If you’ve walked past your teen’s room and heard what sounds like a printer fighting a lawnmower over a heavy bassline, you’ve probably met Nettspend.

Nettspend (born Gunner Barnard) is a teenage rapper from Virginia who went viral before he could legally buy a lottery ticket. His debut studio album, Early Life Crisis, released to massive hype and even more massive internet trolling. He’s the poster child for a subgenre often called "jerk" or "scenecore" rap—music that is intentionally distorted, chaotic, and deeply rooted in internet memes.

The title Early Life Crisis is a bit of a wink to his audience. It plays on the idea that even at 17 or 18, these kids feel the weight of "fame," burnout, and the pressure of the digital spotlight. To a parent, it might sound like "brain rot" (the catch-all term kids use for mindless content), but to millions of teens, it’s the soundtrack to their specific brand of nihilism.

It’s easy to dismiss this as just "bad music," but that misses why it’s sticky.

Learn more about Gen Alpha and Gen Z slang

We don't pull punches here: Early Life Crisis is not exactly "clean." If you have a younger middle-schooler stumbling onto this, there are a few things to keep on your radar.

Nettspend’s lyrics and public persona often revolve around "crashing out"—losing your cool, acting recklessly, or engaging in self-destructive behavior for the sake of the moment. It’s a trend that glorifies impulsivity, which is the last thing a developing teenage brain needs to put on a pedestal.

The album is heavy on references to "lean" (codeine cough syrup), pills, and marijuana. While this is a staple in many rap eras, the fact that Nettspend is a peer to his listeners makes the "cool factor" of these substances feel a bit more immediate and accessible to teens.

There is a pervasive sense of nihilism. The music isn't about "making it" or "changing the world"; it’s about spending money, wearing Rick Owens, and feeling nothing. It’s a very specific digital-age depression that is worth keeping an eye on if your kid’s mood seems to be mimicking the music.

Ask our chatbot about the impact of nihilistic media on teens

If you want to have a real conversation about Early Life Crisis, don't start by saying "this isn't real music." That’s the fastest way to get a door slammed in your face. Instead, try these angles:

If you’re looking to pivot your teen toward music or games that share that high-energy, "cool" factor without the heavy drug glorification or the "brain rot" labels, here are a few Screenwise-approved recommendations:

If your kid loves the rhythm and the "vibe" of modern music culture, this game is a masterpiece. It’s a vibrant, action-packed game where the entire world moves to the beat of the soundtrack. It’s stylish, challenging, and has zero "stranger danger" or predatory microtransactions.

For the teen who loves the "glitch" aesthetic and cutting-edge visuals of the Nettspend world, this movie is the gold standard. It captures that same frenetic, modern energy but pairs it with an actual heart and a story about responsibility.

Okay, hear me out. If the "Early Life Crisis" in your house is caused by digital overwhelm, Stardew Valley is the ultimate detox. It’s a "cozy game" that teaches entrepreneurship, community building, and patience—the literal opposite of "crash out" culture.

If you want to introduce them to someone who is also a "Gen Z icon" but on the complete opposite end of the sonic spectrum, Laufey is it. She’s bringing jazz back to the mainstream and proves that you can be "viral" and "cool" while being incredibly talented and musically sophisticated.

Check out our guide on the best music apps for teens

Nettspend’s Early Life Crisis is a symptom of a hyper-online generation that values "vibe" over substance and irony over earnestness. For most teens, it’s a phase—a way to feel rebellious and "in" on the joke.

Is it "good" for them? Probably not in large doses. But it’s also not a reason to panic. The best move is to stay curious. When you understand the "why" behind the "what," you stop being the parent who "doesn't get it" and start being the parent who can help them navigate the noise.

Next Steps:

Ask Screenwise about other viral rappers your teen might be listening to