Blxst: The Soulful Voice of West Coast Hip-Hop & R&B

Blxst is a Los Angeles-based singer, rapper, and record producer who has become a defining voice for the modern West Coast sound. His seamless fusion of melodic hip-hop and smooth R&B has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, marked by a series of high-profile collaborations and a certified gold single.

Early career

Born Matthew Dean in 1992, Blxst grew up in South Central Los Angeles, immersed in the city's rich musical heritage. He began his career primarily behind the boards, honing his production skills and founding his own independent label, Evgle, in 2015, which gave him full creative control from the outset.

His early releases, including the 2016 EP Sideways, showcased his dual talent for rapping and singing. This groundwork established his signature style—a blend of G-funk nostalgia and contemporary trap soul—setting the stage for his rapid ascent.

Breakthrough

Blxst's major breakthrough arrived in 2020 with the release of his EP No Love Lost. The project was a self-produced, self-released endeavor that resonated widely, debuting at number 16 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Its success solidified his status as a formidable independent artist and a new force in the scene.

The lead single, Chosen (feat. Ty Dolla $ign and Tyga), became a runaway hit, achieving RIAA Platinum certification and peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. This triumph led to a major-label partnership, as he inked a joint venture between his Evgle imprint and Red Bull Records.

Key tracks

Chosen — This platinum-certified collaboration was his commercial breakout, dominating airwaves and proving his hit-making prowess.

Overrated — A standout from No Love Lost, this track exemplifies his smooth, introspective songwriting and production style.

Sometimes — This fan-favorite duet with fellow Los Angeles artist Zacari highlights his versatility and chemistry with peers.

About You (with Bino Rideaux) — A key track from the collaborative project Sixtape 2, it helped cement his reputation within the West Coast renaissance.

Fake Love In LA — A single from his 2022 debut album, it showcases a more mature, narrative-driven approach to his music.

Following his breakthrough, Blxst released his proper debut studio album, Before You Go, in 2022. The project featured heavy-hitting collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, and Larry June, demonstrating his elevated standing in the industry. His consistent output includes the 2023 collaborative EP Sixtape 3 with Bino Rideaux, further solidifying his core sound while continuing to expand his audience.

Artists exploring a similar blend of melodic rap and contemporary R&B include Kendrick Lamar for his conceptual West Coast storytelling. SiR shares a soulful, TDE-affiliated approach to modern R&B. Ty Dolla $ign is a frequent collaborator and pioneer of the Los Angeles melodic rap style. Bino Rideaux is his direct partner in crafting the gritty yet smooth Sixtape series.

Blxst's music is a staple on modern hip-hop and R&B radio stations, particularly across the West Coast. His tracks, from the anthemic Chosen to his more recent releases, receive heavy rotation on urban contemporary FM stations and online radio streams dedicated to the latest in soulful rap.

Listeners can discover the authentic sound of Blxst on radio stations featured here, where his blend of West Coast hip-hop and R&B is regularly broadcast. Tune in via onairium.com to hear his catalog, from early independent releases to his major-label debut, across a variety of curated music stations.