BLACKSTARKIDS have aspirations that extend well beyond the scope of your average young person. “If you need a friend you can call me. But hurry up don’t stall me, so we can live life like ‘Britney bitch!’ In a lavish house “cuz we’re filthy rich,” is a great statement of purpose for the Kansas City group, composed of friends Ty, Gabe and Deiondre. The lyrics are the opening to their single “Britney Bitch” off of their recently released debut record Whatever, Man. The group signed to notable indie label Dirty Hit Records (which houses acts like The 1975, beabadoobee and Rina Sawayama) this past spring following the release of their mixtape Surf, and have since garnered attention from an expanding fanbase, which includes some of the trio’s favorite artists. After radio appearances with Zane Lowe on Apple Music and gaining cosigns from artists like Arca and CharlieXCX, the group is living out the early stages of their biggest dreams. In analyzing both Whatever, Man and BLACKSTARKIDS themselves, Ty Faizon has offered me his assistance in explaining the groups’ mission and purpose.

Pinpointing BLACKSTARKIDS’ sound is a challenge because of the variety they add throughout each track of their work. 

“Each album we’ll try and blend a bunch of sounds together. We want our albums to all be genre-less because we’re inspired by so much. It’s why some people hate us but it’s also why some people love us. No matter what, that won’t change,” said Ty Faizon.

They shine the brightest when the group takes on a fusion of rap and other genres. A big reason for that is the production they rap over, which is headed by Deiondre. “Frankie Muniz” is a great example of this. The song carries an instrumental that blends an indie rock feel with synths right out of a video game (It should also be noted that Frankie Muniz himself expressed his love for this song on Twitter).

Whatever, Man has several highs, the biggest of which comes towards the end of the album with “Beatrix Kiddo.” The song is angry and filled with rage. Gabe delivers one of the strongest choruses on the album, while Ty and Deiondre both take on independently unique rap verses, sharing similar themes of not fitting in and letting your emotions free. As Ty put it in the song, it is an ode to “the kids who lacked attention in class” and a statement rising up to properly represent them. “Cigarettes” also deserves a mention as a strong rock track.

What is most impressive about BLACKSTARKIDS is their group chemistry. Ty, Gabe and Deiondre all bring different skills to the table that blend seamlessly. 

“Deiondre’s strength I’d say is production. He’s an amazing producer even without our help. Gabe strength is vocals. She’s such an impressive vocalist with a crazy ass range that fits many genres. My strength is writing. I write all my verses and a lot of the hooks,” said Ty Faizon.

 With this grouping of talents, the range that BLACKSTARKIDS are able to achieve is already high on Whatever, Man, but more importantly, shows an even higher potential ceiling as they continue to progress in their careers.

“On one hand it was easy because I was very good friends with Deiondre and Gabe and loved hanging out with them, but on another hand,  it was hard because it was a new style that none of us had tried before. I was only used to making rap music before, so I had to adjust a lot as a writer,” said Ty Faizon.

Overall, Whatever, Man is a great listen and is definitely for anyone looking for a new emerging pop band to enjoy a fresh ride with. With Dirty Hit Records and their amazing label mates to take advantage of, the group is in great hands as they continue to improve. “Being on Dirty Hit is amazing, they take care of us on a personal level. It’s like having extended family” were some of Ty’s reflections on the group’s position. BLACKSTARKIDS definitely serve as a unique young group thinking out of the box while still being relatable to their demographic.