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

Matthew Tyler Musto, known professionally as blackbear, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His career breakthrough arrived with the multi-platinum single "hot girl bummer," cementing his status as a prolific force in the pop, hip-hop, and alternative R&B landscape.

Early career

Born in 1990, blackbear began his musical journey in Florida, initially gaining traction as a songwriter and producer for other artists. His early independent releases, like the 2011 mixtape "Brightness," showcased his blend of melodic singing and rap, leading to a publishing deal and collaborations that honed his craft behind the scenes.

Breakthrough

blackbear's solo artist profile surged in 2015 with the release of his debut studio album "Deadroses" and the viral hit "do re mi," which later achieved platinum certification. This success was solidified by his major-label EP "digital druglord" in 2017 under Beartrap Records and his partnership with Interscope Records, establishing his signature emotive and often self-deprecating style.

Key tracks

do re mi — This breakout track became a streaming phenomenon and his first major certified record, defining his early sound.

hot girl bummer — The 2019 anthem reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved multi-platinum status, becoming his biggest commercial hit.

idfc — A defining track from "Deadroses," it remains a fan favorite for its raw portrayal of emotional detachment.

anxiety — Featuring FRND, this song exemplifies his candid approach to discussing mental health over catchy production.

Continued Evolution and Collaborations

Following his breakthrough, blackbear maintained a relentless output, releasing albums like "everything means nothing" (2020) and "in loving memory" (2022). He is also a founding member of the collective and label Beartrap, alongside artists like MOD SUN. His extensive collaboration list includes work with Machine Gun Kelly, Justin Bieber, and Maroon 5, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and featured artist across genres.

Artists with a similar blend of melodic hip-hop, emo influences, and candid lyricism include Machine Gun Kelly who frequently collaborates with blackbear and shares a genre-fluid approach. MOD SUN is a direct collaborator and labelmate under the Beartrap umbrella, exploring similar pop-punk and hip-hop fusion. Jeris Johnson modernizes rock and hip-hop with a comparable viral, DIY energy. The Kid LAROI also masters the blend of heartfelt singing and rap, appealing to a similar cross-genre audience.

The music of blackbear is a staple on modern alternative and pop radio stations featured on this website. His hits receive consistent airplay on top 40 pop stations, alternative rock radio stations focusing on new genres, and dedicated online radio streams that champion genre-blending artists.

Listeners can discover the extensive catalog of blackbear, from early mixtapes to chart-topping singles, on the variety of radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear his influential tracks and latest releases across our curated network of music channels.