Protect (rapper)
Protect | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | seeingfacess |
| Born | Ricky Shanklin August 20, 2003 |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Rapper |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Label | Atlantic Records |
| Member of | Ball Hog |
Ricky Shanklin (born August 20, 2003),[1] known professionally as Protect, is an American rapper from 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".[2]
Early life
Shanklin was born on August 20, 2003, in Buffalo, New York.[2]
Career
Shanklin began recording music in 2017, when he was just 14 years old.[3] 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.[2][4] Following the release of his second album, Shanklin was able to ink a deal with Atlantic Records later in the year.[5] 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.[6][7][8] Entering 2026, Shanklin released his first track of the year on February 6, 2026, titled "Pwned".[9]
Artistry
Vivian Medithi of The Fader wrote how Shanklin's musical style sat between rage and melodic artists such as OsamaSon and Destroy Lonely, and how he had access to all of the underground’s best producers wegonebeok, Cade, prettifun, CXO, and Rio Leyva.[2] Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork wrote how Shanklin's sound was reminiscent of that of Pi'erre Bourne's 2.0 wave of tdf’s Culture and the debauchery of Ken Carson.[4]
Personal life
Shanklin is affiliated with popular online streamer, BruceDropEmOff, where the two formed their collective called Ball Hog.[3]
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| All On Me[10] |
|
| Ball Hog For Life[11] |
|
| 500 Days of Summer[12] |
|
References
- ^ "PROTECT biography". Last.fm. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
- ^ a b c d Medithi Vivian (August 15, 2025). "Rap Blog: Protect gears up for an Irish exit". The Fader. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
- ^ a b BruceDropEmOff & Ball Hog interview: Hiatus, Return to Streaming? LUCKI, God, Protect, New Music. KidsTakeOver. Retrieved February 17, 2026 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Medithi, Vivian (February 12, 2026). "Protect plays to win on 'Pwned.'". The Fader. Retrieved February 17, 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.