Lil Dicky
A comedian-turned-rapper who used self-deprecating humor and viral videos to carve a unique lane in hip-hop.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American rapper and comedian·Birthday: March 15·Millennials
Biography
David Burd, performing as Lil Dicky, didn't follow a traditional path into music. After a career in advertising, he funneled his comedic writing skills and observational wit into rap, funding his first EP through a Kickstarter campaign. The video for "Ex-Boyfriend" exploded online, not for flashy production but for its painfully relatable and funny premise. This set the template for his success: technically proficient rapping deployed in service of hilarious, hyper-specific stories about mundane life, dating, and his own insecurities. His debut album, 'Professional Rapper,' featured a star-studded list of guests and debuted at number one on the Billboard Rap chart, proving there was a massive audience for his brand of comedy-rap. He later pivoted to television with the semi-autobiographical series 'Dave,' blurring the lines between his persona and his personal life for a new generation of fans.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lil was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lil Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Lil's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His debut studio album 'Professional Rapper' (2015) debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart.
- The single "Save Dat Money" featuring Fetty Wap and Rich Homie Quan was certified double platinum by the RIAA.
- Created and stars in the critically acclaimed FX television series 'Dave,' which is loosely based on his life.
Did You Know?
He graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in marketing and worked as a copywriter at an advertising agency.
His stage name was inspired by a childhood nickname referencing his perceived lack of endowment.
He raised over $113,000 on Kickstarter to fund his first mixtape, 'So Hard.'
“I'm not trying to be the best rapper. I'm trying to be the best at what I do.”
