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Kevin Abstract

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Kevin Abstract
Abstract performing in 2018 in Quebec City
Abstract performing in 2018 in Quebec City
Background information
Birth nameClifford Ian Simpson
Also known as
  • Kevin Cinema
  • Milo
  • goshpixie
  • Billy Star
  • Ian Simpson
Born (1996-07-16) July 16, 1996 (age 28)
Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2009–present
Formerly of
Websitekevinabstract.co

Clifford Ian Simpson[3] (born July 16, 1996), known by his stage name Kevin Abstract, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter[4] known for his role as a founding member of Brockhampton. He released his debut album, MTV1987, in 2014 to critical acclaim, and received attention from a number of major music blogs and magazine publications. His second album, American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, was released in November 2016, his third, Arizona Baby, was released in April 2019, and his fourth, Blanket, was released in November 2023.

Early life

[edit]

Abstract was born in Corpus Christi, Texas.[5] Abstract was not close with his mother, not even knowing what her profession was. As Abstract began to realize his sexuality, he isolated himself from his family, feeling ashamed. Many speculate that this is one of the reasons that he ran away from home.[6] He has stated that his family members are "extremely religious" Mormons.[7] Abstract began producing music at 11 and ran away from home at 15, staying at a friend's house for a year before moving to Georgia to live with his sister.[8]

Music career

[edit]

2009-2022: Brockhampton

[edit]
Main article: Brockhampton (band)

In 2009, a thirteen year-old Abstract made a forum post on internet forum KanyeToThe, recruiting rappers, singers, producers, to form an internet based collective known as AliveSinceForever. In 2014, Abstract, along with select members of AliveSinceForever, formed a new San Marcos based collective named Brockhampton.[9]

In 2016, Brockhampton released their debut mixtape All-American Trash.[10] In 2017, the group moved to Los Angeles and received attention for their critically acclaimed Saturation album trilogy, comprising Saturation, Saturation II, and Saturation III. In April 2018, the group signed to RCA Records, and that same year released their major label debut Iridescence. Iridescence became the groups first album to debut atop the Billboard 200.[9][11] The group next album, Ginger, was released in 2019 and spawned the double-platinum single "Sugar".[12][13]

In January 2022, following the release of Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine (2021), the group announced an indefinite hiatus and the cancellation of all remaining tour dates. The final Brockhampton albums, The Family and TM, were released in November.[14]

2013: Early solo work

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In May 2013, Abstract released the single "Angels", a collaboration with AliveSinceForever and Brockhampton bandmate Dom McLennon.[15] In July, he was a featured artist on bandmate Ameer Vann's single "Rabbits".[16] In September, Abstract released his eponymous debut EP.[17]

2014-15: MTV1987

[edit]
Main article: MTV1987

At the beginning of 2014, Abstract began working on his debut album with Brockhampton producer Romil Hemnani.[18] On April 1, 2014, he released the record's first single, entitled "Save".[19] The second single from the album, "Drugs", was released on May 6, 2014,[20] with the music video following around a month later.[21] The album was released on July 15, 2014, and was met with positive reviews from a number of music blogs, such as Billboard,[18] Complex,[22] Spin,[23] Pigeons & Planes,[24] and 2DopeBoyz.[25] After the release of MTV1987, Abstract began working on the music video for the song "Hell/Heroina", using more than $3,000 accrued from fans through a Kickstarter campaign.[26] The crowdfunded project was directed by Tyler Mitchell and finally released on November 4, 2014.[27]

On June 23, 2015, Abstract released a video for "Save", directed by Ian Gilner, Henock Sileshi and Franklin Mendez.[28]

2016–2017: American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story and Viceland

[edit]
Main article: American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story

In March 2016, Abstract joined alternative band The Neighbourhood on a week-long tour through England, opening up shows in Portsmouth, Birmingham, Manchester, and London. The final show of the tour was live streamed via the Periscope app, in which he also teased his new album They Shoot Horses, expected to be released in 2016. He also provided confirmation that his next single would be called Empty.

In April, Abstract announced that he would be going on tour with The Neighbourhood again, but this time in the US, during May and June. Abstract exclusively performed new songs from his upcoming album.

At the end of June, Abstract announced that he had changed the title of his upcoming album to American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story and reassured fans that it would still be coming later that year.

Abstract, along with fellow members of Brockhampton, appeared in the Viceland television series American Boyband, which premiered on June 8, 2017. The series followed Abstract on his first headlining tour across North America, while also capturing moments of other Brockhampton members still at home in South Central, Los Angeles.

Abstract is currently managed by longtime manager and business partner Anish Ochani as well as Christian and Kelly Clancy of 4 Strikes.

2018–2019: Arizona Baby

[edit]
Main article: Arizona Baby

In June 2018, Abstract added a picture with the text "ambfII" to his Instagram story, presumably standing for "American Boyfriend II". Later that year, in October, he tweeted the words "american boyfriend",[29] seemingly teasing something. On March 19, 2019, Abstract tweeted a photo, which appears to be the cover of a new album or a single.[30] He also changed his profile picture and his header image. In early April, he expressed in a series of now deleted tweets that once he released as much music as he can in 2019, he would like to retire and focus on filmmaking. Throughout the following weeks, Abstract released more teasers for his upcoming third studio album, Arizona Baby. With the album to be released in three separate parts, Abstract released a new single titled "Big Wheels" on April 9, 2019, with the first part of Arizona Baby releasing just two days later on April 11, along with a music video for "Georgia".[31][32] On the same day, Abstract announced the second part to the Arizona Baby album, Ghettobaby, released April 18, with a music video for "Baby Boy".[33] Finally, the full album was released on April 25, alongside a music video for the song "Peach".[34]

2020–present: Blanket

[edit]

On January 18, 2021, Abstract teased a song titled "It's Alright". He later teased another song called "Sierra Nights" on February 6, 2021. He would go on to preview the tracks in full in an Instagram stream, and played snippets of 3 other songs on February 23, 2021.

On May 16, 2021, Abstract posted snippets of 2 songs, "Tucker" and "Seven Days a Week", the latter being worked on with Brockhampton member HK. On May 22, he shared a snippet for "4Sure". On May 24, Abstract posted a picture of him and a text saying "1978". He teased the track "Everything" the following day. A different version of "Everything", with pitched up vocals and drums, was teased on June 4, 2021.

On July 16, 2021, Abstract released a single titled, "Slugger", featuring $NOT and slowthai. On August 18, 2021, he released the single, "Sierra Nights", alongside Ryan Beatty.[35]

On October 5, 2023, Abstract released the single "Blanket", a more rock-inspired cut with no traditional rap verses. The track was paired with a music video, the first of which to not be released on Brockhampton's official YouTube channel. On October 11, he officially announced that his album Blanket would be released on November 3.

Other ventures

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In 2021, Abstract started the clothing brand Video Store Apparel (VSA) with fellow Brockhampton member Romil Hemnani.[36] Stylist Nick Holiday is a frequent collaborator.[37]

Abstract also became a creative consultant in the second season of the HBO teen drama, Euphoria.

Influences

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Abstract said his influences for MTV1987 were Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake, and Kid Cudi.[38] Abstract has described Kanye West, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Childish Gambino, Outkast, Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator as influences on his music, with Tyler's group, Odd Future, being a large point of reference and inspiration for Brockhampton.[39]

Personal life

[edit]

Abstract came out as gay in 2016 and his lyrics often mention his sexuality. He has stated he will rap about being gay as long as he can imagine a fan in need of a voice.[40] As of 2022, Abstract is dating Brockhampton collaborator and stylist Nick Holiday.[41]

Selected discography

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Studio albums

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List of studio albums
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[42] 		US
R&B/HH
[43] 		US
Rap
[44] 		AUS
[45] 		CAN
[46]
MTV1987
  • Released: July 15, 2014
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Streaming
 — — — — —
American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story
  • Released: November 18, 2016
  • Label: Question Everything, Empire
  • Formats: CD, DL, streaming
 — — — — —
Arizona Baby
  • Released: April 25, 2019
  • Label: Question Everything, RCA
  • Formats: DL, streaming
 53 29 24 87 93
Blanket
  • Released: November 3, 2023
  • Label: Video Store, RCA
  • Formats: DL, streaming
 — — — — —

With Brockhampton

[edit]
See also: Brockhampton discography

Singles

[edit]
List of singles showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Save" 2014 MTV1987
"Drugs"
"Echo" 2015 American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story
"Empty" 2016
"Yellow"
"Miserable America"
"Slugger"
(featuring $NOT & Slowthai) 		2021 Non-album singles
"Sierra Nights"
(featuring Ryan Beatty)
"Eye Eye Eye"
(with $NOT) 		2022 Ethereal
"Dear Ms. Holloway"
(with Easy Life) 		Maybe in Another Life...
"Easy v2"
(with Baird) 		Non-album single
"blanket" 2023 blanket
"what should I do"
"running out"
"Madonna"
"Tennessee"
(featuring Lil Nas X)[47] 		2024 TBA

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title
Director Role Medium Notes
2014 mtv1987 No Himself Documentary
2015 Dreams Die Young No Himself Short Series
2016 All-American Trash Documentary No Himself Documentary
2017 Helmet Boy Yes Helmet Boy Short Series
American Boyband No Himself Documentary Series
Jennifer's Tour, A Live Show By Brockhampton No Himself Documentary Series
Billy Star Yes Helmet Boy Short Film
Saturation Documenatary No Himself Documentary
2018 Love Your Parents Tour No Himself Documentary Series
The Longest Summer in America Yes[A] Himself Documentary
2019 Keeping The Band Yes Himself Series
2020-2021 In-Focus Yes None Interview Series
2021 Euphoria No None Series Creative Consultant
2022 Christmas Special Vol. 1 No Himself Short Film Executive Producer

Music videos

[edit]
List of music videos as Kevin Abstract
Title Year Album(s) Director(s)
"Drugs" 2014 MTV1987 Kevin Abstract, Henock Sileshi, Franklin Mendez
"Hell/Heroina" Tyler Mitchell
"Save" 2015 Ian Gilner, Henock Sileshi
"Echo" 2016 American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story Tyler Mitchell
"Empty" Kevin Abstract
"Runner" 2017
"Miserable America"
"The 1-9-9-9 Is Coming"[B] 2019 Arizona Baby
"I Got Georgia On My Mind"[C]
"Baby Boy"
"Peach"
"Slugger"
(featuring $NOT & Slowthai) 		2021 —
"Sierra Nights"
(featuring Ryan Beatty)
"Blanket" 2023 Blanket Kevin Abstract, Cole Bat
List of music videos directed
Title Year Album(s) Director(s)
"Flip Mo"
(Merlyn Wood featuring Dom McLennon) 		2016 ALL-AMERICAN TRASH Kevin Abstract
"Cannon" 2017 —
"Face" Saturation
"Heat"
"Gold"
"Star"
"Lamb" Saturation Drafts
"Gummy" Saturation II
"Swamp"
"Junky"
"Sweet"
"Follow" Saturation Drafts
"Boys" Saturation
"Boogie" Saturation III
"Rental"
"Bruise"[D] 2018 Boy in Jeans
"1999 Wildfire" —
"1998 Truman"
"1997 Diana"
"San Marcos" Iridescence
"New Orleans"
"Thug Life"
"This is Dominic Fike"[E] 2019 Don't Forget About Me, Demos
"Heaven Belongs to You" Ginger
"Dearly Departed"
"Sugar"
"Sugar"[F] 2020
"Buzzcut"
(featuring Danny Brown) 		2021 Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine Kevin Abstract, Dan Streit
"Brockhampton Presents: Count On Me"[G]

Notes

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  1. ^ Credited under the alias Dude Heifetz.
  2. ^ "The 1-9-9-9 Is Coming" serves as a music video and teaser for the track Big Wheels on Arizona Baby.
  3. ^ "I Got Georgia On My Mind" serves as a music video and teaser for the track Georgia on Arizona Baby.
  4. ^ A music video for the song "Bruise" by Ryan Beatty.
  5. ^ "This is Dominic Fike" is an alternate music video for the single 3 Nights by Dominic Fike.
  6. ^ Due to NSFW content and nudity included in the original music video, an alternate version was released intended for a younger audience.
  7. ^ "Brockhampton Presents: Count On Me" is a music video composed of the tracks "Count On Me" and "Roberto's Interlude" from their album Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine

References

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  1. ^ Simpson, Paul. "Kevin Abstract Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  2. ^ Cea, Max (October 4, 2019). "The Oral History of Brockhampton... as Told by Brockhampton". GQ. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  3. ^ Slingerland, Calum (May 24, 2018). "Brockhampton's Kevin Abstract Addresses Ameer Vann's Sexual Misconduct Allegations". Exclaim!. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  4. ^ "Features". Deezer. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  5. ^ "The best thing Kevin Abstract ever did for himself was run away from home". For The Win. February 3, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  6. ^ Haithcoat, Rebecca (April 6, 2017). "Kevin Abstract: 'When you mention Bieber, Lorde, One Direction: I want to be on that list'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  7. ^ "Brockhampton Takes A Trip Down Memory Lane - American Boyband - YouTube". Retrieved July 30, 2020 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ "Meet Kevin Abstract, The Post-Everything Kid Making Songs For Outcasts". The FADER. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  9. ^ a b Mobilio, Max Cea,Matteo (October 3, 2019). "The Oral History of Brockhampton... as Told by Brockhampton". GQ. Retrieved July 6, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Jenkins, Craig (March 30, 2016). "PREMIERE: Brockhampton's Debut Mixtape 'All-American Trash' Contains Multitudes". Vice. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  11. ^ Caulfield, Keith (September 30, 2018). "Brockhampton's 'Iridescence' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  12. ^ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  13. ^ "BROCKHAMPTON Earns First Platinum Record With "SUGAR"". Hypebeast. January 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  14. ^ "BROCKHAMPTON Drop Final Album The Family: Stream". November 17, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  15. ^ Tanners, Jon. "Dom McLennon and Kevin Abstract - "Angels"". Complex. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  16. ^ Tanners, Jon. "Video: Ameer Vann ft. Kevin Abstract - "Rabbits"". Complex. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  17. ^ Tanners, Jon. "Download Kevin Abstract's Self-Titled EP". Complex. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  18. ^ a b Ramirez, Erika (July 15, 2014). "Kevin Abstract, 'MTV1987': Exclusive Album Stream". Billboard.
  19. ^ Kevin Abstract – SAVE
  20. ^ "Drugs – Single by Kevin Abstract". Pigeons & Planes. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  21. ^ "Kevin Abstract "Drugs" Video | Mass Appeal". Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  22. ^ X, Dharmic (July 18, 2014). "Stream Kevin Abstract's 'MTV1987' Album". Complex. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  23. ^ "Kevin Abstract, MTV1987 (Self-Released) – Kevin Abstract Mtv1987_1 – 4". Spin. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  24. ^ Larew, Tim (July 15, 2014). "Stream Kevin Abstract's Free Album 'MTV1987'". Pigeons & Planes. Complex Networks. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  25. ^ "Kevin Abstract – MTV1987 (Album)". 2DOPEBOYZ. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  26. ^ "Kevin Abstract – Hell / Heroina Music Video". Kickstarter. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  27. ^ Reed, Ashley N. (November 4, 2014). "Premiere: Watch Kevin Abstract's 'Hell/Heroina' Video". Complex. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  28. ^ "Watch the Premiere of Kevin Abstract's Unsettling "Save" Video". Retrieved September 1, 2015.
  29. ^ Abstract, Kevin [@kevinabstract] (October 16, 2018). "american boyfriend" (Tweet). Retrieved March 22, 2019 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ Abstract, Kevin [@kevinabstract] (March 19, 2019). "pic.twitter.com/G1FP3V5ask" (Tweet). Retrieved March 22, 2019 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ BROCKHAMPTON (April 8, 2019), THE 1-9-9-9 IS COMING, retrieved April 10, 2019
  32. ^ BROCKHAMPTON (April 10, 2019), I Got Georgia On My Mind, retrieved April 11, 2019
  33. ^ Abstract, Kevin [@kevinabstract] (April 10, 2019). "Ghettobaby Next week" (Tweet). Retrieved April 11, 2019 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ "Kevin Abstract shares full 'ARIZONA baby' album". DIY. April 25, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  35. ^ "Kevin Abstract shares new solo track 'SIERRA NIGHTS' feat. Ryan Beatty: Stream". Consequence. August 19, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  36. ^ "Kevin Abstract Drops Video for 'Sierra Nights' f/ Ryan Beatty". Complex. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  37. ^ "Kevin Abstract and Nick Holiday Dream of the Last Blockbuster". PAPER. November 20, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  38. ^ "Stream Kevin Abstract's Free Album "MTV1987"". Pigeons & Planes. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  39. ^ "Zane Lowe and BROCKHAMPTON". Apple Music. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  40. ^ Chesman, Donna-Claire (August 22, 2017). "How Many Times Does Kevin Abstract Need to Rap About Being Gay?". DJBooth. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  41. ^ Sim, Bernardo (September 14, 2022). "Kevin Abstract Shares New Picture with His Boyfriend Nick Holiday". Out. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  42. ^ "Kevin Abstract Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  43. ^ "Kevin Abstract Chart History: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  44. ^ "Kevin Abstract Chart History: Top Rap Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  45. ^ "ARIA CHART WATCH #523". auspOp. May 4, 2019. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  46. ^ "Kevin Abstract Chart History: Canadian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  47. ^ "Kevin Abstract and Lil Nas X team up for sultry new single 'Tennessee'". NME. May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
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