Contrary to popular belief, Matt Champion isn’t actually a husky OR a wolf. Here’s everything you need to know about Brockhampton’s (not-so) low-key heart throb.
Who is Matt Champion?
Name: Matthew Champion
Birthday: February 14, 1995
Sign: Aquarius
Matt Champion is a vocalist for “the best boyband since One Direction of All Time”, BROCKHAMPTON. He’s the most enigmatic member of the bunch, and he’s one of the most versatile vocalists in the industry today.
If you’ve seen any of Brockhampton’s interviews, you know that the group has plenty of unconventional personalities. But somehow Matt Champion manages to stand out from the rest.
Matt brings an infectious level of self-confidence and swagger to Brockhampton’s music and live shows. He may look like he fits the conventional boy band stereotype but he does everything he can to stay out of the spotlight, preferring to let his music do the talking. In a group of self-labeled misfits, oddballs, and outcasts, Matt Champion seems like he might have been on homecoming court. But it isn’t wise to try to put Matt, or his music, into a box – even if he’s literally wearing a box.
Matt Champion on “BOYS”:
“Lowkey I’m a heartthrob and I ain’t drop an album yet
I’m something like a poster, sitting on your girl’s wall
And something about my face make her take her clothes off
Y’all say y’all got bitches but y’all bitches make my dick soft
Why y’all always mad cause I’m feeling myself?
What the fuck you mean, I can’t feel myself?
Old girl suburban, but now I’m on to new things
Ego like celebrity, but real like a dope fiend
Tanning out in Hollywood, got Chantel’s on my coattails
From motels to hotels, I’m good, bitch I’m good
From hotels to motels, I’m good, bitch I’m good”
Texas Origins
Matthew “Matt” Champion was born and raised in The Woodlands, Texas, a suburb on the outskirts of Houston. Matt attended Tough Elementary (no joke that’s actually the school’s name) and went to high school at The Woodlands High School, where he was selected as a ‘Highlighted Highlander’ his senior year. Also in attendance at Matt’s high school was Kevin Abstract, Merlyn Wood, Ameer Vann, and Russell “JOBA” Boring – although JOBA was a year older and grade ahead at the time.
i dropped out of college moved from texas to la it takes awhile to figure yourself out, I haven’t even. y’all got a lot time to be great
— matt champion (@himattchampion) August 22, 2017
Matt Champion’s Career Pre-Brockhampton
Matt Champion first started making music by himself in high school before starting to collaborate increasingly with JOBA, Kevin, Romil, and others in the lead-up to Brockhampton’s formation. Prior to collaborating with his fellow Texans that would become the eventual core of the group, Matt created and released two songs on his SoundCloud in 2015: “Burn” and “You’re Too Cool For Me”.
With his sights set on becoming a musical artist from an early age, Matt was one of the first to heed Kevin Abstract’s vision for the group. In fact, Matt was the only member of Brockhampton who went on tour with Kevin Abstract for Abstract’s MTV1987 album, along with graphic designer HK.
Matt and I made so many shit songs back in the day. So much til one day we made one that still sucks looking back, but I cared enough to want it to sound good. I’ll never forget when I learned what an equalizer did. We were both so fucking stoked! Never stopped.
— JOBA (@JOBAISREAL) January 23, 2018
What is Matt’s role in Brockhampton?
Matt Champion might be the most low-key personality of all Brockhampton’s vocalists, but what he lacks in presence he more than makes up for with confidence and authenticity.
Among many things, Matt Champion is known for his willingness to take on misogyny and rape culture in his music. On Matt’s standout verse on “JUNKY” from Saturation II, he exposes and eviscerates perpetrators of sexual assault in a way that very few hip hop artists are willing to do.
Matt Champion on “JUNKY”:
“I hate these shady folk that want a ladylike
But don’t treat lady right, but they be sayin’ like “just the tip”
And, yeah, you mad ’cause she ain’t fuck, mad ’cause she ain’t suck
Beat your ass before you got time to say “why not?”
Here to catch ya slip up, wish you could just rewind
Time to not fuck up, thought you were just lucked up
Where the respect? Is your ass human?
I look you in your eyes, say “fuck you, are you fuckin’ stupid?”
Respect my mother, ‘spect my sister, ‘spect these women, boy”
Matt Champion is the perfect microcosm of Brockhampton’s self-imposed label of the “All American Boyband” and the concept it encompasses. In a group of artists that don’t fit the conventional definition of a boy band, Matt Champion is the only character that seems to fit the traditional mould – from afar. But he also bucks the convention – he chain smokes cigarettes, dresses like an everyday guy, and doesn’t seem to care what anyone thinks of it. The fandom for Matt Champion individually is the closest any member of Brockhampton gets to the infamously insane “boy band fan girls”. Despite the craze, Matt is the only vocalist to have never given an individual interview and seems to actively avoid the spotlight.
“[Brockhampton] gives me something that’s really rare in life — a large group of people with a similar mindset and similar goal that understand you. It’s almost like a family setting inside of a really intense workplace. Having that with 15 people is very rare for me and I’m very blessed to have that. We all wanna push each other to make exactly what we see inside our heads. We all want to push success with each other. In music, there’s no end goal, ‘cause we’re just always gonna be working on something else. I first started making music by myself, then I met Kevin, Merlyn and Ameer in high school. I found out they made music. One summer, I started hanging out with them and we did some shows together. Then, I ended up really becoming friends with them and making music with them, that was way back.” – Matt Champion with Fader
Matt Champion in Brockhampton’s Music
Blunt but playful. Straightforward but smooth. Matt Champion’s vocals are as versatile as they are memorable. His unique talent in taking complex concepts/ideas and making them simple enough to sing along with has produced some of Brockhampton’s catchiest musical moments.
Matt Champion brings an authentic West Coast rap sound to Brockhampton’s music, which provides a pleasing contrast to the East Coast approach of other members like Dom McLennon, Ameer Vann, and Kevin Abstract. His ad libs are the best of the bunch, making him a top pick for hooks, pre-hooks, intros, and outros alongside Kevin Abstract. But Matt’s contributions don’t end there – he also has increasingly showcased his talents as a singer through Brockhampton’s musical development.
Excellent Hooks by Matt Champion:
Pre-Saturation Era
After issuing his first two songs as a solo artist, Matt joined up with Brockhampton in their early stages and proceeded to release a series of quality singles. The singles ultimately led up to an album that he released in March of 2017 that has since been removed from most official online streaming platforms. Standout songs included “Fangs” and “Mansions”.
Matt’s work before the Saturation Era featured the young vocalist showing off his vocal chords more than his bars – something he would revert from until the final album in the series, Saturation III.
Matt Champion in the Saturation Trilogy
Although Matt had many of the most memorable lines on both Saturation I and Saturation II, he seemed to be trying to find consistent footing as a vocalist and rapper. Then Saturation III happened.
Matt Champion was by far the most improved rapper and vocalist on Saturation III, earning more verses than any other member on the final cut of the album. Matt Champion clearly pushed himself as an artist and went outside of his comfort zone on some songs and it worked out well for him. His performances on “ZIPPER”, “ALASKA”, “BLEACH”, “SISTER”, “RENTAL” ended up as some of the most impressive moments in the entire trilogy.
Musical Influences
As a group, Brockhampton pulls from a wide array of influences. Matt Champion has never given a legitimate individual interview, but it’s possible to ascertain some insight on his specific musical influences and inspirations from his music and social media. From these sources it’s clear that Matt’s influences include:
- Frank Ocean
- Mac Miller
- Tyler, the Creator
- Kanye West
- A$AP Rocky
- Childish Gambino
- Gucci Mane
- Rick James
ppl like oddfuture, wu tang, g-unit, ASAP, d12, kanye, & others paved the way for us. i don’t know where id be w/o that inspiration, thank u
— matt champion (@himattchampion) August 25, 2017
nothin hit me harder then ‘i came to visit cause you see me like a UFO’ come on
— matt champion (@himattchampion) September 18, 2017
thank u i just pissed myself https://t.co/jKwU2ohdjb
— matt champion (@himattchampion) December 15, 2017
Matt Champion’s Best Lyrics
“BLEACH”
“Phone ringing, never outgoing, homebody
Never outgoing, put my doubts on when these walls up
Tearing at the black tie, finish adding notches to my belt loop
They say help you, I can’t help you
Why I can’t speak out? Is wide out, wide out
Keep it deep inside my mind, it’s off kilter, off kilter
I turn memory to fantasy, for that better pleasure, fuck
Time machine gon’ make it better, maybe better for ya
I can’t make this up, I can’t take it back
Feel like a monster, feel like a dead head zombie
Feelings you don’t want me, I ain’t giving up, you should set if off
Tell me “time’s up”, let the water run, let my body run”
“JUNKY”
“Ain’t no burden, ain’t no sermon, ain’t no motherfuckin’ plaque
I hate these hospitals and police and the smell of death, all that
I hate these shady folk that want a ladylike
But don’t treat lady right, but they be sayin’ like “just the tip”
And, yeah, you mad ’cause she ain’t fuck, mad ’cause she ain’t suck
Beat your ass before you got time to say “why not?”
Here to catch ya slip up, wish you could just rewind
Time to not fuck up, thought you were just lucked up
Where the respect? Is your ass human?
I look you in your eyes, say “fuck you, are you fuckin’ stupid?”
Respect my mother, ‘spect my sister, ‘spect these women, boy
I get my 9-9, I don’t own one, hit the store to blow your brains off
Better hope my aim off, better hope the range off
Better hope my tame off before I blow your brains off, boy”
“SWEET”
“Stripped down to my skin and my bones
I love huskies but I feel like a wolf (howw!)
In a pack but I feel all alone
I’m scatterbrained man, better offer the clone
In Tejas apartments with racists doin’ weird shit
Like, this’ll make the biopic (haha)
Rile ’em up, hit Zaxby’s, get the wing and tings (yum)
Real quick bills still stacking to the ceiling (uh-oh)
Whatchu mean, it ain’t working? (what?)
Whatchu mean, you ain’t finding yourself? (oh, I am, I’m trying)
Whatchu mean, you ain’t got no cash? (I got a little bit)
Whatchu mean? Whatchu mean?
Shouldn’t your pockets be big just like a fat chick? (uh-huh)
Shouldn’t your mama be done paying the house off? (I guess)
Shouldn’t you have a real big-ass ego? (no)
Shouldn’t these girls be flockin’ just like seagulls? (eh)”
“STUPID”
“Carnival, my heart like a Supreme phantom
Goin’ hundred speed, blowin’ steam, I throw a tantrum
Judging by my face, my eyes slit like a python
I think she might hate me for a lifetime, ay, ay
Daddy cracking red drum, you pay for the pipeline
Goin’ out the weather, leave my name, I’m goin’ offline
I just want my shit to fit, tailored just like Tiffany
Oh, they say I’m perfect, on my back, oh, man, they killin’ me”
“SISTER/NATION”
“I see you peekin’ through bushes
And tryna get secret ingredients from us
I know that you do it ’cause you see us boomin’
Like C4 when you hit that detonator
Lucky-lucky on the elevator
Eat my dust, baby, I’ll see ya later
I could always call your bluff
You already said enough
Take a risk, bitch
Still sittin’ on your ass, waitin’ for a handout
Giving nothin’, put your hands down
“Ooh, yeah, this for the culture!”
“Ooh, yeah, this important!”
Fuck off with that slang shit
Fuck off with that networking
Keep ya mouth where the money at”
“BOYS”
“Lowkey I’m a heartthrob and I ain’t drop an album yet
I’m something like a poster, sitting on your girl’s wall
And something about my face make her take her clothes off
Y’all say y’all got bitches but y’all bitches make my dick soft
Why y’all always mad cause I’m feeling myself?
What the fuck you mean, I can’t feel myself?
Old girl suburban, but now I’m on to new things
Ego like celebrity, but real like a dope fiend
Tanning out in Hollywood, got Chantel’s on my coattails
From motels to hotels, I’m good, bitch I’m good
From hotels to motels, I’m good, bitch I’m good”
“STAINS”
“Now them boys hooked on heroin
Parents always asking like, “Where y’all get it from?”
Rehab poppin’ like when Amy had the single out
Single out the reasons how I quit before I fell down
I used to pick Ameer up
Talk about what’s got us fucked up
We vent ’til the sun up, ay
Hopefully get our funds up, ay
And if I didn’t know y’all
Maybe I would have a desk job
Ticking ’til I off myself…
Used to drive around for some hours (oh, ohhh)
Used to get paid by the hour (oh, ohhh)
Now I’m just pickin up my check (oh, ohhh)
Now I’m just pickin up a sweat (yeah)
Used to drive around for some hours (oh, ohhh)
Circle round the block for some hours (oh, ohhh)
Now I’m just pickin up my check (oh, ohhh)
Now I’m just pickin up a sweat (yeah)”
“CHICK”
“I got this shitty moustache, and a new haircut
Short but tall enough to ride every ride so it’s fair enough
Teeth crooked but my breath fresh just like the evergreens
My attitude is bit like, a psys- fuck!
You mean a psychopath
I bet the marble feel good on your bare foot
I’m in the backyard hiding out like I’m Bigfoot
And I won’t cater to you
Yeah I am not Carrabba’s, and I ain’t taking orders
Here for the loot, and to inspire some of you
To do what you do despite all the “fuck you’s”
Cause they shit on your shit, stab you right in the back
‘Til you’re shittin’ on the toilet with Grammys in your lap”
“PALACE”
“Hold me down, I know I’ve lost control
Picking up all of my dirty bones
Oh I know there’s something wrong
Freak me out when you come round
[Hook]
I feel like fucking on the west side our parents are all gone
And these strangers are coming out about twice as strong
I know you say I miss it but come on baby please
Just know you come off strong, your soul is getting lost”
Potential for Solo Career
After the substantial growth Matt Champion underwent throughout Brockhampton’s Saturation series, it’s hard to count him out of any career prospects after the group’s dissolution. Although he doesn’t have the technical background of Bearface or JOBA, Matt’s growth has been impressive thus far. Expanding both his variety as a vocalist and talent as a rapper, Matt quickly became the standout performer of the group on Saturation III. His early work, while not world-shattering, is more than enough to show promise as a solo artist. Songs like as “Fangs” and “Mansions” show another side to Champion’s music that is strongly reminiscent of Childish Gambino and Frank Ocean. Regardless of what happens to the group in the long run, Matt Champion will surely continue to create music in his own way that offers a strikingly emotional alternative to the classic Brockhampton sound.
— matt champion (@himattchampion) December 20, 2016
Matt Champion’s Best Twitter Moments
here on the toilet time for questions go pic.twitter.com/LsYf014Jsp
— matt champion (@himattchampion) August 21, 2017
what the hell pic.twitter.com/xN9xzlifp9
— matt champion (@himattchampion) October 25, 2017
ill always be late pic.twitter.com/de5aeUmWQG
— matt champion (@himattchampion) November 18, 2017
hiding shoes in hollywood in fifteen minutes
— matt champion (@himattchampion) December 3, 2017
just found this lil guy on the floor, new orleans tonight!! pic.twitter.com/0gFxKcdoYM
— matt champion (@himattchampion) January 23, 2018
3 MINUTES TILL GUMMY pic.twitter.com/fJwB9rVK1Z
— matt champion (@himattchampion) August 2, 2017
y’all think I look dirty.. ha I smell like golden citrus pic.twitter.com/8TqMZAQoBy
— matt champion (@himattchampion) June 16, 2017
Matt Champion Media Gallery
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