March 12th, 2024
By: Christian Gleser
In 2014, Brockhampton’s Kevin Abstract, also known as Clifford Simpson or Ian, released his debut solo album MTV1987. However, it wasn’t until the release of his sophomore album, American Boyfriend, that people really started to take notice of his solo career. That album was considered “unconventional”, and it broke down a lot of barriers in the music industry. It was very different from anything he had put out before. Critics, however, were mixed on the album, claiming that it “dips into a few too many ideas” and is “Frantic”. From a subject matter standpoint, the album was vulnerable and introspective, delving into his high school emotions. Anyone who remembers high school would understand why this reflection feels frantic and scattered. That is precisely what the average high school student feels at that age. While the critics were mixed, a good number of the Brockhampton fan base enjoyed the album. Many called it “relatable” and well-spoken. This left fans wondering where he would go next. After 3 years of waiting, Kevin released Arizona Baby. In this album, Kevin explores different genres and styles, showing us his versatility as an artist.
“Every time I find myself I feel so lost And every truth that I discover feels so false”
“Baby Boy” Kevin Abstract
On a personal note, I have been a fan of Kevin since 2019 and of Brockhampton for a little bit longer. I saw him live in concert twice this past year. The first time was at Camp Flog Gnaw 2023. Towards the start of the show, he was visibly nervous, However, I found that he seemed to get more comfortable as the show progressed. While I enjoyed the show, others were a bit more critical. I saw a lot of backlash online about this performance for many different reasons.I noticed one person online state “Kevin has always had a tendency to almost sabotage his own career by valuing his own artistic vision over chasing hits.” When talking about his set from the weekend. While I value others’ opinions, I’m not sure when valuing artistic expression became stigmatized in the music industry. I mean isn’t that what making music used to be about? While hits are important when building a music career, you still have to stay true to yourself. One of the things I admire about Kevin is his authenticity, he puts out music that fits for him, people may not get it but some will and that’s who it’s really for. I feel that if an artist isn’t putting out music for themselves are they truly doing it? As Seth Godin once said “Art is not the… eye of the beholder. It’s in the soul of the artist.” I think that this quote sums up Kevin’s music for me. With that said it may not have been my favorite set of the entire weekend since there was such a broad lineup, I still enjoyed it a lot and was glad I was able to experience it from the barricade.
“Feel the wind coming in, are you gonna let it take you too?”
“Texas Blue” Quadeca ft. Kevin Abstract
The second time I saw him, everything changed. I was able to go to one of his 4 shows on his West Coast tour, and it was, by far, one of the best live shows I have seen. This time around it was in a more intimate venue, which I prefer. I believe he feels more comfortable in those spaces. From the second he stepped on stage to the moment he got off, you could feel his comfort with the crowd. His energy and crowd engagement alone was enough to put it high on my list. He spoke and interacted with the crowd for most of the performance, which made it feel as though everyone inside knew each other. Whether it was singing along to the songs together or joking around, it gave the crowd a sense of belonging that not all shows give. This is partially because it felt like he wanted to be there with us. He was present, joyful, and attentive, all things you would not only want from an artist but a person. The set was a little over an hour, but it flew by. The next thing I knew, it was time to go. Everyone seemed to feel as if they got their money’s worth. I believe that he has found the perfect recipe for bringing together a community of people. Another important aspect of the show’s production was how he structured his setlist. It was a good balance of older and newer projects, giving fans old favorites, while still playing the new. During one of the final songs, “Peach”, Kevin and the crowd sang along to Dominic Fike’s chorus playing through the speakers. It felt like a karaoke night with friends. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“What Should I Do?” Kevin Abstract
Currently, Kevin is still riding the wave of his recent project Blanket. This album shocked a lot of people, because it is a departure from what is considered popular today. The project is 13 tracks long and consists of unique sounds such as different screams, voice modulation, and interesting beats. While some aspects may seem similar to other projects, I truly believe that this album is unique and pushing musical boundaries. While it is technically “unconventional”, it is also what makes it so great. A track, like “The Greys”, is one of the more vocally diverse songs on the project. The song uses a punchy beat and catchy lyrics. One particular set of lyrics that stood out to me was “I listened to the silence when he left What I thought we was Boy, I was so mislеd” (l.20-22). This was interesting to me, because, in the song, there is a slight change in tone between the two verses. The second verse seems to be more emotional as it moves at a slightly more passionate pace. To me, this piece feels to be presented as an emotion rather than a story or a memory, like some of his past works. It was at the release of this album that you could tell the building of his name and career apart from Brockhampton.
“I got your emotions tattooed on my sleeve (my sleeve) I think about you all the time”
“Empty” Kevin Abstract
Overall, I think Kevin is a great, vocally diverse artist who continues to break down boundaries. He is not scared to be vulnerable or considered different from others. I hope he continues to explore his abilities musically and artistically. Although he is somewhat back to the beginning of his career and has to build his popularity back up, I think he will be surprised how fast it will happen. Brockhampton had their time in the spotlight and I truly believe Kevin will once again. His return to music is an exciting journey that I can’t wait to watch unfold.