Darren Jason Watkins Jr. (born January 21, 2005), known professionally as IShowSpeed, is an American online streamer, rapper and YouTube star from Cincinnati, Ohio, who makes gaming and entertainment livestreams.

IShowSpeed created his YouTube account in March 2016 and published his first video in December 2017, with his content primarily consisting of NBA 2K and Fortnite livestreams. His YouTube career was relatively silent until mid-2021 when clips from his livestreams virally spread across TikTok, causing him to blow up and gain a million subscribers in a span of a few days.

Although IShowSpeed frequently freestyled in his streams, he didn’t release his first song “Pasito” until June 2021. After his hit single “Shake” released, it blew up on the aforementioned TikTok which gave him further recognition.

From there, Speed began an arc of following the sport of football—even releasing a sport-related track, “Ronaldo (SEWEY)”, in honor of his favorite player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

With the success of his seemingly for-fun music career, it seems record label Warner Records saw something promising in the 17 year old star, ultimately signing him in late 2022. Speed is already making a mark as one of Warner’s youngest signees, releasing his debut single under the label, “World Cup”, a song which, as the name insinuates, is an unofficial anthem for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

IShowSpeed released his highly-anticipated debut EP Trip 2 Brazil, executive-produced by DJ Scheme and Brazilian funk artist ​shonci on March 24, 2024, featuring the single “Monkey” and the titular track, “Trip 2 Brazil,” which had been leaked two years prior.

On June 16, 2025, Speed released the single “Higher”. This single would begin a series of RIOTUSA-produced singles that would culminate to the release of his second extended-play, Speed Gang.

In June 2026, Speed, once again inspired by the World Cup spirit, released another World Cup themed song, “Champions (WC 26)”. The song, unlike its predecessor, was officially included as one of the songs for the 2026 World Cup, earning itself a spot on the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Album.