# Ian (rapper)

Ian O'Neill Smith (born May 29, 2005), known mononymously as Ian (stylized in all lowercase), is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter.

## Early life

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he attended Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas and Clemson University. Before he began his rap career, he played rugby and crew in high school. He also played rugby at Clemson before pursuing his music career fulltime.

## Career
### 2018–2022: Early career and production work

Ian began his music career in 2018, initially uploading tracks to SoundCloud under the alias Suburbancerberus. His early work consisted mostly of mixes featuring popular artists like Chief Keef, and he gradually transitioned into producing beats. By 2019, he shifted his focus towards music production, working behind the scenes for other artists. From 2020 to 2022, he collaborated with underground artists such as Izaya Tiji, BabySantana, and Slump6s, refining his sound and establishing a name within the SoundCloud rap scene.

### 2023–2024: Breakthrough with "Valedictorian"

In 2023, Ian began releasing singles under his own name, gaining traction with tracks like "Bad Habits" and "Ghost Ride". He signed with BuVision, Columbia Records, and Dogdog in early 2024. His breakout moment came with the release of his single "Figure It Out" in May 2024, featuring a cameo from former NFL star Marshawn Lynch in its Lyrical Lemonade-produced music video. Shortly after, on May 17, 2024, Ian released his debut mixtape "Valedictorian", which debuted at #54 on the Billboard 200 and featured high-energy rage beats and dynamic production by mainly producer Sxprano and American rapper and producer tana. A deluxe edition, released in July 2024, included the viral hit "Magic Johnson," which charted on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and was later certified Gold by the RIAA.
In June 2024, he released "Fit Check" with VonOff1700. Also in 2024, he released the song "Magic Johnson," which became viral on TikTok; this single would be tacked onto the deluxe edition of Valedictorian.

### 2024: Rise to mainstream and "Goodbye Horses"

Following the success of "Valedictorian," Ian collaborated with Lil Yachty on the single "Hate Me," which debuted at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was accompanied by another Lyrical Lemonade music video and further propelled his growing popularity. In October 2024, Ian released his debut studio album, "Goodbye Horses," featuring production from Sxprano, Tana, and Bnyx. The album debuted at #86 on the Billboard 200 and showcased a more experimental, melodic side of Ian’s artistry while still incorporating his signature rage-inspired sound.

### 2024: "Ian" Tour

In support of his debut mixtape "Valedictorian," Ian embarked on the "Ian" Tour in late 2024. The tour included performances across various cities, including Santa Ana, San Diego, Chicago, and Houston. Notably, the San Diego show took place at The Observatory North Park on December 5, 2024. The tour received positive reviews, with fans praising Ian's dynamic stage presence and the high-energy performances. A highlight from the tour was the concert at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which featured a DJ set by SXPRANO and Ian's live performance.

### 2025–present: Continued success and upcoming projects

In early 2025, Ian teased new music and announced his first headlining tour, set to take place in the U.S. and Europe. He has also hinted at collaborations with artists like Destroy Lonely, Ken Carson, and Yeat. With his growing influence in the rage rap and hyperpop scenes, Ian is expected to release a follow-up project in late 2025.

## Discography
### Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected details and chart positions :
| Title | Studio album details | Peak chart position |
| Title | Studio album details | US |
| Goodbye Horses | Released: October 18, 2024 Label: BuVision, Columbia, Dogdog Format: Digital download, streaming | 86 |

### Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with selected details and chart positions :
| Title | Mixtape details | Peak chart position |
| Title | Mixtape details | US |
| Valedictorian | Released: May 17, 2024 Label: BuVision, Columbia, Dogdog Format: Digital download, streaming | 54 |

### Extended plays

List of EPs, with selected details :
| Title | EP details |
| Only For A While | Released: August 4, 2022 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download, streaming |
| Remembrance | Released: September 24, 2022 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download, streaming |
| Empty Suit (with gyo) | Released: November 23, 2023 Label: Dogdog Records Format: Digital download, streaming |

### Singles

List of singles, with selected peak chart positions :
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Peak chart positions | Album |
| Title | Year | US | US R&B/HH | Album |
| "Hate Me" (with Lil Yachty) | 2024 | 68 | 18 | Goodbye Horses |
| "End Up Gone" | 2024 | — | — | Goodbye Horses |
| "No Way" | 2024 | — | — | TBA |

### Other charted songs

List of other charted songs, with selected peak chart positions :
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
| Title | Year | US Bub. | US R&B/HH | Certifications | Album |
| "Never Stop" | 2024 | 14 | 39 | | Valedictorian |
| "Magic Johnson" | 2024 | 1 | 25 | RIAA: Gold | Valedictorian |