Blackbear: The Genre-Blending Voice of Modern Pop & Hip-Hop

Blackbear is the stage name of American singer, songwriter, and record producer Matthew Tyler Musto, an artist who has carved a distinct niche at the intersection of melodic hip-hop, emo-tinged pop, and R&B. Hailing from Daytona Beach, Florida, he achieved mainstream success with his 2019 double-platinum single "hot girl bummer," which became a streaming juggernaut and charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

Early career

Born in 1990, Musto began his musical journey in the punk and pop-rock scene, fronting the band Polaroid before transitioning to production and songwriting. His early foray into the industry included a deal with a major label that didn't pan out, leading him to independently release mixtapes like "Sex The Mixtape" and build a dedicated online following through platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube.

Breakthrough

Blackbear's career trajectory shifted significantly through high-profile collaborations and his 2015 major-label debut album, Deadroses, released on Beartrap Records. His true commercial breakthrough, however, arrived with the 2017 album digital druglord, which debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and featured the platinum-certified hit "do re mi," solidifying his status in the alt-pop landscape.

Key tracks

hot girl bummer — This 2019 anthem became his biggest hit to date, earning double-platinum certification and defining his signature blend of catchy hooks and candid, often self-deprecating lyrics.

do re mi — A platinum-selling single from digital druglord, this track showcased his knack for minimalist, moody production and relatable themes of post-breakup indulgence.

idfc — An earlier fan favorite from the Deadroses album, this song's raw emotional delivery became a streaming staple and cemented his connection with a growing audience.

chateau — This track from the 2018 album cybersex highlights his collaborative spirit and smooth vocal style, featuring guest appearances from fellow artists.

Following his breakthrough, Blackbear has maintained a prolific output, releasing albums like everything means nothing in 2020, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Alternative Albums chart. His talents as a songwriter for others are also notable, having co-written hits for artists like Justin Bieber and Machine Gun Kelly, the latter for whom he co-wrote and featured on the platinum track "my ex's best friend." He continues to evolve his sound, exploring more rock-influenced directions on projects like 2022's in loving memory. Fans of Blackbear's emotive, genre-fluid style might also enjoy Machine Gun Kelly for his similar pivot to pop-punk and hip-hop fusion. MOD Sun shares a collaborative history and a thematic focus on mental health and modern relationships. The melodic rap and introspective lyrics of Jeremy Zucker also resonate with Blackbear's audience, while The Neighbourhood offers a comparable atmospheric blend of alternative rock and R&B.

Blackbear's catalog of moody anthems and pop hits receives regular airplay across a network of modern alternative and pop radio stations featured on this website. His music is a staple on stations dedicated to contemporary hit radio with an edge, as well as online streams focused on the latest in genre-blending pop and hip-hop.

Listeners can discover the full spectrum of Blackbear's music, from his early SoundCloud roots to his chart-topping hits, on the variety of radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear his influential sound shaping the landscape of modern pop and alternative music.