Ian

Quavo Teams Up With Ian And Teases Upcoming Collaboration

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Quavo is a prolific artist. He was the first member of Migos to step out and find solo success by working with the likes of Drake and Travis Scott. He even scored a number one single opposite Justin Bieber. The Atlanta rapper does not discriminate when it comes to collaborations. That being said, his latest collab is a bit of a surprise. Quavo posted a photo on Instagram of him working in the studio alongside the latest rap breakout, Ian. A controversial pick, but one that ultimately makes sense.

Quavo posted the photo on his Instagram Stories on May 30. The rapper doesn’t appear in it himself, but it looks as though he’s the one who snapped the image of Ian in the studio. Ian, who was born Ian O’Neill Smith (shocker, we know), can be seen laying down vocals. We even get to see the audio file of whatever song Quavo and Ian are working on in the background. The Migos rapper tagged Ian, suggesting the two are going to be dropping something very soon. Aesthetically, Quavo and Ian are worlds apart. Culturally as well, actually. It’s the style of Ian’s music, however, that’s going to make this potential collaboration interesting.

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Quavo Posted An IG Photo Of Ian Recording A Verse

Ian takes inspiration from trap rap of the 2010s, including Gucci Mane, Chief Keef and yes, Migos. The rapper’s recent album, Valedictorian, has taken the world by storm, for reasons musical and otherwise. Fans have been impressed with Ian’s ability to emulate his musical idols, while critics have criticized him for being a watered-down imitation of people like Keef and Playboi Carti. It’s easy to see both sides. The collab between Quavo and Ian will help to legitimate the latter’s reputation within hip-hop, and may even lead to other high-profile collabs.

Quavo, meanwhile, is hard at work on his upcoming solo album. There hasn’t been any word on a title or a proper release date, but the Migos rapper has been dropping singles. “Himothy” and “Potato Loaded” were buzz singles that failed to generate much attention. Quavo has also teased multiple snippets and collabs with artists like Rich the Kid and Lana Del Rey. He’s also working on piecing together songs for Takeoff’s posthumous album. “I’m gathering a whole bunch of information, gathering a lot of producers, gathering a lot of my friends, a lot of the artists,” Quavo told Vibe in 2023. “And we’re going to make this album one of the craziest albums of all time.”

Read More: Quavo & Rich The Kid Don’t Totally Hit The Mark On “Real One”

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Who Is Ian? The Viral Rapper Behind “Figure It Out”

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In modern music, viral sensations can arise from unexpected sources. The meteoric rise of one artist has captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. As a bona fide viral phenomenon, Ian has risen above the underground scene with his breakout hit “Figure It Out.” Ian’s success lies in a blend of talent, clever marketing, and a keen understanding of social media. However, his journey began with humble beginnings, which showcased his persistence and dedication.

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The Early Days: From Soundcloud Start To Underground Buzz

The artist, known simply as Ian Smith, was born in Dallas, Texas, and got his start as a producer and SoundCloud artist under the moniker “suburbancerberus.” By 2018, he was releasing mixes of other artists’ music, establishing himself as an underground rap artist. It wasn’t until 2019 that Ian began transitioning into a solo artist. That’s when he began producing tracks for up-and-coming rappers like Izaya Tiji and Lil Xelly. This experience helped him develop his unique sound and refine his craft, preparing him for his eventual rise to fame.

The years that followed saw Ian steadily building his discography. He released his debut single, “G63,” in July 2022. Then, his first EP, Only For A While, arrived just a month later. These early releases garnered attention within the underground community. It was, however, the viral success of “Figure It Out” in early 2024 that launched Ian into the mainstream consciousness.

A Viral Sensation: “Figure It Out”

The story behind Ian’s “Figure It Out” is one of sheer luck and savvy marketing. Originally released on the social video platform Triller, Ian’s song quickly caught the attention of TikTok users, who embraced its infectious beat and catchy one-liners. Videos of Ian playing his music in SoHo, New York City, started circulating online as the song gained traction, further igniting the viral frenzy. AMD Visuals directed the accompanying music video for Lyrical Lemonade, which featured former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch.

The line “My big brother like Marshawn Lynch, he’ll run through somebody” quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Ian’s unconventional image – a suburban white guy rapping with a distinct style – only added to his appeal. He challenged preconceived notions, drawing comparisons to artists like Yeat and Playboi Carti. To succeed, he harnessed the power of social media to connect with young music fans.

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Signing With Bu Vision And Releasing Valedictorian

Following the success of “Figure It Out” and its follow-up single, “Grand Slam,” Ian soon attracted the attention of industry heavyweights. Ultimately, Ian signed a joint venture deal with Bu Vision, a subsidiary of Columbia Records. While Valedictorian solidified Ian’s position as one of the hottest new talents in the hip-hop scene, his journey to that point had been years in the making. His early days as a producer and SoundCloud artist laid the foundation for his current success. In the underground community, he developed a distinct artistic identity and built a strong fan base.

Ian’s Unconventional Path To Success

Although the music industry has undergone considerable changes over the past few decades, Ian has managed to forge his own path to success. His ability to harness the power of these new tools has been nothing short of impressive. Critics and industry insiders alike have taken notice. Many have praised Ian’s innovative approach and his ability to connect with a new generation of music fans. In addition to challenging long-held stereotypes, his unconventional image and sound have opened wider possibilities for hip-hop. One thing is for certain: Ian’s viral success may not be a mere fluke as he navigates the ever-changing music industry. A dedicated fan base, industry support, and an ability to craft infectious beats and memorable lyrics have made Ian a force to be reckoned with.

[Via]

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Ian Is Quickly Blowing Up Thanks To His Debut Mixtape “Valedictorian”

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Ian is a new face to the HNHH website, and we feel we are covering him at the appropriate time. The youngster hails from Dallas, Texas and seems to be grab sound cues from some of the more influential figures we have going right now. The two artists we could pick up on include Playboi Carti and Yeat. On his debut mixtape, Valedictorian, ian rides trap beats that like to include some killer synths all while rocking a flow that sounds like the aforementioned artists combined.

Valedictorian was announced in wholesome, yet hilarious fashion, as the rapper invited his grandmother and mother to reveal the exciting news. When you first get a look at ian, he does not present as your typical rapper. He comes across as an extremely privileged kid, especially with his yacht club-inspired attire. But when we listened to this project, we were completely floored in a good way.

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Listen To Valedictorian By Ian

He knows how to create straight bangers with some hilariously blunt similes like on “AirBinB,” for example. “Huh, all that tough talk just not scary to me (Just not scary at all) / That is not your house, that’s an AirBnB, huh.” Ian has been receiving a lot of high-profile co-signs from Metro Boomin, Drake, Cole Bennett, Lil Yachty, and more. May be there is a reason why he has supposedly been shutting down streets in New York City (according to SK POP).

What are your thoughts on this brand-new album Valedictorian by ian? Which songs are you gravitating toward the most right now? Does ian have what it takes to make it in hip-hop after hearing this? Do you think features were needed for this tape, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding ian. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Valedictorian Tracklist:

  1. Holiday Intro with DJ Holiday
  2. Never Stop
  3. Bentayga
  4. AirBnB
  5. Hermes Sheets
  6. Omakase
  7. Chauncey
  8. Judgment
  9. Grand Slam
  10. Figure It Out

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[Via]

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