BROCKHAMPTON‘s Kevin Abstract proves to us yet again that his singular voice is just as powerful as his contributions as a band member. Last week, Abstract released the ARIZONA baby EP, which consisted of three tracks: “Big Wheels,” “Joy Ride” and “Georgia.” Yesterday, Abstract dropped another EP titled Ghettobaby, which features three additional songs: “Corpus Christi,” “Baby Boy” and “Mississippi.”
These sporadic projects mark an important change in Abstract’s solo career. The last time we heard from him was in 2016 when he released American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story. Since that full-length album, Abstract had focused his energy into BROCKHAMPTON’s most recent album iridescence. With so many obligations tied to his mind, we’re pleased to see Abstract return to his creative solo career that ventures out of BROCKHAMPTON bounds. This time around, Abstract adds a new secret weapon to his music… a collaboration with producer and Bleachers frontman Jack Antonoff.
Abstract revealed three specific dates—11, 18 and 25—in an Instagram post. So far, the release of ARIZONA baby marks April 11 and Ghettobaby marks April 18. Could this mean that Abstract is set to release a brand new full-length album next Thursday? Looks like we’ll just have to wait and see!
While we impatiently await Abstract’s surprise scheduled for next week, let’s go over some standout pieces from the six-track EP Ghettobaby.
Based on our first impressions of this project, “Georgia” will instantly demand your undivided attention. With “Georgia,” Abstract reflects on his childhood and becoming in tune with his sexuality. He wonders what his life would have been like if he were more honest about his identity at a young age.
The rapper touches on a common theme that many members of the LGBTQ+ community face today, especially those that are stuck in adolescence on the brink of sprouting their identities. In the first verse, he raps, “Houston, Texas, my teachers had weapons // I’d get my ass whipped, I learned my lesson // I often question, I often wonder // If I told this class I liked the n*gga that sit in the back // How bad would it make me suffer?”
In a statement addressing ARIZONA baby, Abstract shared, “So many therapists in Hollywood. Maybe I should be spilling my life story to a stranger watching a clock, but I’d rather talk through music. You bring the audience along this journey where you both walk the line of not knowing what’s real and what’s fake. The duality of ‘the American Dream.’ Everyone thinks I’m morally righteous because of a few headlines. Duality. Call your dad and tell him how he made you feel, Ian. This is the sweet spot between self-discovery and celebration. The space beneath the circuit board of emotion. This is ARIZONA baby.”
In the midst of all the buzz centered around Abstract’s solo career, the rapper dropped a sneak peek of his upcoming project when he released a compelling music video for the brand new track “Baby Boy” earlier this week. To be blunt, this song is unlike the rest. It’s soft and smooth with lovely psychedelic undertones. Abstract’s vocals on this track hint that he’s longing for something more.
On top of his musical talents, Abstract directed the “Baby Boy” music video himself. The plot takes a strange, aggressive approach that contrasts to the soft synths of the song. The video begins with the rapper singing to himself in a cage and concludes with an army of color-coordinated teenagers mobbing a car during the early hours of the morning. This music video takes “Baby Boy” to new heights with its suspenseful visuals that leave you a bit spooked.
Listen to Abstract’s entire Ghettobaby EP below and leave your thoughts down in the comments or tweet us @soundigest.
Featured Image: RCA Records
