Kevin Abstract's dreamy, introspective songs blur the lines between hip-hop, pop, R&B, and alternative rock. His lyrics reflect on depression, relationships, dr*g use, and his position as an outcast in society, having relocated several times during his life and come out of the closet. Born Ian Simpson in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1996, he was heavily influenced by Nirvana, Will Smith (as both a rapper and actor), and Kanye West, among others. He began making music as a high-school student, and formed a collective called AliveSinceForever in 2011. Solo and group EPs followed, and Abstract's debut album, MTV1987, arrived in 2014, around the time of his 18th birthday. Primarily produced by Romil and based on Abstract's life experiences, the album received acclaim, appearing on year-end lists from Spin and Pigeons & Planes. AliveSinceForever disbanded and re-formed with a new lineup as Brockhampton, and began releasing singles in 2015. Their debut mixtape, All-American Trash, appeared in March of 2016, and included songs by Abstract as well as Ameer Vann, Rodney Tenor, Dom McLennon, and others. Abstract toured with the Neighbourhood in England and the United States, and released his second album, American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, near the end of the year. The album included songs written and produced with Michael Uzowuru (Frank Ocean, Vince Staples), as well as Om'Mas Keith, Jeff Kleinman, and others. Abstract headlined an American tour in support of the album shortly thereafter. ~ Paul Simpson