaut in the Ocean" was re-released.
On 28 January 2021, Michael signed to US-based label Elektra Records, owned by Warner Music Group, in a multi-album deal. Elektra represents Michael's music in all regions except Australia and New Zealand, where he continues to be represented by Teamwrk Records. In a statement, Michael said: "I'm so happy to be a part of the Elektra family, I am really excited to be able to have the opportunity for the world to now hear my music... not only do they develop artists, but they care about each song and that's why I wanted to join them."[7] On 4 June, Michael released the single "Gravity Glidin".[8] The following week, "Gravity Glidin" debuted and peaked at number 40 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart for the chart dated 13 June.[9] On 8 July, Michael released the single "Say So".[10] The following week, "Say So" debuted and peaked at number twenty on the NZ Hot Singles Chart for the chart dated 18 July.[11] On 21 July, Michael was announced as having the highest listener growth on Spotify in the first half of the year, which saw more than 27 million new listeners.[12] On 24 July, Michael performed at the Splendour in the Grass virtual festival Splendour XR.[13] On 4 September, Michael announced his debut mixtape, Astronomical, and released the single "Razor's Edge", which features X Ambassadors. Astronomical was released on 10 September.[14]
On 19 November 2021, Masked Wolf released "It's You, Not Me (Sabotage)" with Bebe Rexha; a reimagined version of Rexha's own "Sabotage".[15]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci |
|
Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Mixtape details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAN [16] |
US Heat. [17] | ||
| Astronomical | 75 | 2 | |
Charted singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [18] |
CAN [19] |
GER [20] |
IRE [21] |
NZ [22] |
NLD [23] |
SWE [24] |
SWI [25] |
UK [26] |
US [27] | ||||
| "Astronaut in the Ocean" (re-release) |
2021 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 14 [28] |
6 | 7 | 16 | 4 | 12 | 6 | Astronomical | |
| "Gravity Glidin"[34] | — | — | — | — | —[A] | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Say So"[35] | — | — | — | — | —[B] | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "It's You, Not Me (Sabotage)" (with Bebe Rexha)[15] |
— | — | — | — | —[C] | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album singles | ||
| "Fallout" (featuring Bring Me the Horizon)[37][38] |
2022 | — | — | — | — | —[D] | — | — | — | —[E] | —[F] | ||
| "Know Me Better"
(with Vikkstar featuring Jme) |
2024 | _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | ||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||||||
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "The Den" (Joel Fletcher and Restricted featuring Masked Wolf)[42] |
2020 | Non-album singles |
| "Something Beautiful" (Tom Walker featuring Masked Wolf)[43] |
2021 | |
| "Light Year" (Crooked Colours featuring Jesiah and Masked Wolf) |
Tomorrows |
Stone Cold Killer (With Ryan Oakes)
Notes
[edit]- ^ "Gravity Glidin" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number forty on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[9]
- ^ "Say So" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number twenty on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[11]
- ^ "It's You, Not Me (Sabotage)" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 31 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[36]
- ^ "Fallout" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 40 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[39]
- ^ "Fallout" did not enter the UK Singles Chart but peaked at number 29 on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.[40]
- ^ "Fallout" did not enter the US Billboard Hot 100 but peaked at number 14 on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart.[41]
Awards and nominations
[edit]APRA Awards
[edit]The APRA Awards are held in Australia and New Zealand by the Australasian Performing Right Association to recognise songwriting skills, sales and airplay performance by its members annually.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tyon Hapy & Harry Michael (Masked Wolf) | Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year | Nominated | [44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53] |
ARIA Music Awards
[edit]The ARIA Music Awards is an annual ceremony presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | "Astronaut in the Ocean" | Best Artist | Nominated | [54] |
| Breakthrough Artist | Nominated | |||
| Best Hip Hop Release | Nominated | |||
| Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Daniele Cernera for "Astronaut in the Ocean" | Best Video | Nominated |
Rolling Stone Australia Awards
[edit]The Rolling Stone Australia Awards are awarded annually in January or February by the Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine for outstanding contributions to popular culture in the previous year.[55]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Masked Wolf | Best New Artist | Nominated | [56][57] |
| Masked Wolf | Rolling Stone Global Award | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ Oglos, Peter (30 April 2021). "Meet the Australian rapper "Masked Wolf", topping international charts". The Greek Herald. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- ^ Havens, Lyndsey (6 April 2021). "Chartbreaker: How Masked Wolf's 'Astronaut In the Ocean' Blasted Off Around the Globe". Billboard. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ Davies, Hayden (2019). "Meet Masked Wolf and his high-energy new single, Vibin". Pilerats. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- ^ "Premiere: Stream Masked Wolf & iiiConic's new single "Evil on the Inside"". Scenestr. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
- ^ Dally-Watkins, Charlie (13 March 2019). "Sydney's Masked Wolf stands out from the hip hop pack on new single "Vibin'"". Good Intent. Archived from the original on 13 March 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- ^ van der Staay, Jarrod (19 December 2018). "Video Premiere: Masked Wolf – Speed Racer". Off the Clef. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- ^ Triscari, Caleb (28 January 2021). "Masked Wolf inks multi-album deal with US label Elektra Records". The Music Network. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- ^ Brereton, Greta (4 June 2021). "Check out Masked Wolf's punchy new single 'Gravity Glidin'". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 3 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
- ^ a b "Hot Singles Chart for week of 13 June 2021". Recorded Music NZ. 13 June 2021. Archived from the original on 15 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
- ^ Brereton, Greta (8 July 2021). "Listen to Masked Wolf's upbeat but serious new single 'Say So'". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ a b "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart for week of 18 July 2021". Recorded Music NZ. 18 July 2021. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ Will Brewster (21 July 2021). "Masked Wolf ranked #1 for Spotify monthly listener growth in first half of 2021". The Music Network. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ Will Brewster (2 June 2021). "Splendour In The Grass announces virtual festival as uncertainty continues about event's November return". The Music Network. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ^ a b Doria, Matt (3 September 2021). "Masked Wolf links up with X Ambassadors' Sam Harris for new single 'Razor's Edge'". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ a b "Masked Wolf & Bebe Rexha Release "It's You, Not Me (Sabotage)"". www.broadwayworld.com. 19 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100 Chart: September 25, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Heatseekers Albums Chart: September 25, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart for week of 12 April 2021". Australian Recording Industry Association. 12 April 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100 Chart: April 17, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ "Discographie von Masked Wolf". GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
- ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
- ^ Peak chart positions in New Zealand:
- For "Astronaut in the Ocean": "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart for week of 12 April 2021". Recorded Music NZ. 12 April 2021. Archived from the original on 14 April 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ "Discografie Masked Wolf". Dutch Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
- ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 15". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ^ "Discographie Masked Wolf". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 10 April 2021.
- ^ "Masked Wolf | Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- ^ Trust, Gary (19 May 2021). "Silk Sonic – Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak – returns to No. 1 on Hot 100 with 'Leave the Door Open". Billboard. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
- ^ "Top 100 Singles, Week Ending 9 April 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2021 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
- ^ "British certifications – Masked Wolf". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 17 August 2022. Type Masked Wolf in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Masked Wolf)" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ "American certifications – Masked Wolf". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Masked Wolf – Astronaut in the Ocean". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- ^ "Gravity Glidin – Single by Masked Wolf on Apple Music". Apple Music. 4 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
- ^ "Say So – Single by Masked Wolf on Apple Music". Apple Music. 8 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 29 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ Jones, Damian (1 April 2022). "Hear Masked Wolf's new collaboration with Bring Me The Horizon, "Fallout"". NME. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
- ^ "New Aus Music Playlist ADDITIONS – 01/04/22". Music Feeds. 1 April 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
- ^ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
- ^ "Bring Me The Horizon Chart History: Hot Hard Rock Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
- ^ "The Den (feat. Masked Wolf) — Single by Joel Fletcher and Restricted on Apple Music". Apple Music. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
- ^ "Something Beautiful (feat. Masked Wolf) – Single by Tom Walker". Apple Music. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
- ^ "Nominees Revealed for 2022 APRA Music Awards". The Industry Observer. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
- ^ "40th APRA Music Awards celebrates songwriting superstars". APRA AMCOS. 3 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "Latest Mp3 Download". Rawpraise. 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Mp3Music Download Website". Rawpraise NG. 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Album Zip Download". Simpletune NG. 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Latest Nigerian Music Download". BeatNaija. 14 August 2024.
- ^ "American Music". 360loaded. 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Latest Music Download". Legitsongs. 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Song Download". songdownload. 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Trending Music Download". tiktoksounds. 14 August 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Vivienne (20 October 2021). "ARIA Awards nominees revealed: Amy Shark & Genesis Owusu lead the charge". The Music Network. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ^ Barnes, Amelia (5 December 2011). "Rolling Stone Magazine Australia announces 3rd annual awards event". The AU Review. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Have Your Say in This Year's Rolling Stone Australia Reader's Choice Award". au.rollingstone.com. 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ "Latest foreign Mp3 Download". Bazehiphop. 14 August 2024.
External links
[edit]- Official website

- Masked Wolf discography at Discogs
Masked Wolf
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family background and upbringing
Harry Michael Avramidis, known professionally as Masked Wolf, was born on February 12, 1991, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.[1] As an only child born into a migrant family of Greek-Australian heritage, he was raised primarily by his Greek Orthodox grandparents in the beachside suburb of Maroubra after his parents divorced during his early teenage years.[10][11] Growing up in this multicultural household, Michael experienced a blend of Australian and Greek influences, with Greek spoken at home by his grandparents, who had emigrated from Greece.[12] His father, who played music, contributed to an environment where Michael was exposed to various sounds from a young age, including learning to play piano, guitar, and drums as a child.[10] This setting fostered a sense of emotional introspection, as the divorce and relocation triggered bouts of anxiety and depression, prompting him to use creative outlets for expression.[13] The close involvement of his grandparents provided stability during his upbringing, instilling a strong work ethic reflective of their migrant background, which later influenced his persistent pursuit of music amid challenges.[10] By his early teens, around age 13, Michael showed initial interest in hip-hop, drawing inspiration from artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kanye West, marking the beginning of his deeper engagement with the genre.[10]Early musical influences and education
Harry Michael Avramidis, known professionally as Masked Wolf, began writing his own music at the age of 13 in Sydney, New South Wales, shortly after his parents' divorce, which he has described as a form of escapism amid personal challenges.[14] Growing up in the suburb of Maroubra, he immersed himself in American hip-hop, citing early inspirations from artists like Eminem, whose lyrical prowess and storytelling influenced his approach to writing.[15] During his high school years, Michael was a dedicated English student who relished creative writing, channeling that passion into rap lyrics inspired by icons such as Eminem, Kanye West, and Jay-Z.[15] These influences, combined with admiration for Drake and the G-Unit collective, helped shape his blend of aggressive rap delivery and melodic elements, evident even in his formative experiments. Upon graduating from high school around 2009, Michael forwent further formal education to pursue music professionally, taking jobs in sales to finance his endeavors and securing a loan to construct a home recording studio.[16] In this self-built setup, he honed his production skills through trial and error, laying the groundwork for his independent releases without structured training.[17]Music career
Independent beginnings and mixtapes (2010–2018)
Masked Wolf, born Harry Michael Avramidis in Sydney, Australia, began developing his musical skills as a teenager, initially writing and performing Christian-themed rap songs at local church events around age 13. Influenced by artists like Eminem, whose lyrical intensity and perseverance resonated with him, Avramidis transitioned to crafting more personal hip-hop tracks that reflected his life experiences. By his late teens, in the early 2010s, he was balancing a series of full-time jobs in sales, real estate, retail at JB Hi-Fi, and telemarketing to support himself while dedicating evenings and weekends to writing lyrics and recording in makeshift setups.[15][18] Throughout the 2010s, Avramidis's independent grind involved self-promoting his music in Sydney's underground scene, where he physically handed out self-produced hip-hop albums to passersby and fans to build grassroots support. He frequented open mic nights, rap battles, and local gigs at Sydney venues to hone his performance skills, network with other artists, and gradually establish a modest following among Australia's hip-hop community. Despite these efforts, he faced significant hurdles, including financial strain from funding his passion without external backing—he even took out a personal loan to construct a home recording studio—and discouragement from peers who dismissed his ambitions as unrealistic in a competitive industry dominated by established acts. Major label interest remained elusive during this period, forcing him to rely on feedback from uploads to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and SoundCloud, where his raw, introspective tracks garnered limited but encouraging online engagement.[16][15][19] The culmination of Avramidis's independent phase came in December 2018 with the release of his debut single "Speed Racer," released through Teamwrk Records, which quickly amassed millions of streams on SoundCloud and other platforms, signaling growing traction within Australia. This period of relentless self-reliance, marked by over a decade of unreleased demos and local hustle, laid the foundation for his later breakthroughs, though it was characterized by modest visibility—early uploads typically achieved tens of thousands of plays at best—and persistent challenges in securing professional opportunities.[16][15]Breakthrough with "Astronaut in the Ocean" (2019–2021)
In 2019, Masked Wolf independently released the single "Astronaut in the Ocean," a track he had written and recorded earlier as part of his ongoing mixtape work. The song initially received limited attention but began to surge in popularity through user-generated content on TikTok starting in late 2020, where it inspired millions of videos and challenges. This virality prompted a remix and official music video release on October 27, 2020, amplifying its reach ahead of a full label-backed push. He also contributed to the soundtrack for The Suicide Squad with a verse on "Oh No!!!" alongside grandson and Vic Mensa.[20][21][22] The track's breakthrough propelled it to commercial success, peaking at No. 4 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart after 29 weeks on the tally and reaching No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the US Spotify Viral 50 chart, reflecting its organic streaming momentum. Globally, "Astronaut in the Ocean" earned multi-platinum certifications, including 2× Platinum from ARIA in Australia for over 140,000 units and 2× Platinum from the RIAA in the US for 2,000,000 units.[23][24][25][26][27] Capitalizing on this momentum, Masked Wolf signed a multi-album deal with Elektra Records, a Warner Music Group imprint, in January 2021, marking his entry into major label support outside Australia and New Zealand.[28] The deal facilitated high-profile performances, including his US television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in April 2021, where he delivered a visually immersive rendition of the hit. He was also nominated for Best Breakthrough Song at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards for the track.[29][30] Building on the success, Masked Wolf released follow-up singles like "Say So" in July 2021, which maintained his rising profile with top 20 entries on charts including the ARIA Singles Chart (peaking at No. 18) and several European territories. These releases solidified his transition from independent artist to mainstream contender during this period.[31]Major releases and recent projects (2022–2025)
Following the release of his debut mixtape Astronomical in September 2021, Masked Wolf continued promoting the project into 2022 with performances and additional content, including the single "Fallout" featuring Bring Me the Horizon, which explored themes of resilience amid industry pressures. In December 2022, Masked Wolf parted ways with Elektra Records to pursue an independent path with Teamwrk Records. Throughout 2022, he focused on non-album singles, notably "Butterflies & Bandaids," released in December, which addressed mental health struggles and the need to persevere through adversity, produced by Tyron Hapi.[32] The track received remixes from artists like VIZE, expanding its reach in electronic and pop circles. A remix of "Butterflies & Bandaids" by Ibrahim Inci was released in April 2025.[33][34] In 2023, Masked Wolf maintained momentum with introspective singles such as "Guidelines," released in April and produced by M-Phazes, delving into personal loss and emotional boundaries with raw lyricism over trap-influenced beats.[35] This period emphasized his evolution as a solo artist, releasing standalone tracks without a full-length follow-up, while building anticipation for future work through social media teasers and festival appearances in Australia and Europe.[36] By 2024, Masked Wolf shifted toward a major album rollout, beginning with the September single "Hell Or High Water," a motivational anthem about enduring challenges, again produced by Tyron Hapi.[37] This led to his second studio album, The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci, released on November 8 via Teamwrk Records, featuring 13 tracks that blend hip-hop, rock elements, and collaborations such as with Lil Skies on "Pull the Trigger," exploring themes of fame, faith, and self-reflection.[38] The album marked a more polished production phase, incorporating live instrumentation and guest verses to broaden his sound beyond trap roots.[39] Into 2025, Masked Wolf has continued with collaborative singles, including a feature on Elliott Taylor's "NERVOUS" alongside Skylar Grey in July, highlighting vulnerability in relationships, and "In The Wind" with Jauz in February, fusing rap with EDM for a high-energy vibe. In April, he featured on "Been Through Hell" by Bliss n Eso alongside 360 and Benny Morrell. While no major headlining tours were announced as of November 2025, he performed select shows in Australia and the US tied to album promotion, maintaining a focus on digital releases and fan engagement through platforms like Instagram.[9][40][41][42]Artistry
Musical style
Masked Wolf's music is characterized by a trap-influenced hip-hop foundation, blending deep, resonant vocals with distinctive guitar riffs that add a raw, alternative edge to his tracks.[43][44] This style often incorporates electronic and pop elements, creating infectious, energetic beats through pulsating rhythms and heavy bass lines paired with melodic hooks.[45][43] His production techniques emphasize booming vocal quality and laid-back, mellow flows over hip-hop beats, resulting in a sound that balances aggression with accessibility.[43][44] Lyrically, Masked Wolf explores themes of resilience, identity, and mental health, drawing from personal experiences of depression and anxiety to convey introspective narratives.[46][47] These motifs are delivered with a primal intensity, amplified by his signature mask persona, which enhances an aggressive, unrestrained delivery during live performances and symbolizes a transformative artistic identity.[44][48] His sound has evolved significantly from the raw, underground flows of his early mixtapes in the 2010s to more polished, radio-friendly productions following the 2021 breakthrough of "Astronaut in the Ocean."[44] This progression reflects a decade of refinement, shifting from darker, alternative sonic experiments to a mainstream fusion that retains trap and electronic roots while broadening appeal through pop-infused hooks and dynamic production.[44][10]Influences and collaborations
Masked Wolf's musical influences draw heavily from American hip-hop pioneers and contemporary rappers, shaping his aggressive delivery and thematic depth. From an early age, he cited Eminem as a primary inspiration for lyrical intensity and relentless work ethic, beginning to write his own raps at 13 after being captivated by Eminem's hustle and technical prowess.[49][50] Other key figures include Kevin Gates for raw emotional expression, Hopsin and Joyner Lucas for intricate wordplay, and Kendrick Lamar, whose storytelling is evoked in Masked Wolf's tracks—most notably through a direct namecheck in "Astronaut in the Ocean," highlighting admiration for narrative-driven rap.[2][51] He has also expressed respect for Australian talents like The Kid LAROI, incorporating a local vocal edge into his sound amid the broader Sydney hip-hop scene.[2] These influences manifest prominently in Masked Wolf's adoption of battle rap elements, such as rapid-fire flows and confrontational lyricism, borrowed from Eminem and his stylistic successors like Hopsin and Joyner Lucas.[2] This is evident in early singles like "Speed Racer" (2018), where he channels high-energy, competitive bars reminiscent of underground rap battles, evolving into more personal narratives on mental health and perseverance in later work. Storytelling threads, inspired by Kendrick Lamar and artists like 50 Cent, appear in songs addressing depression and isolation, prioritizing conceptual depth over surface-level bravado.[52] Masked Wolf's collaborations have expanded his reach, blending his hip-hop roots with diverse genres for global appeal. He partnered with producer Tyron Hapi on the breakout hit "Astronaut in the Ocean" (2019, re-released 2021), whose production helped propel it to over a billion streams and chart success.[53] Notable joint projects include "It's You, Not Me (Sabotage)" with Bebe Rexha in 2021, fusing rap with pop sensibilities, and a feature on Elliott Taylor's "NERVOUS" alongside Skylar Grey in 2025, which explores anxiety through emotive verses.[50][54] Guest features, such as on Alok's remix of "Astronaut in the Ocean," introduced electronic dance elements, amplifying his international presence by bridging hip-hop with EDM audiences.[55] In 2024, his album The Devil Wears Prada But God Wears Gucci included collaborations with Kota the Friend, Lecrae, and Lil Skies, further diversifying his sound with introspective and faith-infused hip-hop elements. By 2025, tracks like "Been Through Hell" featuring Benny Morrell continued this trend, incorporating trap and emotional depth.[56]Personal life
Family and relationships
Harry Michael, professionally known as Masked Wolf, was born as the only child to parents who divorced during his early years, leading him to be raised primarily by his Greek-Australian immigrant grandparents in Sydney.[10][12] This family structure provided a stable foundation amid the emotional challenges of the separation, which triggered bouts of anxiety and depression that his grandparents helped him navigate.[5] Michael maintains a private long-term relationship with his wife, whom he married in November 2024, describing her as his "best friend" in a public announcement.[57] The couple welcomed their first child, son Otis Rae Michael, on February 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in his personal life.[58] In the months following, Michael has openly shared glimpses of his "dad life," including affectionate posts about fatherhood as his "greatest accomplishment yet."[59] His close family ties, rooted in Greek-Australian traditions, have offered ongoing support, particularly during career uncertainties earlier in life when he relied on their encouragement to pursue music.[10]Public persona and interests
Masked Wolf adopted the stage name and wolf mask persona in the mid-2010s to symbolize his dual life as a full-time salesperson and aspiring rapper, representing a "wolf in sheep's clothing" that concealed his passion for music while maintaining anonymity in his professional world.[10] The mask, introduced around 2016, enhances his stage intensity by allowing him to embody a fierce, unfiltered alter ego during performances, though he has emphasized that it is not about perpetual hiding but rather a tool for artistic expression and gradual self-revelation.[44] By 2025, Masked Wolf had built a substantial online presence, engaging fans through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he shares glimpses of his music, personal milestones, and creative process, contributing to a combined following of millions across social media—including over 2.24 million YouTube subscribers.[60] His content often blends promotional material with authentic interactions, fostering a dedicated "Wolfpack" community that appreciates his raw, motivational vibe. He has expressed enthusiasm for gaming, citing favorites like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and League of Legends, and occasionally streams on Twitch.[61][62] In philanthropy, he supports mental health initiatives, such as headlining the 2021 B.Social festival, where proceeds from ticket sales benefited related charities, aligning with his advocacy through lyrics that address personal struggles and resilience.[63] His response to sudden fame following "Astronaut in the Ocean" has been one of cautious adaptation, describing it as "enjoying the ride" while transitioning from a private 9-5 existence to global scrutiny, prioritizing authenticity over pressure.[64] This led to occasional controversies, including his 2022 departure from Elektra Records to pursue independence, citing a desire to reclaim creative control and stay true to his artistry amid label constraints.[65] Overall, he prefers maintaining privacy in personal matters, using the masked persona to balance public intensity with off-stage seclusion.Discography
Studio albums
Masked Wolf's debut studio album, Astronomical, was released on September 10, 2021, through Elektra Records.[66] The project features 17 tracks, blending hard-hitting hip-hop with influences from US and UK music scenes, incorporating rock riffs and introspective sung melodies.[66] It showcases deeply personal themes across its runtime, with production highlighted for its energy, though reception was mixed, with some critics noting a lack of lyrical innovation and cohesion.[67][68] His second studio album, The Devil Wears Prada but God Wears Gucci, arrived on November 8, 2024, via Teamwrk Records.[39] Comprising 13 tracks, the album explores themes of luxury, personal struggle, and spiritual reflection, presented as a thoughtful and uplifting statement.[39] It debuted at number 7 on the ARIA Australian Hip Hop/R&B Albums Chart.[69] Critics praised its mature lyricism and emotional depth, though user reviews varied, with some appreciating the production while others found it inconsistent.[39][70]Mixtapes and extended plays
Masked Wolf's early musical output included self-released projects distributed as free downloads on platforms such as SoundCloud, which helped build his initial fanbase during his pre-label phase. These informal releases served as foundational works, showcasing his raw trap-influenced style and rapid-fire delivery before transitioning to more structured projects. In 2021, Masked Wolf issued the Astronaut In The Ocean (International Remixes) EP, a collection featuring remixes and variations of his breakthrough single "Astronaut in the Ocean," distributed primarily via digital platforms to capitalize on emerging online buzz.[71] The EP highlighted his versatility in adapting the track for different production styles, aiding its viral spread on social media. Later, in 2023, he released the Butterflies & Bandaids (Remixes) EP through Teamwrk Records, comprising remixes of the titular single that blended emotional introspection with electronic elements, further demonstrating his evolution toward collaborative and genre-blending releases.[72]Notable singles
Masked Wolf's breakthrough single "Astronaut in the Ocean," originally released in 2019 and re-released in 2020 by Elektra Records, became a global phenomenon in 2021, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[31] The track amassed over 1.3 billion streams on Spotify as of 2025, contributing to its sleeper hit status driven by TikTok virality.[73] It earned 2× Platinum certification in the United States from the RIAA, reflecting its enduring commercial success. Following this success, Masked Wolf released "Say So" in 2021 as a lead single. The song showcased his signature rapid-fire delivery over an upbeat production, marking a continuation of his post-breakthrough momentum. Later, in 2022, "Fallout" (feat. Bring Me the Horizon) emerged as another notable release, highlighting his versatility with introspective lyrics and electronic elements, though it achieved more modest chart placements compared to his flagship hit.[74] As a featured artist, Masked Wolf contributed to several Australian tracks early in his career, including collaborations that blended his style with local hip-hop scenes. In 2025, he appeared on "NERVOUS" by Elliott Taylor featuring Skylar Grey, which garnered streaming attention globally and emphasized emotional depth through its pop-rap fusion.[75] More recently, "Hell Or High Water" arrived in 2024 as a lead single from his second album, delivering motivational themes with high-energy beats and signaling a return to his aggressive rap roots.Awards and nominations
ARIA Music Awards
Masked Wolf received his first ARIA Music Awards nominations in 2021, earning five nods for his breakthrough single "Astronaut in the Ocean," including Breakthrough Artist, Best Artist, Best Hip Hop/Rap Release, Song of the Year, and Best Video.[76] Despite the recognition, he did not win any awards that year.[77] The nominations highlighted the global impact of "Astronaut in the Ocean," which propelled Masked Wolf's visibility in the Australian music industry following its international success. By 2025, these remained his only ARIA nominations, totaling five.[78]| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Breakthrough Artist | "Astronaut in the Ocean" | Nominated |
| 2021 | Best Artist | "Astronaut in the Ocean" | Nominated |
| 2021 | Best Hip Hop/Rap Release | "Astronaut in the Ocean" | Nominated |
| 2021 | Song of the Year | "Astronaut in the Ocean" | Nominated |
| 2021 | Best Video | "Astronaut in the Ocean" | Nominated |