Blxst

Los Angeles-based producer and songwriter Blxst seamlessly blends rap and R&B, switching between harder rhyming and more melodic singing over smooth, intricate backing tracks. He became known for his emotive, relationship-themed songs such as 2019's "Hurt," as well as collaborations with artists like Bino Rideaux and Mozzy. A deal with Red Bull Records in 2020 yielded the popular EP No Love Lost.

Matthew Burdette began rapping and producing shortly after he finished high school, heavily influenced by Ryan Leslie as well as Pharrell Williams and Kanye West. His first song as Blxst, "Who Would've Thought," appeared in 2016, and he became more productive in 2018, with six singles appearing on his own Evgle label that year, including "Can I," a collaboration with Eric Bellinger. In 2019, he released the single "Hurt," which became his breakout solo hit, racking up millions of streams. He also produced Kalan.FrFr's "Right Wit It," which caught the attention of Bino Rideaux. The two got in touch, and Blxst sent Rideaux several beats, which he used on his mixtape Sorry for tha Wait. The duo then collaborated on the EP Sixtape and performed several sold-out shows throughout the West Coast. After signing with Red Bull Records, Blxst released the EP No Love Lost in 2020, as well as singles such as "My Emotions" and "Slip & Slide" (featuring 1TakeJay), in addition to tracks with Mozzy and MBNel. The next year brought the two-track single Just for Clarity, which featured collaborations with Drakeo the Ruler and the Russ, and another EP with Bino Rideaux, Sixtape 2. ~ Paul Simpson