BLACKSTARKIDS

Hailing from the Midwest, Blackstarkids comprise a trio skilled at merging early-2000s pop nostalgia with an exuberant, boundary-pushing blend of hip-hop, 1980s synth pop, indie rock, and punk-pop. The Kansas City, Missouri-based outfit—made up of the charismatic Ty, the Babe Gabe, and Deiondre—launched its recording career in 2019 via the album Let's Play Sports. Inspired by the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Weezer, MGMT, and Missy Elliott, the project came out on Dirty Hit and swiftly drew listeners. Surf and Whatever, Man appeared the following year and supplied buoyant singles such as "Too Depressed 4 Sex," "Frankie Muniz," and "Love, Stargirl," tracks that felt simultaneously disorienting and crammed with catchy melodies. Mental health and social themes surfaced throughout the broad 2021 set Puppies Forever, which contained the streaming standouts "Juno" and "All Cops Are Bastards." Cyberkiss* arrived in 2022 and spotlighted the Beabadoobee-assisted cut "Cyberkiss 2 U*."