Post Malone, born Austin Richard Post on July 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York, grew up surrounded by diverse musical influences. His father, a former DJ, exposed him to a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to rock, sparking his passion for music.
When Post was nine, his family relocated to Grapevine, Texas, where his father took a management position with the Dallas Cowboys. In Texas, Post began honing his musical skills, learning guitar through the video game *Guitar Hero* and experimenting with different styles and genres.
He formed a heavy metal band in high school, initially pursuing that path before shifting his focus. By age 16, he adopted the name "Post Malone," reportedly inspired by an online rap name generator, and began recording music that blended hip-hop, rock, and country influences. After a brief time at Tarrant County College, he dropped out and moved to Los Angeles to dedicate himself fully to music.