Matt Champion

Last updated
Matt Champion
FEQ July 2018 Brockhampton (44108123424) (cropped).png
Champion performing in 2018 in Quebec City
Background information
Birth nameMatthew Garrett Champion
Born (1995-02-14) February 14, 1995 (age 29)
Origin The Woodlands, Texas
Genres
Rap
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2014–present
Labels RCA
Formerly of Brockhampton
Website mattchampion.co

Matthew Garrett Champion (born February 14, 1995) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is known for his role as a member of hip hop collective and boyband Brockhampton, with whom he released eight studio albums. His debut solo album, Mika's Laundry , was released on March 22, 2024.

Contents

Early life

Champion was raised in The Woodlands, Texas, and is of partial Japanese American ancestry. [1] While a student at The Woodlands High School, Champion began rapping and met his future bandmates Kevin Abstract, Ameer Vann, Merlyn Wood, and Russell "Joba" Boring. [2]

Career

2014-2022: Brockhampton

Champion joined AliveSinceForever, an internet music collective, in 2014 shortly before the group reorganized into Brockhampton. Along with the rest of the group, Champion relocated to San Marcos, and later Los Angeles.

Champion contributed to the groups mixtape, All-American Trash in 2016, and later appeared on the groups breakthrough debut album Saturation, released on June 9, 2017. [3] Saturation was followed by Saturation II and Saturation III on August 25 and December 15, respectively. [4] In May 2018, Ameer Vann was removed from Brockhampton amidst allegations of sexual misconduct. [5] Shortly afterwards, the group cancelled their planned fourth studio album, and released a new record, Iridescence, on September 21. Iridesence became the group's first album to debut atop the Billboard charts. [6] It was followed by Ginger on August 23, 2019. [7] In January 2022, the group announced that they would go on an indefinite hiatus, and cancelled all remaining shows in support of the their sixth studio album Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine (2021). [8]

The final Brockhampton albums, The Family and TM, were released on November 17 and 18, respectively. [9] The latter record, which consisted of outtakes from the groups recording sessions in 2020 and 2021, was curated and executive produced by Champion. [10] [11]

2014-2021: Early solo work

In June 2014, a nineteen year-old Champion's debut single "Die For Me" was featured by Pigeons and Planes in "5 On It", a feature highlighting underground hip-hop artists. [12] The next month, he appeared as a featured artist on bandmate Kevin Abstract's debut studio album MTV1987 . [13] On December 31st, Champion released the single "Burn", featuring Memphis rapper Jon Waltz. [14] On April 6, 2015, Champion and Ameer Vann made appearances on Abstract's single "Not On DOASM 01", a cut track from Abstract's sophomore album American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story , at the time titled Death of a Super Model. [15] On April 27, Champion was once again a featured artist on "Not On DOASM 02". [16] On May 11, Champion released the single "El Dorado" alongside a corresponding music video. [17]

After a nearly year-long hiatus, his next single "Punks" was released in February 2016, and was described as a refinement of the sound of his previous singles. [18] On March 23, he released the single "Salud", featuring Abstract and Michael Christmas. [19] On December 22, "Mansions" was released along with the promise of a studio album the following year. [20] On February 17th 2017, Champion's next single "Fangs" was listed by Pigeons and Planes as one of the best singles of that week. [21]

On April 6, 2021, Champion appeared as a featured artist on 97 Blossom, the debut extended play by The Blossom, released on bandmates Kevin Abstract and Romil Hemnani's record label Video Store. The EP also featured collaborations with Abstract, Hemnani, and Brockhampton producer Jabari Manwa. [22]

2024–present: Mika's Laundry

On February 14, Champion released his first solo work since Brockhampton's dissolution. The single "Aphid", featuring American singer Dijon, was produced by Champion and Henry Kwapis and has been described as "lush" and "melodic". [23] [24] "Aphid" was followed by "Slug", a "nostalgia-inducing funk and soul" track on February 28. [24] On March 3, Champion began teasing a collaboration with South Korean rapper Jennie. [25] The resulting drum and bass song, "Slow Motion", was released on March 8 alongside the announcement of Mika's Laundry , Champion's debut solo album, released on March 22. [11] [26] [27]

On June 20, Champion appeared on the cover of Clash's 20th anniversary edition, titled "Kool Things". [28] On October 2, it was announced that Champion would appear in the feature film Strobe, directed by Taylor Cohen and produced by Tara Razavi, Nate Matteson, and Hiro Murai. [29] On October 18, Champion was announced as a performer at the 2024 Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. [30]

On October 24, Champion released "Faye", the first installment of a planned series of singles intended to expand upon Mika's Laundry. [31] On October 30, "Faye" was followed by "Hacker". [32] A third single, "SPJ", was released the following week. [33] On November 13, Champion released the fourth and final single, "Ash" featuring Deb Never, who had previously appeared alongside Champion on the Brockhampton album Ginger. The same day, the four singles were collected and released as part of an extended play titled Slint's Favorite. [34]

Personal life

As of 2024, Champion is dating Canadian model and designer Tavia Bonetti. [35] Champion has starred in campaigns for Bonetti's brand, Friends With Animals. [36]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums
TitleAlbum details
Mika's Laundry
  • Released: March 22, 2024
  • Label: RCA
  • Formats: Streaming, digital download, LP

Extended plays

List of extended plays
TitleDetails
Slint's Favorite
  • Released: November 13, 2024
  • Label: RCA
  • Formats: Streaming, digital download

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, showing year released, selected chart positions and name of the album
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
KOR
DL
[37] 		NZ
Hot
[38] 		UK
DL
[39]
"Die with Me"2014———Non-album singles
"Burn"
(featuring Jon Waltz)		2015———
"El Dorado"———
"You're Too Cool for Me"———
"Punks"2016———
"Salud"
(featuring Michael Christmas)		———
"Mansions"———
"Fangs"2017———
"Aphid"
(featuring Dijon)		2024———Mika's Laundry
"Slug"———
"Slow Motion"
(with Jennie)		1162868
"Dogfish"———
"Faye"———Slint's Favorite
"Hacker"———
"SPJ"———
"Ash"
(featuring Deb Never)		———
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.
List of singles as a featured artist, showing year released and album name
TitleYearAlbum
"Not On DOASM 1"
(Kevin Abstract featuring Matt Champion and Ameer Vann)		2015Non-album singles
"Not On DOASM 2"
(Kevin Abstract featuring Matt Champion)

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
TitleYearOther performer(s)Album
"Snakes"2014Kevin Abstract MTV1987
"Drown"2016Young Lungs, Cian P, RoyContradiction
"Smoke"2021The Blossom97 Blossom

Filmography

YearTitle
RoleMedium
2015Dreams Die YoungHimselfShort Series
2016All-American Trash DocumentaryDocumentary
2017Helmet BoyClydeShort Series
American BoybandHimselfDocumentary Series
Jennifer's Tour, A Live Show By Brockhampton
Billy StarVan Nuys Matt / "South Central" CrewShort Film
SaturationHimselfDocumentary
2018Love Your Parents TourDocumentary Series
The Longest Summer In AmericaDocumentary
2019Keeping The BandHimself (fictionalized depiction)Series
2021Live from The ChapelHimselfConcert film
TBAStrobe†TBAFeature film
Key
†Denotes films that have not yet been released

Music Videos

List of music videos as Matt Champion
TitleYearAlbum(s)Director(s)
"El Dorado"2015—Matt Champion, Albert Gordon, Henock Sileshi
"Aphid"
(featuring Dijon)		2024Mika's LaundryAnna Pollack
"Slug"
"Dogfish"
List of music videos directed
TitleYearAlbum(s)Director(s)
"New Shoes"2022 TM Matt Champion, Onda
"Man on the Moon"Matt Champion

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Abstract</span> American rapper and singer (born 1996)

Clifford Ian Simpson, known by his stage name Kevin Abstract, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his role as a founding member of Brockhampton. He released his debut album, MTV1987, in 2014 to critical acclaim, and received attention from a number of major music blogs and magazine publications. His second album, American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, was released in November 2016, his third, Arizona Baby, was released in April 2019, and his fourth, Blanket, was released in November 2023.

<i>Saturation</i> (Brockhampton album) 2017 studio album by Brockhampton

Saturation is the debut studio album by American rap collective Brockhampton. Independently released on June 9, 2017, the album features appearances from group members Kevin Abstract, Ameer Vann, Merlyn Wood, Dom McLennon, Matt Champion, Joba, and Bearface. Production was primarily handled by group members Romil Hemnani, Jabari Manwa, and Kiko Merley, with additional contributions from Joba, Bearface, and No Rome. Manwa, along with Brockhampton webmaster Robert Ontenient, perform the albums vocal skits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brockhampton (band)</span> American hip-hop group

Brockhampton were an American boy band/rap collective founded in 2014 in San Marcos, Texas. Led by Kevin Abstract and formed partially through the online music discussion forum KanyeToThe, the group's final line-up consisted of vocalists Abstract, Matt Champion, Merlyn Wood, and Dom McLennon, vocalists/producers Joba, Bearface, and Jabari Manwa and producers Romil Hemnani and Kiko Merley, as well as graphic designer Henock "HK" Sileshi, photographer Ashlan Grey, web designer Roberto Ontenient, and manager Jon Nunes.

<i>Saturation II</i> 2017 studio album by Brockhampton

Saturation II is the second studio album by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on August 25, 2017. Production is primarily handled by Romil Hemnani, alongside production duo Q3, Bearface, Kevin Abstract, and Joba.

<i>Saturation III</i> 2017 studio album by Brockhampton

Saturation III is the third studio album by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on December 15, 2017. Production is predominantly handled by Romil Hemnani, alongside production duo Q3, as with previous releases. It concludes the Saturation trilogy, commenced with Saturation and followed with Saturation II. Originally promoted as the group's "final studio album", the group announced their fourth album, titled Team Effort at the time before being scrapped, a day before Saturation III was released. Saturation III is the band's last album with founding member Ameer Vann, who left the band in May 2018 amid accusations of sexual misconduct.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Junky (song)</span> 2017 single by Brockhampton

"Junky" is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on August 15, 2017 as the third single from their second studio album Saturation II (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet (Brockhampton song)</span> 2017 single by Brockhampton

"Sweet" is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on August 22, 2017 as the fourth single from their second studio album Saturation II (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gold (Brockhampton song)</span> 2017 single by Brockhampton

"Gold" is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton and the third single from their debut studio album Saturation (2017). The music video premiered on May 23, 2017, before the song was released to streaming services on May 30, 2017.

Brockhampton was an American hip-hop collective. Formed in 2010, they have released eight studio albums, four compilations, one mixtape, 27 singles, and 38 music videos. Originally formed as AliveSinceForever in 2010 and after releasing a compilation and extended play under the name in 2012 and 2013 respectively, the group rebranded to Brockhampton, proclaiming themselves as "the world's greatest boy band". The collective's lineup underwent significant changes in 2014 alongside this rebrand. After releasing singles throughout 2015, the group's debut mixtape, All-American Trash, was released for free on March 24, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ameer Vann</span> American rapper

Ameer Emmanuel Vann is an American rapper. He is best known for being a member of music collective Brockhampton, until his departure from the group in May 2018. After leaving Brockhampton, Vann started his solo career and released his first commercial EP, Emmanuel, in September 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1999 Wildfire</span> 2018 single by Brockhampton

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<i>Iridescence</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Brockhampton

Iridescence is the fourth studio album and major-label debut by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on September 21, 2018, by Question Everything, Inc. and RCA Records. The self-produced album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, as well as the group's own studio in Hawaii. It is their first album since founding member Ameer Vann's departure from the group following sexual misconduct allegations. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 albums chart, becoming the group's only chart-topping album.

<i>TM</i> (album) Studio album by Brockhampton

TM is the eighth and final studio album by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton. It was released on November 18, 2022, one day after the release of the group's previous studio album The Family, through RCA and Question Everything. For its entire rollout, The Family was advertised as the band's final album. A surprise release, TM was announced for release alongside a promo image for The Family, and was billed by the band as a "parting gift for fans".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star (Brockhampton song)</span> 2017 single by Brockhampton

"Star" is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton and the fourth single from their debut studio album Saturation (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Face (song)</span> 2017 single by Brockhampton

"Face" is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton and the lead single from their debut studio album Saturation (2017). The music video premiered on May 6, 2017, before the song was released to streaming services on May 18, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slow Motion (Matt Champion and Jennie song)</span> 2024 song by Matt Champion and Jennie

"Slow Motion" is a song by American rapper Matt Champion and South Korean singer and rapper Jennie. It was released through RCA Records on March 8, 2024, as the third single from the former's debut studio album, Mika's Laundry (2024). A drum and bass song, it was written by both artists alongside Adam Feeney, Dijon, Henry Kwapis, Jacob Reske, and Romil Hemnani, while it was produced by Champion, Kwapis, and Dijon.

<i>Mikas Laundry</i> 2024 studio album by Matt Champion

Mika's Laundry is the debut studio album by rapper and former Brockhampton member Matt Champion, released on March 22, 2024, by RCA Records. The album was preceded by three singles, all with music videos directed by Anna Pollack. It features contributions from Henry Kwapis, Dijon, Dora Jar, Jennie, and multiple of Champion's former bandmates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merlyn Wood</span> Ghanaian-American rapper (born 1996)

William Anku Kraka Mawuli Andoh Wood Jr., known by his stage name Merlyn Wood, is a Ghanaian-American rapper and songwriter. Born in Accra and raised in Texas, Wood is best known for his work as a member of hip-hop collective and boyband Brockhampton, with whom he released eight studio albums from 2014 to 2022. During his time with Brockhampton, Wood was recognized as the groups hype man, with his verses being noted for their energy and Ghanaian accent.

<i>All-American Trash</i> 2016 mixtape by Brockhampton

All-American Trash is the first and only mixtape by American rap collective and boy band Brockhampton. It was self-released on March 30, 2016, and features performances from Brockhampton members Ameer Vann, Merlyn Wood, Kevin Abstract, Rodney Tenor, Joba, Matt Champion, Bearface, and Dom McLennon. The bulk of production was handled by group members Romil Hemnani and Joba, with Tenor, Albert Gordon, Bearface, Jabari Manwa, and McLennon also receiving credits, along with guest producer Jeff Kleinman. Additionally, Ariel Wendt and group member HK perform spoken-word sections.

<i>Technical Difficulties Radio</i> 2020 song series by Brockhampton

Technical Difficulties Radio, also simply referred to as Technical Difficulties, was a series of livestreams and associated free music releases by American rap collective Brockhampton during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Throughout the month of May, tracks were previewed on livestreams and released in sets of two or three each Friday on the groups website. Each set of singles was removed upon the release of the next tracks. The singles were self-released without the involvement of the groups label, RCA Records.

References

  1. ↑ "Brockhampton "Dearly Departed" Lyrics".
  2. ↑ "Get To Know The Members Of Brockhampton, A New Kind Of American Boy Band". The FADER. 2017-05-12. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  3. ↑ Bradley, Brent (2018-02-12). "BROCKHAMPTON 'Saturation' Cheat Code Album Review". DJBooth. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  4. ↑ SATURATION II by BROCKHAMPTON on Apple Music, 2017-08-25, retrieved 2024-03-10
  5. ↑ "BROCKHAMPTON Kick Out Ameer Vann Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations". Pitchfork. 2018-05-27. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  6. ↑ "BROCKHAMPTON's New Album Out in September". Pitchfork. 2018-08-27. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  7. ↑ "Brockhampton Announce New Album 'Ginger' Out In August". Stereogum. 2019-07-18. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  8. ↑ Mier, Tomás (2022-01-14). "Brockhampton Announce 'Indefinite Hiatus' Following Coachella Performance, Cancel Tour". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  9. ↑ "BROCKHAMPTON Drop Final Album The Family: Stream". 2022-11-17. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  10. ↑ Curto, Justin (2022-11-18). "Brockhampton Isn't Quite Ready to Say Good-bye". Vulture. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  11. 1 2 Aniftos, Rania (2024-03-09). "BLACKPINK's Jennie Teams Up With Brockhampton's Matt Champion for 'Slow Motion'". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  12. ↑ Tanners, Jon. "5 On It: A song for the summer, a love song about dying, and excellent rapping". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  13. ↑ Larew, Tim. "Stream Kevin Abstract's Free Album "MTV1987"". Complex. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  14. ↑ Tanners, Jon. "Premiere: Matt Champion ft. Jon Waltz - "BURN"". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  15. ↑ Price, Joe. "Kevin Abstract ft. Matt Champion and Ameer Vann - "NOT ON DOASM 01"". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  16. ↑ Graham. "Kevin Abstract ft. Matt Champion - "NOT ON DOASM 02"". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  17. ↑ ianservantes. "Premiere: Watch Matt Champion's "El Dorado" Video". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  18. ↑ Tanners, Jon. "PREMIERE: Listen to Matt Champion's Beautifully Messy New Single "Punks"". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  19. ↑ Joyce. "Matt Champion Links Up With Kevin Abstract and Michael Christmas for "Salud"". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  20. ↑ Price, Joe. "Brockhampton's Matt Champion Returns With "Mansions"". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  21. ↑ Pigeons. "Best Songs of the Week (Feb 17th, 2017)". Complex. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  22. ↑ Graves, Shahlin (2021-04-07). "Must-listen: The Blossom's debut '97 Blossom' EP". Coup De Main Magazine. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  23. ↑ Graves, Shahlin (2024-02-15). "Matt Champion returns with new solo single 'Aphid' - featuring Dijon". Coup De Main Magazine. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  24. 1 2 Sacher, Andrew. "BROCKHAMPTON's Matt Champion shares new solo single "Slug"". Alternative Press Magazine. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  25. ↑ Chin, Carmen (March 4, 2024). "BLACKPINK's Jennie teases new song with Brockhampton's Matt Champion". NME . Archived from the original on March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  26. ↑ Breihan, Tom (March 8, 2024). "Matt Champion (Brockhampton) & Jennie (Blackpink) – "Slow Motion"". Stereogum . Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  27. ↑ Richards, Will (March 8, 2024). "Brockhampton's Matt Champion announces debut album with collaboration with BLACKPINK's Jennie". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  28. ↑ Interviews, Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews &; ClashMusic (2024-06-20). "Matt Champion Is The Third Face Of CLASH 128 | Magazine". Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews. Retrieved 2024-07-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ↑ Gajewski, Ryan (2024-10-02). "Chace Crawford, Laura Harrier, Suzanna Son to Star in EDM-Focused Thriller 'Strobe' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  30. ↑ Strauss, Matthew (2024-10-18). "Tyler, the Creator Unveils 2024 Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival Lineup". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  31. ↑ https://www.clashmusic.com/news/matt-champion-shares-new-single-faye/
  32. ↑ "Matt Champion Follows Up "Faye" With "Hacker"". Hypebeast. 2024-10-31. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
  33. ↑ "New Music Friday Releases: Primal Scream, Tom Grennan, Perrie and more". Official Charts. 2024-11-08. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  34. ↑ Graves, Shahlin (2024-11-14). "Matt Champion releases 'Slint's Favorite' EP". Coup De Main Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  35. ↑ Brickner-Wood, Brady (January 27, 2023). "The Model Behind the Athleisure Label Friends with Animals". The New York Times . Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  36. ↑ Charuza, Nikita (2021-03-10). "Meet Model Tavia Bonett: She's One to Know Thanks to Her Clothing Line, Friends With Animals". Popsugar. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
  37. ↑ "Circle Download Chart - Week 10, 2024". Circle Chart . March 3–9, 2024. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  38. ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. March 18, 2024. Archived from the original on March 15, 2024. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
  39. ↑ "MATT CHAMPION/JENNIE songs and albums | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
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