AliveSinceForever
| Company type | Collective |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2014 in San Marcos, Texas, United States |
| Founder | Kevin Abstract |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Kevin Abstract, Matt Champion, Merlyn Wood, Dom McLennon, Russell "JOBA" Boring, Ciarán "bearface" McDonald, Jabari Manwa, Romil Hemnani, Kiko Merley, Henock "HK" Sileshi, Ashlan Grey, Roberto Ontenient, Jon Nunes |
| Products | Music albums, mixtapes |
Number of employees | 14+ |
| Parent | RCA Records (from 2018) |
Brockhampton was a hip-hop ensemble from the United States, established in 2014 in San Marcos, Texas. Originating partly through internet forums, the collective was distinguished by its considerable membership, cultural diversity, and extensive body of work. The final roster featured vocalists Kevin Abstract, Matt Champion, Merlyn Wood, and Dom McLennon; producer-vocalists Russell "JOBA" Boring, Ciarán "bearface" McDonald, and Jabari Manwa; producers Romil Hemnani and Kiko Merley; graphic designer Henock "HK" Sileshi; photographer Ashlan Grey; web designer Roberto Ontenient; along with manager Jon Nunes.
Founded under the leadership of Kevin Abstract in 2014, Brockhampton emerged as a successor to the now-defunct online collective AliveSinceForever. Their initial mixtape, All-American Trash, was self-released in 2016. After moving their base to Los Angeles, they achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success with three studio albums—Saturation, Saturation II, and Saturation III—all launched within a six-month span in 2017. In 2018, they secured a deal with RCA Records; soon after, founding member Ameer Vann was removed following allegations of sexual misconduct. Their 2018 album Iridescence debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received a nomination for a Brit Award. Subsequent projects Ginger (2019) and Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine (2021) continued their commercial momentum, with Ginger including the multi-platinum hit "Sugar". The group ultimately disbanded in 2022 after releasing their final records, The Family and TM.
Although primarily identified as a hip-hop collective, Brockhampton initially referred to themselves as a boy band, seeking to challenge and expand that concept. Their membership encompassed rappers, vocalists, producers, photographers, and other creatives from varied sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, and national origins. They were also noted for their prolific creative output—issuing eight studio albums within five years of their debut.
2009–2014: AliveSinceForever
In 2009, then-13-year-old Kevin Abstract founded a collective on the KanyeLive forum, assembling members such as producers Robert Ontenient and Romil Hemnani, along with graphic designer Henock "HK" Sileshi, recognized for his distinctive cover art. Producer Jabari Manwa from Grenada also joined via this online community.
Several participants had existing relationships: Abstract collaborated with Merlyn Wood, Matt Champion, and Ameer Vann as classmates at The Woodlands High School. Russell "JOBA" Boring initially worked as a recording engineer in Houston before being invited to join. Hemnani, Dom McLennon, Rodney Tenor, and Jon Nunes previously collaborated in Connecticut. Northern Irish producer Ciarán "bearface" McDonald became involved through a mutual acquaintance during a session in New York.
AliveSinceForever operated as a loosely organized collective of approximately 40 members who pursued individual projects across various cities. They performed sporadically, including appearances at events like South by Southwest. In 2013, they released The ASF EP. The following year saw collaborative efforts on Abstract's debut album MTV1987, featuring contributions from Hemnani, Champion, JOBA, Vann, Wood, HK, Ontenient, and Kiko Merley.
2014-2016: Origins and Initial Outputs
Towards the end of 2014, JOBA moved to San Marcos, Texas to enroll at Texas State University, bringing along several collaborators including Abstract. Discontent with the disorganization within AliveSinceForever, Abstract disbanded the collective and invited select individuals to establish a new ensemble called Brockhampton, a name inspired by the street where he was raised in Corpus Christi.
Brockhampton’s first single, "Bet I," was released in January 2015, accompanied by a music video directed by HK and Franklin Mendez. However, by 2017, "Bet I" was removed from various streaming services. This track was succeeded by "Hero" in June, which coincided with the group winning the VFiles Loud Contest; this victory secured them a professionally produced video for "Dirt," distributed through Fool's Gold Records. On March 24, 2016, the collective unveiled their debut mixtape, All-American Trash, available as a free download. Later that year in November, Abstract released his second studio album titled American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, featuring contributions from Hemnani, bearface, JOBA, Albert Gordon, Ashlan Gray, Ontenient, HK, and Wood.
2017: Move to Los Angeles and the Saturation Series
Following the release of All-American Trash, Brockhampton relocated to a communal residence in South-central Los Angeles. During this period, vocalist Rodney Tenor and producer Albert Gordon departed from the group, while photographer Ashlan Gray joined their ranks. In January 2017, they issued the standalone single "Cannon" and announced upcoming solo projects from several members.
On May 3, Abstract revealed their debut studio album titled Saturation, initially presented as a mixtape. Production began immediately after this announcement, with the entire album self-produced within their South Central residence. Throughout the following month, singles "Face", "Heat", "Gold", and "Star" were released on a weekly basis; each was paired with music videos directed by Abstract and filmed locally. In May, Brockhampton became the focus of Viceland's documentary series American Boyband, which premiered on June 8 alongside a music video for "Lamb". The Saturation album was officially released on June 9 to widespread critical praise.
Subsequently, the group relocated to North Hollywood. Prior to completing Saturation, they announced its sequel, Saturation II, which was similarly produced at their new residence. In August, singles "Gummy", "Swamp", "Junky", and Sweet" were issued weekly, followed by an unexpected non-album single titled "Follow". The release of Saturation II occurred on August 25 to further critical acclaim. On September 3, Brockhampton embarked on their inaugural national tour named Jennifer's Tour in support of both albums.
On December 1, Brockhampton declared that Saturation III would serve as their final studio album but later clarified intentions for additional releases. The lead single "Boogie" premiered on December 12. Shortly after on December 14, they announced a fourth album entitled Team Effort slated for 2018 and released "Stains" from Saturation III. The album itself was launched on December 15. To commemorate the trilogy’s completion, they self-funded and directed a feature-length film. Between January and March 2018, Brockhampton toured across the nation on the Love Your Parents Tour promoting the entire Saturation trilogy.
2018: RCA contract, Ameer Vann's exit, and Iridescence
In March 2018, Brockhampton announced an indefinite postponement of Team Effort, shifting their focus to releasing their fourth studio album, Puppy, scheduled for mid-year. Shortly after, they secured a lucrative contract with Sony's RCA Records, reportedly exceeding $15 million for six albums over a three-year span. Following the conclusion of the Love Your Parents Tour in April, the group embarked on the nationwide Stereo Spirit Tour.
In May, allegations emerged against member Ameer Vann involving sexual and domestic abuse. While Vann acknowledged engaging in mental and verbal abuse, he denied any sexual misconduct. Kevin Abstract expressed that he had no prior knowledge of Vann’s behavior and announced a delay for the Puppy album. On May 27, Brockhampton officially removed Vann from the lineup, issuing an apology for their delayed response and canceling remaining tour dates, including their appearance at Governors Ball Music Festival. Subsequent information revealed Vann’s involvement in orchestrating a home burglary targeting a friend of one of the band members.
Following Vann’s departure, Brockhampton retreated to Hawaii to reconstruct their album, during which they composed the track "Tonya." On June 20, they made their late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing "Tonya" alongside guest vocalists and unveiling the album’s updated title, The Best Years of Our Lives. Their touring activities resumed that summer, highlighted by headlining the Agenda Festival in Long Beach, California. In July, they launched their Beats 1 radio program titled Things We Lost in the Fire Radio, introducing singles "1999 Wildfire," "1998 Truman," and "1997 Diana," each accompanied by music videos.
On August 26, Brockhampton revealed plans for their new album Iridescence, recorded within ten days at Abbey Road Studios and slated for release in September. The documentary chronicling its production, The Longest Summer in America, premiered on September 20. The band also announced their I'll Be There Tour, scheduled from October through December 2018. Released on September 21, Iridescence debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart—marking their first number-one album. In January 2019, Brockhampton received their inaugural nomination for Best International Group at the Brit Awards.
2019: Ginger
Following the release of Iridescence, Brockhampton entered a six-month hiatus. During this interval, members including JOBA, bearface, Hemnani, Manwa, HK, and Grey contributed to Kevin Abstract’s third solo project, Arizona Baby. As Abstract neared completion of this album but encountered writer’s block, the collective began work on their subsequent album. Weekly group therapy sessions known as "Friday Therapy," facilitated by Abstract and led by actor Shia LaBeouf, influenced the thematic content of the new record. Though no longer cohabitating as during the Saturation trilogy era, most recording took place at a Hollywood Hills residence shared by the creative team.
On July 2, Brockhampton announced their fifth studio effort titled Ginger. Echoing the release strategy of the Saturation trilogy, it was preceded by weekly singles accompanied by videos: "I Been Born Again", "If Your Pray Right", "Boy Bye", and "No Halo". The album was released on August 23 alongside a special live event in Los Angeles named Friday Therapy, featuring opening acts such as 100 gecs, Deb Never, JPEGMafia, and Dominic Fike. From October through December, Brockhampton toured with the Heaven Belongs to You Tour supporting Ginger, with support from 100 gecs and Slowthai.
The band made its debut appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on September 6 performing "Sugar" and "Boy Bye" (though the latter performance was not aired). That same day they also performed "No Halo" alongside Deb Never on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. On October 24, they appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, delivering a rendition of "Sugar" featuring Ryan Beatty.
On January 14, 2020, "Sugar" became Brockhampton’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, debuting at number 70 and reaching a peak position of number 66 over nine weeks. A remix featuring Dua Lipa, Jon B., and Ryan Beatty was released on March 6. The song achieved Brockhampton’s first platinum certification on April 29, 2020, followed by a second platinum certification awarded on November 19, 2021.
2020-2021: Technical Difficulties Radio and Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine
In April 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the group unveiled a series of non-album singles under the title Technical Difficulties Radio on YouTube. These tracks were created during quarantine and accompanied by prior Twitch livestreams. Songs such as "N.S.T", "things cant stay the same", "M.O.B", "Twisted", "I.F.L", "Baby Bull", "Downside", "Fishbone" and "Chain On / Hold Me" were initially released but subsequently removed. This collection marked the first occasion where producer Jabari Manwa contributed vocals on official group material.
The members revealed that their sixth studio album was "sonically finished" and anticipated for a summer launch. Abstract and HK disclosed its working title initials as RR. In August 2020, Abstract and Hemnani introduced Video Store, a combined record label and clothing brand. On January 2, 2021, a preview of the lead single "Buzzcut" appeared on Instagram. The track, featuring Danny Brown, was officially released on March 24 alongside the announcement of the album name Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine. The follow-up single, "Count On Me", arrived on April 2 ahead of the album’s global release on April 9. The music video for "Count On Me" included appearances from Lil Nas X and Dominic Fike.
Promoted as the penultimate project, Roadrunner was followed by plans for a concluding album later in the year. Additionally, in June, Brockhampton contributed the track "MVP" to the soundtrack of Space Jam: A New Legacy.
2022: Disbandment, The Family, and TM
Throughout 2021, Brockhampton experienced unproductive recording sessions in Ojai while working on what was intended to be their final studio album. On January 14, 2022, the band declared an indefinite hiatus and canceled most remaining dates of their Here Right Now tour promoting Roadrunner, preserving only their final performances at The O2 Arena and Coachella. Following their Coachella appearance, they confirmed plans to release their last studio album within that year.
During this break, two separate albums emerged independently. Kevin Abstract crafted an album in New York City alongside bearface, Hemnani, and Ryan "Boylife" Yoo; this project featured Abstract’s lead vocals with bearface and Boylife serving as executive producers. Meanwhile, Matt Champion revisited the incomplete Ojai sessions from 2021 and assembled them into a finished album with himself as executive producer.
In October, Abstract announced The Family as Brockhampton’s definitive final studio album, which was released in November along with singles "Big Pussy" and "The Ending". On November 17, coinciding with this release, Champion’s album titled TM was also issued as the group’s actual concluding record—described as a “parting gift” for fans. Although Coachella had been intended as their farewell performance, Brockhampton staged one last live event on November 19: a free livestream from Los Angeles’ Fonda Theatre.
Despite Kevin Abstract’s lyrics on The Family hinting at interpersonal discord, the band clarified that no conflicts led to their hiatus. Champion explained that they felt their collective journey had naturally concluded and expressed a desire to focus on individual projects.
2023-present: Solo work and further collaborations
In April 2023, Manwa debuted his solo work under the name Saga Buoy, marking his initial endeavor following Brockhampton's disbandment. Later that year, in November, Abstract unveiled his fourth studio album titled Blanket, which saw Hemnani resume his role as producer and engineer. The debut album of Champion, Mika's Laundry (released in March 2024), included contributions from former Brockhampton members such as Hemnani, bearface, Manwa, and Merley. Additionally, Hemnani produced Champion's EP Slint's Favorite, released later in 2024. JOBA issued his first solo album, Russel Boring, in September 2024; this project notably did not feature any involvement from other ex-members.
By May 2025, Abstract publicly stated that a reunion of the group was improbable and acknowledged minimal communication among the former members. The following month, June, he launched his fifth studio album, Blush, which featured collaborations with Vann, Hemnani, and Merley, as well as a Houston-based collective. Critics have described this album as a spiritual continuation of Brockhampton’s legacy.
Musical style
Brockhampton’s sound was primarily rooted in hip-hop, frequently aligning with the alternative hip-hop category. Their Saturation trilogy highlighted a wide range of sonic elements by fusing pop rap, hardcore hip-hop, G-funk, and indie rock. The album Iridescence represented a stylistic evolution towards industrial hip-hop, experimental hip-hop, and progressive rap, incorporating influences from UK rap and grime music. Their most subdued project, Ginger, emphasized pop rap alongside alternative R&B tones. The release Technical Difficulties Radio embraced West Coast hip-hop aesthetics and prominently featured sampling techniques. Continuing this trend, Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine blended sampling with elements of rap rock, modern R&B, and conscious hip-hop, all built upon a pop rap foundation. The album The Family, which showcased Abstract as the sole lead vocalist, ventured further into sample-heavy chipmunk soul, southern hip-hop styles, and drumless hip-hop rhythms. Their final record, TM, incorporated influences from trap and dance-pop genres.
Members
The vocalists within Brockhampton utilized a variety of delivery methods and thematic content, each often fulfilling a distinct role reminiscent of a conventional boy band. As the unofficial frontman, Kevin Abstract frequently handled pop-infused choruses while reflecting on his personal experiences with homophobia and public recognition. During the Saturation trilogy era, Ameer Vann was recognized as the group's most grounded yet intense voice, channeling his Houston upbringing and encounters with gang violence and racism into a gangsta rap style. Matt Champion explored themes surrounding relationships, personal insecurities, and battles with substance use. Dom McLennon contributed through a backpack rap approach featuring socially conscious lyrics addressing political issues and racism. Acting as the hype man, Merlyn Wood employed energetic shouting to discuss relationships and celebrate his Ghanaian roots. Russell "JOBA" Boring demonstrated notable versatility by performing ballads, aggressive vocalizations, and comedic rap reminiscent of artists like Eminem.
Ciarán "bearface" McDonald—hailing from Northern Ireland—brought talents as a guitarist, vocalist, rapper, songwriter, and producer; initially providing closing ballads characterized by guitar-driven arrangements. Beginning with the 2018 release of Iridescence, he expanded his contributions to include vocals, rapped verses, and production across multiple tracks. Producer Jabari Manwa transitioned into an active performing member starting with Technical Difficulties Radio, frequently delivering Auto-Tuned hooks on both Roadrunner and TM.
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The collective's identity was shaped by their expansive membership, varied backgrounds, and defiance of conventional categorization. Pete Tosiello of Pitchfork emphasized their "[Breakfast Club] appeal," drawing attention to a lineup that included black, white, gay, straight, African, Irish, and Latin individuals, as Michael Cragg from The Guardian described. Unlike classic hip hop ensembles such as Wu-Tang Clan and N.W.A, Brockhampton's lineup encompassed not only rappers and singers but also producers, photographers, graphic designers, managers, and web developers. Mikael Wood from the Los Angeles Times referred to them as a "[Gen Z] dream team."
Cara Smith of Flood acknowledged the group’s progressive inclusivity toward women and the LGBTQ+ community compared to standard hip hop acts. She highlighted Abstract as one of the rare openly gay rappers to reach mainstream prominence. The prompt dismissal of Ameer Vann following allegations of sexual misconduct was regarded as a forward-thinking move that contrasted with traditional notions of masculinity in hip hop.
Throughout the 2017 Saturation period, Brockhampton embraced the label of a boy band rather than fitting into the hip hop category. They garnered semi-ironic nicknames like "All-American boy band" and "the best boy band since One Direction." This approach aimed to redefine the boy band archetype by presenting a diverse group of outsiders instead of the typical straight, white male ensembles targeting young female audiences. According to Vann, this persona granted them greater creative liberty since pop music was subject to less scrutiny than hip hop. They incorporated typical boy band elements such as coordinated stage attire.
By the time Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine was released in 2021, Brockhampton moved away from the boy band designation due to their reluctance to produce mainstream hits and the limited acceptance of that image within hip hop culture.
Legacy
Kevin McDermott from Firebird recognized Brockhampton as inheritors of the title "the rap game’s favorite oddball posse," previously associated with Odd Future. Various groups and artists inspired by Brockhampton—including Teezo Touchdown, Kidz at Play, PartyOf2, 99 Neighbors, and Paris Texas—demonstrate their influence on genre-blending within alternative rap and pop. Abstract's visibility as an openly gay rapper has contributed to wider acceptance for queer performers like Lil Nas X, while their online fan engagement tactics have been widely adopted by Gen Z musicians on platforms such as TikTok.
Final line-up
- Kevin Abstract – vocals, production, video and creative direction (2014–2022)
- Matt Champion – vocals (2014–2022), production (2022)
- Dom McLennon – vocals, production (2014–2022)
- Merlyn Wood – vocals (2014–2022)
- JOBA – vocals, production, mixing, mastering, piano (2014–2022)
- bearface – vocals, guitar, production (2014–2022)
- Jabari Manwa – production (2014–2022), vocals (2020–2022)
- Romil Hemnani – production, recording engineering, DJ (2014–2022)
- Kiko Merley – production (2014–2022)
- HK – creative direction, graphic design (2014–2022)
- Roberto Ontenient – production, web design, app programming (2014−2022), skit vocals (2017, 2021)
- Jon Nunes – management (2014–2022)
- Ashlan Gray – photography, videography, webmaster (2016–2022)
Former members
- Ameer Vann – vocals (2014–2018)
- Rodney Tenor – vocals (2014–2016)
- Albert Gordon – production (2014–2016)
Discography
Studio albums
- Saturation (2017)
- Saturation II (2017)
- Saturation III (2017)
- Iridescence (2018)
- Ginger (2019)
- Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine (2021)
- The Family (2022)
- TM (2022)
Filmography
Music videos are catalogued under the group's discography.
| Year | Title | Director | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | All-American Trash | Henock Sileshi | Documentary |
| 2017 | American Boyband | Shane Tilston | Documentary series |
| Billy Star | Kevin Abstract | Short film | |
| Saturation | Henock Sileshi | Documentary | |
| 2018 | The Longest Summer in America | Dude Heifetz | |
| 2019 | Keeping the Band | Kevin Abstract | Series |
| 2021 | Live from The Chapel | Concert film |
Tours
Headlining tours
- Jennifer's Tour (2017)
- Love Your Parents Tour (2018)
- Stereo Spirit Tour (2018)
- I'll Be There Tour (2018)
- Heaven Belongs to You Tour (2019)
- Here Right Now Tour (2022) (Cancelled)
One-off concerts
- All-American Drive-In Prom (Los Angeles, 2016)
- Brockhampton Prom (Los Angeles, 2017)
- #iridescencelive (Auckland, 2018)
- Friday Therapy (Los Angeles, 2019)
- Live from The Chapel (Live-streamed, 2021)
- Brockhampton Ends at the Fonda (Los Angeles, 2022)
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Nominee / work | Category | Result | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brit Awards | 2019 | Brockhampton | International Group | Template:Nominated | |||||
| GLAAD Media Awards | Iridescence | Outstanding Music Artist | Template:Nominated | ||||||
| NME Awards | 2020 | Brockhampton | Best Band in the World | Template:Nominated | |||||
| "I Been Born Again" | Best Music Video | Template:Nominated | |||||||
| MTV Europe Music Awards | Brockhampton | Best Push | Template:Nominated |
- |
GLAAD Media Awards | 2022 | 'Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine' | Outstanding Music Artist | Template:Nominated |
References
External links
- Brockhampton (band)
- 2014 establishments in Texas
- Alternative hip-hop groups
- American boy bands
- American hip-hop groups
- Hip-hop collectives
- LGBTQ-themed musical groups
- Musical groups from San Marcos, Texas
- Musical groups established in 2014
- Musical groups disestablished in 2022
- Pop-rap groups
- RCA Records artists
- Musical groups disestablished in 2014