Self-proclaimed ‘American boy band’ BROCKHAMPTON is comprised of young, talented, and unapologetically weird stars who have some of the most unique voices in hip-hop today. Founded in 2015 by 20-year-old rapper and creative visionary Kevin Abstract with a few of his high school friends, this all-star squad now lists 15 talented artists as current members, many of whom Abstract recruited through “KanyeToThe,” a popular Kanye fan forum.
This eclectic group features vocalists/rappers Matt Champion, Ameer Vann, Merlyn Wood, Dom McLennon, Joba, and Bearface, while the rest of the crew consists of producers, engineers, graphic/web designers, and photographers. If you haven’t caught wind of BROCKHAMPTON already, you have a lot of catching up to do. Over the course of a single year, the group has released three full-length albums, a full-length documentary, an episode on Viceland, and a treasure trove of entertaining music videos on YouTube. They show no signs of slowing down.
With expectations already sky-high for the group, BROCKHAMPTON released their third and final installment of the saturation trilogy, “Saturation III,” on Dec. 15. And yes, the album lives up to the hype. The project provides more of the same in terms of what fans have come to love and expect while also bringing a whole new level of unbridled energy, musical experimentation, and emotional vulnerability, making this the group’s most satisfying and complete work to date.
The energy BROCKHAMPTON maintains on “Saturation III” is undeniably infectious. From the very first track, titled “BOOGIE,” it is clear the group is here to bring the heat. The upbeat tempo features a funky sax sample and is guaranteed to get casual listeners’ heads nodding and crowds moshing. The vocalists in the group maneuver seamlessly over the beat, constantly trading bars and feeding off one another’s energy in a cypher-like fashion.
While the group’s dynamic is never sacrificed to satisfy egos, the individual artists are also given the freedom to explore their own unique identities and styles. Abstract has mastered the art of searing catchy hooks and hilariously witty bars into listeners’ brains, exemplified on the track “JOHNNY” when he raps, “I could’ve got a job at McDonald’s, but I like curly fries / That’s a metaphor for my life, and I like taller guys.” While Vann remains the most developed rapper of the bunch, McLennon and Champion are not far behind in terms of technical and lyrical abilities. Meanwhile, Wood and Joba remain the group’s highly entertaining wild cards. All the artists have stepped up to the plate on this project and provide some of their most memorable and intimate performances.
The group also takes risks on this project through their implementation of unique beats that draw from a variety of genres. The track “SISTER/NATION,” produced by Romil Hemnani, is a great example of this. The heavy, aggressive synth line seems straight out of a warehouse rave and is accompanied by hard-hitting drums and heavy electronic feedback. Champion perfectly matches the ‘f-you’ attitude of the beat, rapping, “I could always call your bluff / You already said enough / Take a risk, b*tch / Still sittin’ on your a**, waitin’ for a handout.” As the beat reaches its climax, the song then dramatically transitions into a smooth R&B, laidback vibe that is reminiscent of Frank Ocean’s track “Nights.” These quick transitions and beat switch-ups have become a staple of the BROCKHAMPTON sound and are infused effectively on “Saturation III.”
The group is also able to achieve a new level of emotional vulnerability on this project, as they air out their deepest insecurities over beats. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the gorgeous track “BLEACH.” The hook is beautifully crooned by guest singer Ryan Beatty, while Vann stands out with his emotionally transparent lines, rapping, “I found false hope in all kinda places / Hotel rooms and temporary feelings … Don’t let God see me, I got a lot of demons / And I been sleeping with ’em / And now I’m tangled in the sheets and sinking deeper with ’em.” This dreamy, introspective track is a standout on the album, and the emotional honesty put forward by the group is a key reason for their acquired popularity and cult following online.
Although this album marks the end of the saturation trilogy, BROCKHAMPTON remains far from finished. They have recently performed at Camp Flog Gnaw and are now currently selling out shows across the country on their “Love Your Parents Tour.” They are also scheduled to perform at Coachella this spring and have announced that their next album, “Team Effort,” is already in the works. For a group so well-versed in exceeding all expectations, one can only imagine what BROCKHAMPTON will bring to 2018.