Brockhampton's Kevin Abstract and Rick Rubin Have an Epic Conversation | GQ

Founding Brockhampton member Kevin Abstract and music legend Rick Rubin got together to have an entirely epic conversation. The two have a wide-ranging conversation, covering everything from mental health to Brockhampton's newest album.
Check out the new SUGAR remix featuring Dua Lipa: brckhmptn.com/
Still haven’t subscribed to GQ on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/2iij5wt
Subscribe to GQ magazine and get rare swag: bit.ly/2xNBH3i
ABOUT GQ
For more than 50 years, GQ has been the premier men’s magazine, providing definitive coverage of style, culture, politics and more. In that tradition, GQ’s video channel covers every part of a man’s life, from entertainment and sports to fashion and grooming advice. So join celebrities from 2 Chainz, Stephen Curry and Channing Tatum to Amy Schumer, Kendall Jenner and Kate Upton for a look at the best in pop culture. Welcome to the modern man’s guide to style advice, dating tips, celebrity videos, music, sports and more.
/ gqvideos
Brockhampton's Kevin Abstract and Rick Rubin Have an Epic Conversation | GQ

[@Phamatic28]

“It made me sad when my parents want to come to the shows, cause I diss them in my songs and they know every word”

[@Girth.]

Cesar Lozano I really pray that song comes out some day

[@imklutch]

Yojo Chimp it’s “Corpus Christi” and “Dearly Departed” he talks about them

[@slowbombs]

r.i.p. puppy. hope it comes back in some form one day

[@killingblow528]

This is the most suburban thing I’ve ever heard.

[@TheKalebWard]

MrBucketList right lmao

[@JayLaFlare]

Kevin sat by me on the bus senior year now he is talking with Rick Rubin lol

[@l0w974]

I feel like this cap but if not its cool

[@JayLaFlare]

l0w deadass, same high school as lil nas x

[@navmanshack1579]

@@jakeembers Kevin lived in Atlanta for a bit too, he mentions it in some of his earlier songs

[@JayLaFlare]

jake cdg senior year Kevin went to Lithia Springs on the west side of Atlanta in 2014

[@kyskyree]

Jayraab I go to Lithia springs yo wtf 💀

[@gareb3arr244]

Why is Rick Rubin such a good therapist

[@apullcan]

I'd guess that decades of producing for musicians (quite a few of whom are probably absolutely nuts), he's become really good at being neutral & communicative.

[@thisisbigwasteoftime]

He's like a Santa Claus that constantly gives presence and mindfulness.

[@iddyvicehub9328]

cuz hes a bodhisatva

[@loopdiditydoop1926]

GARRETT’S VIDEOS YT fr tho, he talks EXATLY like my cbt psychologist

[@osielmonfeda8141]

AlinzPark that’s actually what it is, imagine all the conversations he’s had with goats in the industry

[@someonesomewhere192]

Joba looks diff

[@theneovas1]

LMAOOOOO

[@mmsm4374]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@DancyTamang]

Someone Somewhere omg 😂😂😂😂

[@naufalatmojo1351]

Delete this!!!1!1!!!1!

[@TheBestPizzaConnoisseur]

Yo chiiilllllllllll 😂😂

[@TheSPFPR]

Rick Rubin is like the cool uncle we all wish we had

[@sockdong1544]

I think you mean cool wizard friend

[@Dante-uk8pr]

The Shaman Healer

[@FocusedThronee]

homeboy is definitely crazy but he's cool too

[@Videos5197]

Alexander Manning id say he’s more sane than the average person

[@basementgang6911]

@@Videos5197 Same here

[@iwillpayuforthatusername1349]

Kevin is very intelligent. Also incredibly honest, which makes me like him even more as a person. It’s interesting to know about how he feels about the fame and love they’re getting. Also the fact he just told us it’s less easy to him write a song or chord now, in a priviledged place is respectable, because a lot of artists wouldn’t say this out loud.

[@RandySoBe]

Iwillpayuforthatusername last part is why I respect him so much.

[@wmi3081]

Transparency is hard to come by these days, especially in the music industry, that's why I still have respect for Kevin and BH for staying true to themselves the whole time and not being afraid to expose their weaknesses.

[@iwillpayuforthatusername1349]

WesMadeIt exactly, thank you for putting it into words more specifically what I wanted to say, my english isn’t the best haha

[@wmi3081]

@@iwillpayuforthatusername1349 No worries, I couldn't even tell that English wasn't your primary language and I knew exactly what you meant about Kevin too. He seems like one of the most down to earth people in the industry right now

[@georgia1986]

just watch the mtv interview they did a year ish ago and you'll change ur mind

[@mmendezzz]

Is it just me or was this the most relaxing conversation ever made, Rick has such a relaxed soothing voice

[@michaelhall5429]

You should check out a podcast called broken record if you like this. Rick does a lot of the episodes

[@annagraceodom5352]

god made him for podcasts

[@lilianacochiaro2940]

yeah i fell asleep to it

[@GeorgetheGreat]

They avoid saying ameer’s name like he’s Voldemort or Chris Benoit lol

[@Zach0451]

BRING BACK CHRIS BENOIT

[@daniel-ov1vo]

Mfer said Voldemort 😂😂😂

[@akoakleyfilms5591]

CHRIS BENIOT LMAOO

[@hansdado]

chris benoit mannnn

[@cowboydoggo2112]

KRIS-PEN WAH

[@huxley4950]

Speaking on vulnerability; Kevin says he is not open. That he has a wall, and a guard up. However, sitting in front of cameras, speaking about his weaknesses, speaking about his character, seems to be the most vulnerable thing he could do.

[@Kakio]

I think its easier to do when it doesnt involve the people he really cares for!

[@huxley4950]

Kakio I agree! It is probably intimidating to almost be pressured into sharing your life with not only the group members, but also media. (Hence the ‘I’m not famous anymore’ references Kev makes, both in relation to Shia, but also to his audience.)

[@aesthetictv4866]

I feel like Rick Rubin can really open you up, I don’t know why but he just seems like you can just verse your 5oughts to him and it’d be ok, and just make you forget the cameras

[@xTwistedxRagex]

Rick Rubin is only at peace bc he got to hear PUPPY.

[@nowhereman5521]

huh????

[@xTwistedxRagex]

@@nowhereman5521 Rick was involved in the recording of PUPPY.

[@gavinstinson9450]

what are you talking about?

[@Socrateet]

People rly don’t know what puppy is lol

[@xTwistedxRagex]

Do people genuinely not know what PUPPY is? Oh my god.

[@eriklight5321]

Kevin talking about Ameer is heartbreaking. He really does miss him :(

[@MrWiskers2445]

whats the time stamp for that?

[@imklutch]

Yea what’s the time stamp

[@spamsingles5948]

@@MrWiskers2445 33:55

[@infer426]

Majestic Muller Majestic they’re friends again now

[@infer426]

Dom J ameer talked about it on sway and he went backstage to their show

[@nickyrocks2]

GQ, Please keep doing more of these. These are great. We need Tyler, Frank, Kanye, Gambino, Kid Cudi, and more to talk with Rick.

[@SOBEKCrocodileGod]

Rick has an interview with Tyler on the Broken Records podcast. If you haven’t heard the interview, I highly recommend it

[@hbhtcr5707]

newyork maybe not now.... healthy/semi healthy Kanye is best.

[@jecroyd]

Ye would be such a great episode for many reasons but considering he made part of Yeezus in the bus/trailer behind Kevin I think that alone would be a good conversation.

[@sarahlynnlovesyou]

Cudi 100% !!!

[@celiaspeth2669]

a frank interview omg imagine

[@oscarthebeanking5896]

Rick Rubin really reminds me of Joba, I think this is what Joba will be like when hes older

[@cyberpanda3]

Oscar The Beanking LMAO FACTS

[@connorwilliams6486]

His voice is exactly the same

[@dnldnk2]

deadass thought about that during all the interview

[@charlienorthover1702]

nah xD I have a feeling Joba will change heavily during his old age. I don't think he will stay the 'same'

[@gotdamnbaby1353]

Lol nah

[@lololo]

he is so brutally honest and truthful talking about himself and how he feels about the ones around him. it's really rare to see people communicating like this in any situation, let alone an interview. very humble and brave.

[@connormcdonald5075]

rick rubin is just the best, he asks such amazing questions and he is so polite and unassuming, unlkike some interviewers that are aggressive and make people put their guard up

[@TerraFirma47]

Kevin in 2019: “I was told not to be loud” Kevin in 2021: *“WHO LET THE DOPE BOYS OUUUUUT!?!”*

[@swnkthekid652]

"THANK GOD YOU LET ME CRASH ON THE COUUUUCH!!" (can we start a chain here?)

[@TerraFirma47]

@@swnkthekid652 who’s my god that I’m praying to now? 🤨

[@andret6961]

EARLIER 2 HOURS, THEY TRIED TO JUMP ME IN, LATINO PROTECTION

[@Junior13113]

Rick Rubin interview with Frank Ocean when?

[@tinker2054]

It's a must

[@benh3374]

Probably never 😒

[@frankgore2474]

never man. never 😔

[@williamchiotelis3759]

Good luck

[@00cryptic38]

When frank comes out the house

[@carbatom1025]

12:47 “Driving the bus” ... “I used to write raps in the back of the bus... now i’m in the front seat shifting the gears”

[@lukebrown583]

Steve H. I literally thought that lmao

[@grey6183]

That’s Ameer not kev

[@wetbuttery]

earlgrey yeah what

[@mikespidale140]

It’s funny how things can change

[@patricksingleton7516]

If Kevin doesn't want to perform JUNKY anymore I'm here for it. He doesn't owe us anything, especially if its detrimental to his mental

[@charleneraymond4036]

I was thinking if he rewrote it for the live version & tweeted the changes we would 100% singalong to the new lyrics at the shows. The the same way we know he's not going to say Shawn Mendes in Star.

[@Zach0451]

Good think JUNKY is a dogshit song to begin with

[@patricksingleton7516]

@@Zach0451 have fun being sad and lonely

[@Zach0451]

@@patricksingleton7516 I'm actually really happy and have a wealth of people around me. And JUNKY still sucks. Crazy!

[@patricksingleton7516]

@@Zach0451 they're probably miserable too

[@jethrob8150]

This is one of the things we didn’t know that we need this.

[@WearePhZD]

This was so calming to the soul

[@montueswedthursfri5819]

I hope Kevin realizes that we all go through these insecurities and that it's not a bad thing, it's part of growth and maturing

[@WearePhZD]

So calming to the soul.

[@michaelbland2924]

I love that Rick asks questions and lets Kevin figure out his own answers, rather than trying to give him the answers. That's a very useful therapy tool

[@jonathancarmel9312]

"How we feel is how we feel and has less to do with anyone else" - Jedi Rick

[@LeBeautiful]

Abstract vs Musical Gandalf the Grey

[@billy16727]

Bruh this man just chills in a small church studio with no shoes and talks to rappers. Legendary

[@matisebenign]

manifesting my own Rick Rubin conversation,, with or without the cameras.

[@aaronwatkins98]

rick rubin is such a good therapist lol

[@daveyrichards7229]

9:55 talks about putting a mask on with everybody and trying to get to a point where he doesn't have to anymore 13:05 "even if I'm alone, who am I supposed to be right now?" and talks about how he grew up being taught to treat adults differently and "perform" around them, so it's deeply rooted to put on a performance around different people 19:15 being honest with people around you about what's really going on even if it might hurt them. it'll lead to a better relationship, because otherwise, it's like a "not real relationship." you're not really there with each other

[@geniusonyeo]

thank you thank you..

[@nakiacarter9735]

Thank you

[@jamesernestj]

Incredible to see Rubin make it a priority to assist/teach Kevin some basics about selfcare. So many young men, not just artists but in general, lack good role models and mentors.

[@gehtdichnichtsan9323]

it's such a rare thing to see an artist at a point where he's really struggling rather than having successfully overcome a struggle. i feel like those moments are almost never shared and it's so refreshing tbh

[@phoebefunnyodonnel6618]

when he was talking about Kevin trying an excersize about talking to himself with different masks, that sounds like a really cool song idea.

[@charleneraymond4036]

That's EXACTLY what I thought!

[@arhamhashmi2772]

Wish this was 10 hours long, such a dope interview

[@michaelhall5429]

You should check out a podcast called broken record if you like this. Rick does a lot of the episodes

[@arhamhashmi2772]

michael hall will do thanks, I just love Kevin and all of BROCKHAMPTON so this was really good

[@josh-dane]

Kevin, you're very empathetic, everyone can see it! You're so much so, and you're so emotionally intelligent, that you've sort of dug into those parts of you so much that you think you can't connect with people. Duuude, most people are not even aware of that depth (which is fine), but it's just not their gift man. You have a gift to connect with people's hearts. You're so emotionally tender, in a way, which is a powerful thing, especially in the hands of someone who is HONEST and searching for the truth. God bless you bro. You're always gonna keep growing.

[@lolaispure4296]

Wow ur a guy and you write such emotionally in tune comment

[@dzasta376]

idk if its just me but its kinda heartbreaking seeing him like that, i hope he finds his peace soon:(

[@zachburtch4180]

This was in June

[@yehonatanabutbul2358]

This reminds me of Kevin's hook on fabric where he sings "You don't understand why I can't get up and shout" I really love that line and now I think I understand how it relates to Kevin.

[@Forwardslashhug]

I would love to just have a similar convo with Kevin Abstract. This dude clearly battles with some levels of social anxiety here while he's talking with Rick.....I love how he just seems like hes unapologetically himself even when hes uncomfortable. Great video!

[@thorn_00]

I sometimes answer the questions

[@benmunoz2766]

A friend of mine showed me Kevin Abstract back in 2015 when we were visiting Austin Tx and I swore the moment I heard his song "Snakes" I knew he was going to blow someday.

[@mave4beatsresigned853]

this is a moment in time bro, this interview is gonna be legendary in 10 years

[@EMCAL13]

I gotta lot of hope for the future with people like Kevin Abstract in it.

[@jandziecielski2706]

Could you explain why you hope so?

[@frankieashworth896]

Rick said, “Do you ever wear a mask when you’re by yourself?” That question blew my mind. That’s such a self care question, and then he offers advice about it!?!? You can tell he genuinely cares for Kevin. Love you Rick stay being you bro✊

[@benyvmin_]

Kevins sweatshirt says 'teach me empathy' Rick Rubin did, he taught all of us

[@tonoormusic]

What a fantastic series this has become. This is KZbin at it’s finest. I hope Rick gets Frank Ocean in that chair one day. That would be great

[@hamiltonmagrath7331]

Idk if it will, Rick was the co founder of def jam and frank doesn’t have the best relationship with def jam

[@deshume]

@@hamiltonmagrath7331 rick left def jam in 1988

[@toekneetoeknee]

rewatched after the release of roadrunner wowowwow i cannot express how much i appreciate & relate to kevin. relating to the subconscious acts of behaving differently towards certain people around you. isolating your feelings and regretting to communicate more with others. wishing there were simpler ways to allow your feelings to be shared. as an artist i relate to ian more than ever because music feels like the only real expression that feels true and genuine. maybe to the point where it’s therapeutic. a lot of this interview felt like rick was talking to me it was surreal. i’m so so proud of ian and the rest of BH. i love these guys.

[@_studio01_]

watching this conversation rejuvenated my skin and cleared my face up

[@adriannaonline]

seeing his face light up when talking about the way his creative process works behind seeing images and making the transition into the band’s narrative is so amazing especially seeing his body language change after talk about his regrets

[@kentandrews4613]

it's cute that his hoodie says "teach me empathy" and he also talks at length about learning empathy

[@joedavis7528]

Amazing conversation, so engaging and such an authentic Ian is shown here!

[@VincentGilmore]

It’s amazing because a lot of what they talk about I’ve experienced lately, like continuously making music as a form of self therapy and like all of it is just a moment in time, like a journal entry. Such an inspiring conversation.

[@conallmccauley2166]

Why does this feel like the way I talk to my therapist.

[@montueswedthursfri5819]

I would actually go to therapy if Rick Rubin was my therapist

[@jacobduncan3810]

I relate so much to Kevin bro. I get exactly what hes goin through.

[@lunhing5308]

Him and Andre 3000 had a great talk

[@kennedmaier8967]

As well as Kendrick

[@HeyyAlx]

talking to rick rubin seems so therapeutic. id give a lot to sit and have a conversation with him

[@MrElchitoGaming]

I hope that one day Kevin and Ameer can Atleast forgive each other and become friends again. Doesn’t have to be public nor do they have to release music together but just make amends again. It seems like both of them were heavily affected by this. People change and people grow.

[@Bykarinaterrazas]

MrElchito what did ameer do?

[@bigbardvods]

They are actually friends again. He’s just not back in the group

[@dinglemccringleberry6258]

what we all need really is for Puppy to be released

[@user-yl1xz7ek7h]

@@dinglemccringleberry6258 I swear if that doesn't leak sooner or later imma flip

[@daytopel4292]

ameer had an interview and said theyve been talking again

[@chrismanson9556]

Kevin Abstract will be a top 10 artist

[@Maxogrady]

He is

[@iwillpayuforthatusername1349]

I really hope, he’d deserve that.

[@NothingBetterToWatch]

Cap.

[@NishantMehrotra]

What is a top ten artist lol ?

[@georgeshiroda1173]

Probably not in this hip hop climate... it's hard to have depth and not have much of an image to sell

[@sophiehowe1473]

ian is absolutely glowing i've never seen him look this beautiful and peaceful

[@di4352]

26:07 Rick just mentioned a great idea where he voices how individuals, no matter how well-meaning, will give advice that is more attached to one's own personal experiences in life. Stoic.

[@nickapolinar4405]

This isn’t a interview this is just a therapy session 😂

[@vivic8868]

12:50 that was probably the idea for the Brockhampton mini series that they did

[@johnjunior4]

This is an incredibly moving interview/therapy session. I was blown away by both. I've never seen an interview like this. Lovely. Honest. And effin deep!

[@hbhtcr5707]

Thanks for randomly recommending this to me KZbin. I found my new favorite artist. Kevin’s music just embodies sun while it’s raining. It’s sad but there’s an overall sunshine to it. This guy just emits love and brightness and you can hear it in his music. And I’m obsessed now.

[@WeedSnorkeler]

16:09 is he talking about baby boy 🥺 lets get married was gonna be so good i hope we can hear it some day

[@abeezy1953]

How could anybody dislike this

[@rosieeestw]

I’m glad I tuned in to this therapy session.

[@jml6263]

Honestly as someone with an INCREDIBLY outsiders perspective and no real interest in pretending otherwise, this young man seems incredibly interesting as a human being with his complexities and fragilities. The group in general just give me a comforting... hope I guess is the word? To hear about a group of young men just going 'yeah we hang out and have what essentially is therapy sessions together where we talk and sometimes cry but also laugh and just feel better', I really don't know if people get how revolutionary that really is. Just changing the culture by being good to yourselves even through struggles, recognizing potential for toxicity and the ability to diffuse it through empathy and human connection. They aren't perfect people but that's kind of the point. I have a lot of respect for that especially in the current culture and climate and for those who struggle with things like sexuality and mental health on top of everything else. Goes well beyond their music for me.

[@meganash4597]

Love the vulnerability that is shown here. Not just a surface level interview...

[@stampgoblin]

16:00 I know he’s talking about baby boy

[@RandySoBe]

BELGUIM ___ could be use me as well. OG version had a Dom verse

[@Noirlore]

Last minute of that song is 10/10

[@annagraceodom5352]

i thought he was talking about either baby boy or peach honestly

[@oxoxoxoxo8589]

This is the best version of this I have seen so far. Love Rick Rubin and finally a person who is on a similar level to converse with.

[@markwaltersmedia6956]

Man wherever Rubin's studio is, this looks like the most peaceful place on earth

[@SOBEKCrocodileGod]

Since his studio is named “Shangri-La”, that fits pretty well

[@luthfeesenpai4933]

Rick Rubin is basically the Bob Ross of Music

[@cockandballer]

Rick Rubins voice is so calming

[@LuckyFilms]

These interviews always give me what I need to hear right when I need to hear it. Very honest and up front.

[@gabyto555]

beautiful. thank you for this. needed it.

[@BHallz99]

rick rubin legit just changed my life this is therapy

[@gourmettrash5610]

I love rick it looks like he’s talking to his grandpa he makes them so comfortable

[@remonhidding]

This was beautiful and healing to listen to, Thanks Kevin, Thanks Rick.

[@jessenorman91]

I have just... uncountable respect for both of these men. Incredible interview

[@jimmyroussounis7704]

i want to give him the biggest hug oml

[@courtneybizzproduxion]

This interview has been a great help! It's nice to know that we all go through these things 🙏🏾💯

[@AyoJola]

This feels like therapy. I love it. Thank you.

[@tristanwaldron5525]

This is the last thing I was expecting but thankful nonetheless 🤍

[@kanyeblessed6558]

right lol like who even asked for this? doesn't matter, i'm happy

[@theguy2733]

It's so soothing how Rick's voice resonates like it does

[@Nico-yy1fj]

why was it recorded June 2019 but released just now ??

[@MadeByPurity]

Nico Editing and stuff they probably have a bunch right now that won’t get released till next year

[@Joela393]

Until they felt it was comfortable to release it

[@blapahe6075]

Rick probably working on season 2 of Shangri La with showtime too. I hope the band makes the cut, seeing some Ginger studio sessions would end me

[@napalmdreams9654]

That’s what I was thinking. It only matter because he’s clearly changed so much since then. Almost a year at this point

[@Pikapikadude]

This is so awesome to watch, makes me appreciate how he felt and Arizona baby even more.

[@alexthepistachio6391]

Rick is like a shrink for musicians. You can tell that this conversation was incredibly healing for Ian. I just wish Rick could impact more peoples lives with his wisdom.

[@notforsale9488]

So great to see kevin open up I really want him to be happy ❤️

[@pinkcard]

Proud of Kevin and Brockhampton... Keep moving forward... Dont listen to anything or anyone that is negative. There will always be people that are jealous and will hate. But if they learned to be nice and appreciative and change the negative to a positive attitude ,God will open doors for them also... So you guys keep going... stay positive. You have a great fanbase that really love you and appreciate your music. This was a great interview with the famous Rick Rubin. Such an honor. Thank you GQ.

[@isaiahproctorone]

If y'all got Kevin I know y'all got Frank Ocean interview on the hard drive

[@calvinmorgan7444]

I wish man 😔

[@charleneraymond4036]

Man, what a great interview. Kevin is so relatable yet likeable. I really want him to do one with Tyler.

[@oceha2887]

These are great, please make more interviews that are the same format!

[@mt-zf6xp]

God, Rick is so zen.

[@JoeyPadilla]

This was a fantastic interview, Kevin is an amazing artist.

[@elvismurry954]

I can relate to many of the conversations. 🙏🏾

[@xuzix]

they both have such a nice frequency / vibe

[@different4286]

This is may favorite documentary on this channel so far

[@danilaonline8929]

Rick Rubin’s voice is sooo velvet

[@angiegilles]

this was such an amazing and insightful interview!

[@BLACKDISC]

19:00 I feel like I needed to hear this. (Thank you Rick)

[@jmdc5108]

This is an amazing interview

[@OSHINO-gz5zk]

I literally wanna follow a leader like u, Kevin. You're awesome, dude.