Blackstarkids are a Midwest trio with a knack for pairing early-aughts pop nostalgia with an ebullient and experimental mix of hip-hop, '80s synth pop, indie rock, and punk-pop. Based out of Kansas City, Missouri, and consisting of the charismatic Ty, the Babe Gabe, and Deiondre, the band started releasing material in 2019, beginning with Let's Play Sports. Drawing inspiration from artists like Tyler, The Creator, Weezer, MGMT, and Missy Elliott, the LP was released via Dirty Hit and quickly found an audience. 2020's Surf and Whatever, Man followed suit, delivering effervescent singles like "Too Depressed 4 Sex," "Frankie Muniz," and "Love, Stargirl" that were as confounding as they were filthy with hooks. The trio explored mental health and social issues on 2021's wide-ranging Puppies Forever, which included the streaming hits "Juno" and "All Cops Are Bastards." 2022 saw the release of Cyberkiss*, which included the Beabadoobee-assisted single "Cyberkiss 2 U*." ~ James Christopher Monger