Since dropping their premier single “BET I” online in 2015, BROCKHAMPTON (BH) has been generating massive buzz in the underground hip hop community. With two full length albums already under their belt, it may come as a surprise to learn that the collective is relatively unheard of at San Luis Obispo High School, despite rap music being enormously popular within the student body.

  The self proclaimed “boy band,” headed by co-founder Kevin Abstract, consists of seven vocalists and seven others who respectively handle production, video and photography, and internet engagement. Formed after the disbandment of Abstract’s previous group, AliveSinceForever, through the recruitment of members from the online music discussion forum Kanyetothe.com, BH has relocated from their origin, San Marcos, Texas to south central Los Angeles where they are currently obliterating the hip hop field.

 Expressions recently met with avid fan, senior Ryan Norris, to discuss BROCKHAMPTON’s current amalgamation of talent and creativity.

Expressions: What initially grabbed you about BROCKHAMPTON?

Norris: What initially grabbed me about the group was definitely some of the buttery smooth verses and very unique hooks. The first track I ever heard from them was GUMMY off of SATURATION II, which opens up the album with a banger of a verse by Kevin Abstract that is arguably the best verse on any of their music. It’s then followed up by another incredible verse by Ameer that is probably his best verse on the album. Also within this track is a very unique synth heavy hook, which I found very interesting. After hearing this track, all I wanted to do is see what else they could put out.

Expressions: What sets BH apart from other collectives and artists in the hip hop genre?
Norris: I think what sets them apart is definitely their ability to put out creative material as well as work well as a collective. BROCKHAMPTON has one of the most unique sounds I’ve heard in hip hop music, and I think this is due to the ability of their creative minds put together. Every track seems to have the right combination of members contributing to keep the overall vibe to the track consistent, and build throughout. This is impressively consistent throughout all of their music, seeing as there are very few tracks where the vocals feel out of place. This is a common problem with hip hop collectives: the lack of good chemistry between members which leaves tracks empty and awkward. This is not the case with BROCKHAMPTON. They have been uber-productive as a collective, putting out two full length albums in two months and announcing their third album before their second even released.

Expressions: What do you see/hope for in BROCKHAMPTON’s future?

Norris: I think there is little more to ask from this boy band in the future other than to keep putting out music and keep evolving their sound to the best it can be. I hope they continue to push the limits on creativity and innovation. One other thing I would like to see is a slight increase in production value. Not saying the production was subpar on either of their albums, but I think they could make it even better. I hope that throughout the years they keep their same style and don’t get caught up on the hype, and simply do things their way.
 

As of September, BROCKHAMPTON is set to independently release the third and final piece of their “Saturation” trilogy, “Saturation III,” by the end of the calendar year. Check out the debut single from Saturation III, “Follow,” here.