From the gritty streets of Chicago’s 99th emerges MealTicket Mar, an artist whose journey began in the most unlikely of places – a dark room where troubled youth transformed into musical poetry. His story isn’t just another tale from the streets; it’s a testament to how adversity can spark creativity.
“I got into music from getting in trouble as a kid and had to sit in the dark, so I started writing my feelings,” Mar explains. This raw honesty has become his signature, setting him apart in Chicago’s crowded hip-hop scene. While others chase trends, Mar stays true to his mantra: staying in his own lane, riding his own wave, and delivering his unique flow.
His recent single “99th” has been making waves since its April 2025 release, showcasing his evolution as an artist. The track, along with “PENGUINS”, represents his latest offerings to the music world, both dropping in 2025 and demonstrating his growing artistic maturity.
What sets MealTicket Mar apart isn’t just his sound – it’s his authenticity. His favorite lyrics, “lean off activist malcom off x in shit he took his life,” reveal the depth of his wordplay and his ability to weave complex narratives into his verses. It’s this kind of thoughtful lyricism that’s helping him build a dedicated following on both Instagram and TikTok, where he connects with fans through raw, unfiltered content.
Mar isn’t just making music; he’s crafting a movement. With each release, he’s proving that success doesn’t require following the crowd – sometimes, the most powerful moves come from staying true to your own path. As he continues to build his catalog and expand his reach, MealTicket Mar is positioned to become exactly what he’s aiming for: one of the biggest artists to emerge from Chicago’s rich hip-hop landscape.
For fans wanting to catch the wave early, MealTicket Mar’s music is available on all major streaming platforms, and his journey can be followed through his social media presence at @mealticket_mar on both Instagram and TikTok. As Chicago continues to produce some of hip-hop’s most innovative voices, MealTicket Mar is carving out his own space in the city’s musical legacy, one authentic bar at a time.