A$ton Matthews, born Matthew Lopez on October 30, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, is a Guatemalan-American rapper who rose to fame in the early 2010s. Raised in various neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Matthews was heavily influenced by his surroundings, experiencing the realities of life in these areas firsthand. A talented athlete during his high school years, Matthews was also involved with the West Side Pirus, a faction of the Bloods.
His life took a dramatic turn when he was shot in 2008, an event that significantly impacted his personal and professional trajectory. After recovering, he turned to music, using his experiences as fuel for his lyrics.
Career Rise: NOFVCKSGIVEN and Versace Ragz
Matthews began his career by recording a song every day for two years, honing his craft before releasing his first project, NOFVCKSGIVEN, in 2011. This mixtape, which chronicles the events leading to his shooting, was well received and caught the attention of several prominent figures in the hip-hop scene, including Vince Staples.
In 2012, Matthews collaborated with Vince Staples and Joey Fatts to form Cutthroat Boyz, a collective that became integral to his career. That same year, he released Versace Ragz, a mixtape that blended gangsta rap with WWE wrestling references, earning Matthews a reputation for his distinctive style and subject matter.
Breakthrough with A$ton 3:16 and Touring (2013–2014)
In 2013, Matthews released A$ton 3:16, a mixtape named after WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin. This project, which showcased Matthews’ versatility, received widespread acclaim. It featured production from Alchemist, Evidence, and other renowned producers, and included collaborations with notable artists like Action Bronson, Flatbush Zombies, and A$AP Ferg.
The mixtape’s cover art was a nod to Ice Cube’s Death Certificate, reflecting Matthews’ personal connection to the album. His work also gained recognition with a feature on the Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack in 2013.
During this time, Matthews toured alongside A$AP Rocky, opening for him on the Live.Love.A$AP Tour, and supported A$AP Ferg on his Turnt x Burnt Tour. His live performances solidified his presence in the hip-hop community.
Yams’ Passing and Hiatus (2015)
The tragic passing of A$AP Yams in 2015 deeply affected Matthews, as Yams had been a key figure in his career. Matthews took some time off to grieve and reflect on his career. However, he returned in 2015 with the release of “Chapo” and continued his collaborations with artists like Vince Staples and Bodega Bamz.
Chapovelli and Recent Work (2017–Present)
In 2017, Matthews began working on his highly anticipated project, Chapovelli, which was influenced by both Tupac Shakur’s Makaveli and Max B’s Biggaveli. He also released the track “BRAZY”, which reignited interest in the project. The song was praised for its energy and storytelling, and the music video garnered millions of views.
In 2020, Matthews released a new single, “TLC”, and announced the development of his third studio project, continuing to evolve his sound.
Personal Life
Beyond music, Matthews is known for his love of sports, especially his loyalty to teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Oakland Raiders. In 2018, he celebrated the birth of his first son, marking a significant personal milestone.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Chapovelli (TBA)
Mixtapes
- NOFVCKSGIVEN (2011)
- Versace Ragz (2012)
- A$ton 3:16 (2014)
Notable Singles
- “Mini Van Dan” (2013)
- “Chapo” (2015)
- “BRAZY” (2017)
Legacy and Influence
A$ton Matthews has carved out a unique place in hip-hop, blending his personal experiences with bold, experimental sounds. His use of wrestling references in his music, alongside his deep connection to gangsta rap, has made him a distinctive figure in the West Coast rap scene. Through his collaborations with artists like Vince Staples, Joey Fatts, and A$AP Ferg, Matthews has played a crucial role in shaping the sound of modern hip-hop.
His resilience after personal hardships and his evolution as an artist showcase his strength in the industry, and with upcoming projects like Chapovelli, Matthews is poised to continue leaving his mark on the genre.
