Top 10 Brockhampton Songs

 
It’s not summer without a song of pure, unadulterated longing, and Brockhampton delivers just that with the sweltering slow jam “SUMMER.” Although only one of the numerous band members, bearface, is featured here on vocals,  this track captures the muggy sensuality of summertime lust and closes the band’s second record, “Saturation II,” on a sky-high note . Its title can also be seen as a reference to Summer LaBeouf, a recurring character in music videos for Kevin Abstract’s “American Boyfriend” album who eventually commits suicide. 
 
 




 
Premiering their latest single “Tonya” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” marked a change in direction for Brockhampton. Not only was it the group’s late night TV debut, but it was also their first performance without Ameer Vann, a former member removed from the band after allegations of sexual misconduct. Named after the award-winning film “I, Tonya,” this preview from their new album signals a shift into much more emotional territory, touching on themes of failing relationships, self-doubt and struggles coping with the pressure of living in the limelight.
 
 

 
  “SWAMP” is a spaced-out track that confirms Brockhampton’s aims to be a rap group who go about altering the fabric of the industry from the margins. The boy band is composed of those who were once outcasts, either based on sexual orientation, race, class, or inner turmoil. The thing is, they have no problem outlining these insecurities while also making money and amassing fans… and haters. But do they care who’s talking down on them? Not one bit. With a video that features visuals inspired by Spike Jonze and 90s Nickelodeon, “SWAMP” exudes youthful energy and showcases the group’s total confidence in where they’re heading. 


 



 
While this track’s title could be a reference to sexual orientation because Kevin Abstract openly identifies as a gay man, lest we forget that ‘queer’ can also refer to anything that is considered weird or different. In this hard-hitting and melodic track, the different verses see Brockhampton members embracing what makes them off-kilter. Merlyn lashes out at designer brands, Matt opens up about depression, and the chorus, sung by Kevin alongside his friend Ryan Beatty, is an admittance that they don’t care whatsoever. As long as Waco, Kevin’s Texas hometown, is far away, then who cares what people think of who he has become now?
 
 
 
 

 
One reason Brockhampton is considered so revolutionary is the way they upend stereotypes and deal with taboos in the hip hop community. This eruptive track opens with a bang, where Abstract calls out the rap industry’s homophobia and conveys that he doesn’t treat the subject lightly: it’s an issue worth confronting and he won’t maintain decorum while doing so.
The track proceeds to swerve into the next verses, where the group lays bare their inner demons via rants about drug abuse, the uselessness of education, suicidal thoughts and outrage at men who disrespect women. Even though it has some heavy content, ultimately “JUNKY” is a triumphant F-you to the oppressors of the world.



 
 

 
  “GUMMY” is another track that wears a rebellious mantra on its sleeve for being a prototypical rap song. The track is all about throwing material possessions by the wayside and finding comfort in your friends, an ethos that is likely one reason Brockhampton has blown up in such a big way.  “Cash don’t last, my friends will ride with me,” Kevin spits in a voice that was distorted to sound like M.I.A. The group has acknowledged that thirsting after money and material goods won’t get them to the top, so they disguise this message in a complete rap banger.
 
 


 
 

 
First unveiled as the opening for the short film “Billy Star,” “BLEACH” tunnels deep into each Brockhampton member’s psyche while they grapple with their introspection. It’s a moody release about needing to stay inside and hide yourself from the world, anchored by a confessional Ryan Beatty chorus where he croons: Fittingly enough, the video features Kevin Abstract as Helmet Boy cycling through the suburbs alone, symbolizing his isolation. The helmet masks his face and his emotions while the song cathartically opens up about them.
 



 
When the Brockhampton boys burst out smeared in blue paint for a live performance of “BOOGIE” on MTV’s TRL, it confirmed that rap group had, against all odds, broken onto the scene for good. With a high-energy beat that blends a series of frantic alarm sounds and Wii theme music, Kevin Abstract repeats: “I’ve been beat up my whole life, I’ve been shot down kicked out twice,” turning this song into a celebratory anthem about having made it huge and going platinum. It’s one of their wildest tracks, featuring a fire verse from Joba as well as the classic declaration: “Best boy band since One Direction.” 

 
 
 

 
 
With “SWEET,” Brockhampton spits bars about their origin story and the struggles they faced throughout the come-up. Matt Champion asks rhetorical questions referencing his underprivileged upbringing, which is a throughline for many of the other members, who moved to Hollywood uncertain about whether their musical careers would ever take off at all. The song has a laid-back rhythm but it deals with subject matter that’s not as saccharine. Detractors of the group are getting them mixed up, but, to echo a prior sentiment from “GUMMY,” having your boys by your side through thick and thin is worth more than all the ice in the world… and hey, what’s wrong with having both?
 


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
 
 
“STAR” (2017)  
SATURATION    
 
 
 

“SISTER/NATION” (2017)  
SATURATION III
 
 
 

“FACE”  (2017)   
SATURATION
 
  
 
  




On their debut album, Brockhampton turned the saturation levels all the way up with this retro 1990s aesthetic that also signalled a very new and vibrant presence in the rap game. On the surface, a track like “Gold” may seem like it’s wholly concerned with excess, but that’s just a front. What lurks beneath is pure, uncut substance, and it’s a top-notch showcase of what each member of Brockhampton is capable of when it comes to lyrical prowess and delivery. It’s also a demand to treat them with the utmost respect, because even at this starting line, it’s clear they’re going to be around for a long time coming.