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Dropout Kings

{{Short description|American nu metal band}}

{{more citations needed|date=October 2019}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Dropout Kings

| image =

| caption =

| image_size =

| landscape = Yes

| alias = {{flatlist|

  • Phoenix Down (2016-2017)

}}

| origin = Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.

| genre = Nu metal,{{cite web|first= Joe |last= DiVita |title= Nu-Metal Band Calls Out Headliner After Last-Minute Tour Drop-Off |website= Loudwire |date= 31 May 2022 |access-date= 31 May 2022 |url= https://loudwire.com/dropout-kings-call-out-lil-xan-drop-off-2022-tour/}}{{cite web|author= JorgeM93 |title= Opening Band Calls Out Rapper After Last-Minute US Headlining Tour Drop-Out |website= Ultimate Guitar |date= 31 May 2022 |access-date= 31 May 2022 |url= https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/opening_band_calls_out_rapper_after_last-minute_us_headlining_tour_drop-out.html}} rap metal,{{cite web | url=https://www.metalkingdom.net/band/dropout-kings-38220 | title=Dropout Kings | Discography, Members }} trap metal{{cite web | url=https://www.trapmetal.net/2023/04/24/the-kings-of-trap-metal-dropout-kings-new-full-length-album-dropping/ | title=The Kings of Trap Metal, Dropout Kings – New Full Length Album Dropping!, Trapmetal Arsenal Magazine }}

| years_active = 2016–present

| label = {{hlist|Suburban Noize{{Cite web|url=https://undergroundhiphopblog.com/news/dropout-kings-sign-to-suburban-noize-records/|title=Dropout Kings Sign to Suburban Noize Records|date=6 April 2021}}|Stay Sick|Napalm{{Cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/ |title=Jb Leo ➰ (@jbleo29) • Instagram photos and videos |access-date=2020-11-18 |archive-date=2019-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216061610/https://www.instagram.com/jbleo29 |url-status=dead }}}}

| spinoff_of = The Bad Chapter

| website = {{URL|dropoutkingsmusic.com}}

| current_members =

  • Black Cat Bill
  • Rob Sebastian
  • Jeremy Garcia

| past_members =

  • Charlie Mumbles
  • Tre Scott
  • Trevor Norgren
  • Staig Flynn
  • Chucky Guzman
  • Joe Lana Jr.
  • Adam Ramey

}}

Dropout Kings (formerly Phoenix Down) is an American rap metal band from Phoenix, Arizona, United States, that formed in 2016. They are currently signed to Suburban Noize Records.{{Cite web|url=https://undergroundhiphopblog.com/news/dropout-kings-sign-to-suburban-noize-records/|title=Dropout Kings Sign to Suburban Noize Records|date=6 April 2021}} Dropout Kings have released two albums: Audiodope (released August 10, 2018) and Riot Music (released 5 May 2023), and one EP: GlitchGang (released April 6, 2021).

History

Dropout Kings was founded by Adam Ramey after his previous band The Bad Chapter broke up in 2015.{{cite web |title=Dropout Kings |url=http://www.arteryglobal.com/artists/portfolio/dropout-kings/ |website=Artery Global |accessdate=August 6, 2018}} As a way to stay active musically, he approached rapper Eddie Wellz to do a cover of Linkin Park's "Lying from You" after seeing a video of Wellz performing on YouTube.{{cite web |last1=Dyroff |first1=Denny |title=The Coatesville Times The Downingtown Times Contact Us Home D: Arts & Entertainment On Stage: Want to go seriously retro? Check out Blackmore's Night |url=http://chescotimes.com/?p=26241 |website=The Times of Chester County |accessdate=August 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719215644/http://chescotimes.com/?p=26241 |archive-date=July 19, 2018 |url-status=live }} Due to positive reception, Ramey approached previous members of The Bad Chapter; Trevor Norgren and later Staig Flynn and Rob Sebastian{{cite web |last1=Crane |first1=Matt |title=Ex-Attack Attack! vocalist Phil Druyor starts new band, releases new song |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/ex_attack_attack_vocalist_phil_druyor_starts_new_band_releases_new_song/ |website=Alternative Press |accessdate=August 6, 2018 |date=2014-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110218/https://www.altpress.com/news/ex_attack_attack_vocalist_phil_druyor_starts_new_band_releases_new_song/ |archive-date=October 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} and previous bandmate Chucky Guzman from We The Collectors{{cite web |title=We The Collectors |url=https://wethecollectors.bandcamp.com/ |website=bandcamp |accessdate=August 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110220/https://wethecollectors.bandcamp.com/ |archive-date=October 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} to form a new band called Phoenix Down, which by 2017 had changed its name to Dropout Kings.

On April 6, 2018, it was announced that Dropout Kings signed with Napalm Records, & the band released the music video for '"NVM", their first single from their debut album AudioDope the same day.{{cite web |title=News Blog :: DROPOUT KINGS - Sign with Napalm Records! |url=http://label.napalmrecords.com/blog/?entryID=1345 |website=Napalm Records |accessdate=April 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608194743/http://label.napalmrecords.com/blog/?entryID=1345 |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |url-status=dead }} On June 8, 2018, the band released the music video for "Scratch & Claw", the second single from AudioDope.{{cite web|title=DROPOUT KINGS Release Official Music Video For "Scratch & Claw" Album Cover Artwork & Track Listing!|url=https://heavymag.com.au/dropout-kings-release-official-music-video-scratch-claw-album-cover-artwork-track-listing/|website=HeavyMag|date=8 June 2018|accessdate=June 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117100543/https://heavymag.com.au/dropout-kings-release-official-music-video-scratch-claw-album-cover-artwork-track-listing/|archive-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=live}} AudioDope was released on August 10, 2018.{{cite web|title=ALBUM REVIEW: Dropout Kings – Audiodope|url=http://www.deadpress.co.uk/album-review-dropout-kings-audiodope/|website=Dead Press|accessdate=August 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215023229/http://www.deadpress.co.uk/album-review-dropout-kings-audiodope/|archive-date=December 15, 2018|url-status=live}} AudioDope reached 2 US Charts, #52-Top New Artist Albums & #112-Record Label Independent Current Albums.

In July–August 2018, the band toured the United States and Canada with OTEP.{{cite web|title=Dropout Kings announced as direct support for OTEP Summer Tour|url=https://www.cbent1.com/single-post/2018/05/15/Dropout-Kings-announced-as-direct-support-for-OTEP-Summer-Tour|website=CB Entertainment|date=15 May 2018|accessdate=May 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110220/https://www.cbent1.com/single-post/2018/05/15/Dropout-Kings-announced-as-direct-support-for-OTEP-Summer-Tour|archive-date=October 9, 2019|url-status=live}} During the Otep tour, the band announced that they were managed by Dez Fafara, the lead vocalist for DevilDriver & Coal Chamber.{{cite web|url=http://theoraclemanagement.com/dropout-kings/|title=Dropout Kings|date=2018-07-30|website=The Oracle Management|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623165631/http://theoraclemanagement.com/dropout-kings/|archive-date=2019-06-23|url-status=live}}

In February–March 2019, the band toured with Outline in Color, Deadships and Dead Crown.{{cite web|title=Outline in Color Tour Dates|url=http://outlineincolor.com/tour|website=OutlineinColor.com|accessdate=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115213757/http://outlineincolor.com/tour|archive-date=January 15, 2019|url-status=live}}

On March 19, 2019, Dayshell featured the band on their single “KOMBAT."{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/kombat-feat-dropout-kings-single/1455331524|title=Kombat (feat. Dropout Kings) - Single by Dayshell|date=19 March 2019|accessdate=Apr 18, 2020|via=music.apple.com}}

In May–June 2019, the band joined Crazy Town as direct support on their 20th Anniversary Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.freemanpromotions.com/dropout-kings-kick-off-us-tour-dates-w-crazy-town/|title=DROPOUT KINGS Kick Off US Tour Dates w/ Crazy Town {{!}} Freeman Promotions|website=www.freemanpromotions.com|access-date=2019-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623164134/http://www.freemanpromotions.com/dropout-kings-kick-off-us-tour-dates-w-crazy-town/|archive-date=2019-06-23|url-status=live}}

On May 26, 2019, it was announced that the band would be playing the Main Stage at the 20th Annual Soopa Gathering of the Juggalos on August 3, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.juggalogathering.com/dropout-kings/|title=dropout-kings|date=2019-05-27|website=Gathering of the Juggalos|language=en|access-date=2019-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623164130/https://www.juggalogathering.com/dropout-kings/|archive-date=2019-06-23|url-status=live}}

On April 6, 2021, it was announced that Dropout Kings had signed to Suburban Noize Records.

On June 15, 2021, Dropout Kings embarked on their first headlining tour.

On September 8, 2021, “Virus” peaked at #33 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Radio Charts while spending 12 weeks in the Top 40.

On October 26, 2021, it was announced that “Virus” was being considered for a Grammy nomination in the Best New Artist category.

On January 24, 2022, it was announced that Dropout Kings would be playing at UFest 2022 on April 24, 2022.{{Cite web|last=Becher|first=Amee|date=2022-01-24|title=UFEST 2022 – 98KUPD – Arizona's Real Rock|url=https://98kupd.com/event/ufest-2022/|access-date=2022-01-27|website=98KUPD - Arizona's Real Rock|language=en-US}}

On April 30, 2023, Staig parted ways with the band after his mother got into an accident.

On June 6, 2023, Chucky parted ways with the band, and Rob switched to guitar, converting the band into a permanent quartet.

Vocalist and founding member Adam Ramey died by suicide on May 19, 2025, at the age of 32.{{cite news|url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/phoenix-rap-metal-singer-adam-lee-ramey-dies-at-age-32-21784208|title=Adam Lee Ramey, 32, of the Dropout Kings has died|first=Amy|last=Young|publisher=Phoenix New Times|date=May 20, 2025|accessdate=May 26, 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ3W3VAx8MP/?igsh=ZW8zNGQwZTBmODJj |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.instagram.com}}

Members

= Current members =

  • William "Black Cat Bill" Lauderdale - rapping vocals (2016–present)
  • Rob Sebastian - guitar (2023–present), bass (2017–present)
  • Jeremy Garcia - drums (2025–present)

= Former Members =

  • Joe Lana Jr. - drums (2021–2024)
  • Staig Flynn - guitars (2017–2023)
  • Chucky Guzman - guitars (2016–2023)
  • Trevor Norgren - drums (2016–2021)
  • Tre Scott - guitar, bass (2016–2017)
  • Charlie Mumbles - turntables, programming (2016–2017)
  • Adam Ramey - lead vocals (2016–2025; his death){{Cite web |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |date=2025-05-20 |title=DROPOUT KINGS Vocalist ADAM RAMEY Dead At 32 |url=https://metalinjection.net/this-is-just-a-tribute/dropout-kings-vocalist-adam-ramey-dead-at-32 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}

=Timeline=

{{#tag:timeline|

ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20

PlotArea = left:120 bottom:120 top:10 right:20

Alignbars = justify

DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy

Period = from:01/01/2016 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3

ScaleMajor = increment:1 start:2016

Colors =

id:LV value:red legend:Lead_vocals

id:RV value:claret legend:Rap_vocals

id:G value:green legend:Guitars

id:B value:blue legend:Bass

id:D value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion

id:T value:purple legend:Turntables,_programming

id:Album value:black legend:Studio_albums

id:EP value:gray(0.5) legend:Other_Release

LineData =

at:10/08/2018 color:Album layer:back

at:03/04/2020 color:EP layer:back

at:05/04/2021 color:EP layer:back

at:05/05/2023 color:Album layer:back

BarData =

Bar:Adam text:"Adam Ramey"

bar:Bill text:"Black Cat Bill"

bar:Chucky text:"Chucky Guzman"

bar:Tre text:"Tre Scott"

bar:Staig text:"Staig Flynn"

bar:Rob text:"Rob Sebastian"

bar:Trevor text:"Trevor Norgren"

bar:Joe text:"Joe Lana Jr."

bar:Jeremy text:"Jeremy Garcia"

bar:Charlie text:"Charlie Mumbles"

PlotData =

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)

bar:Adam from:01/01/2016 till:19/05/2025 color:LV

bar:Bill from:01/01/2016 till:end color:RV

bar:Chucky from:01/01/2016 till:06/06/2023 color:G

bar:Tre from:01/01/2016 till:01/01/2017 color:G

bar:Tre from:01/01/2016 till:01/01/2017 color:B width:3

bar:Staig from:01/01/2017 till:30/04/2023 color:G

bar:Rob from:01/01/2017 till:05/06/2023 color:B

bar:Rob from:06/06/2023 till:end color:G

bar:Rob from:06/06/2023 till:end color:B width:3

bar:Trevor from:01/01/2016 till:30/04/2021 color:D

bar:Joe from:30/04/2021 till:23/12/2024 color:D

bar:Jeremy from:01/01/2025 till:end color:D

bar:Charlie from:01/01/2016 till:01/01/2017 color:T

}}

Discography

=Studio albums=

  • AudioDope (2018){{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/audiodope/1387813553|title=AudioDope by Dropout Kings|date=10 August 2018|accessdate=Apr 18, 2020|via=music.apple.com|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028193233/https://music.apple.com/us/album/audiodope/1387813553|url-status=dead}}
  • Riot Music (2023){{Citation |title=Riot Music by Dropout Kings - RYM/Sonemic |url=https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dropout-kings/riot-music/ |access-date=2023-09-08 |language=en}}

=EPs=

  • GlitchGang (2020 Stay Sick Recordings, reissued 2021 on Suburban Noize Records){{Citation |title=GlitchGang by Dropout Kings - RYM/Sonemic |url=https://rateyourmusic.com/release/ep/dropout-kings/glitchgang/ |access-date=2023-09-08 |language=en}}

=Singles=

  • "Street Sharks" (2016; as Phoenix Down)
  • "NVM" (2018)
  • "Scratch & Claw" (2018)
  • "Going Rogue" feat. Landon Tewers (2018)
  • "GlitchGang" (2020)
  • "I Ain't Depressed" feat. Hacktivist (2020)
  • "Virus" feat. Shayley Bourget (2021) – No. 33 Mainstream Rock Songs{{cite magazine |title=Mainstream Rock Songs – Week of September 11, 2021 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/2021-09-11 |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=September 8, 2021}}

=Music videos=

  • "Street Sharks" (2016; as Phoenix Down)https://youtube.com/chwXFeyagV4 {{dead link|date=April 2020}}
  • "NVM" (2018){{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSWQ_KJDfEI |title=DROPOUT KINGS - NVM (Official Video) | Napalm Records |website=YouTube |date=6 April 2018 |access-date=2019-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117210651/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSWQ_KJDfEI |archive-date=2019-11-17 |url-status=live }}
  • "Scratch & Claw" (2018){{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56tQOGEj_Ng |title=DROPOUT KINGS - Scratch & Claw (Official Video) | Napalm Records |website=YouTube |date=3 June 2018 |access-date=2019-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419170742/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56tQOGEj_Ng |archive-date=2019-04-19 |url-status=live }}
  • "Going Rogue" (2018){{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdaJm0v5YMA |title=DROPOUT KINGS Ft. Landon Tewers - Going Rogue (Official Video) | Napalm Records |website=YouTube |date=7 July 2018 |access-date=2019-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028182706/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdaJm0v5YMA |archive-date=2019-10-28 |url-status=live }}
  • "Bad Day" (2019){{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJJIsGkW8mQ |title=DROPOUT KINGS - Bad Day (Official Video) | Napalm Records |website=YouTube |date=13 February 2019 |access-date=2019-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420031126/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJJIsGkW8mQ |archive-date=2019-04-20 |url-status=live }}
  • "Something Awful" (2019){{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXbm7GBS_cg |title=DROPOUT KINGS - Something Awful (Official Live Video) | Napalm Records |publisher=YouTube |date=2019-06-05 |accessdate=2020-04-18}}
  • "GlitchGang" (2020)
  • "Virus" (2020)
  • "I Ain't Depressed" (2020)
  • "PitUp" (2021)
  • "Hey Uh" (2022){{Cite web|date=2022-01-28|title=Dropout Kings - Hey Uh (Official Music Video) - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qaLrtLCRc|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129101417/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qaLrtLCRc|archive-date=2022-01-29|access-date=|website=YouTube}}

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

  • {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=dropout-kings-mn0003733409|label=Dropout Kings}}

Category:Musical groups established in 2016

Category:American nu metal musical groups

Category:American rap metal musical groups

Category:Trap metal musicians

Category:2016 establishments in Arizona