Hopsin#2003–2009: Career beginnings, Ruthless Records and Funk Volume

{{Short description|American rapper from California (born 1985)}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Hopsin

| image = Hopsin October 2013.jpg

| caption = Hopsin performing in 2013

| birth_name = Marcus Jamal Hopson

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|07|18}}

| birth_place = Los Angeles, California

| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|record producer|music video director|actor}}

| years_active = 2001–present

| discography = Hopsin discography

| genre = {{flatlist|

Hip hop
alternative hip hop
hardcore hip hop{{cite web|url=http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2013/08/the_history_of_horrorcore.php?page=2|title=Horrorcore: From Esham to Hopsin, a look at the history of rap's most terrifying subgenre|first=Noah|last=Hubbell|work=Westword|access-date=March 26, 2015|archive-date=January 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112002445/http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2013/08/the_history_of_horrorcore.php?page=2|url-status=dead}}

}}

| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|FL Studio{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2210/title.hopsin-calls-knock-madness-a-moment-of-truth-notes-eminem-s-mmlp2-|title=Hopsin Calls "Knock Madness" A "Moment Of Truth;" Notes Eminem's "MMLP2"|author=HipHopDX|date=October 31, 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417192919/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2210/title.hopsin-calls-knock-madness-a-moment-of-truth-notes-eminem-s-mmlp2-|archive-date=April 17, 2015|url-status=dead}}}}

| label = {{hlist|Undercover Prodigy|300|Warner Bros.|Funk Volume|Ruthless}}

{{Infobox person

| child = yes

| children = 1{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/02/hopsin-writes-open-letter-ex-girlfriend-says-never-met-son/|title=Hopsin Writes Open Letter To Ex-Girlfriend. Says He Never Met His Son|first=Trevor|last=Fitzgerald|work=XXL|date=February 28, 2019 |access-date=July 16, 2019}}

| website = {{url|undercoverprodigy.com}}

| signature = Hopsin sig.svg

}}

Marcus Jamal Hopson (born July 18, 1985), known professionally as Hopsin, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Los Angeles, California. He is known for his use of white colored eye contacts in his music videos and performances.

He was first signed by Los Angeles-based record executive Jerry Heller to his label Ruthless Records, through which Hopson released his debut studio album, Gazing at the Moonlight (2009). That same year, he founded his own independent label, Funk Volume to release his second and third albums—Raw (2010) and Knock Madness (2013)—before signing with Warner Records to release his fourth, Pound Syndrome (2015). The latter album peaked within the top 20 of the Billboard 200 and remains his most commercially successful release. His successor label, Undercover Prodigy was launched in a joint venture with 300 Entertainment in 2016, through which he released his fifth album, No Shame (2017) to lesser commercial success and mixed critical reception.

In addition to his own output, Funk Volume has signed and released projects for aesthetically-similar regional artists SwizZz and Dizzy Wright, as well as Southern rapper Jarren Benton before its dissolution in 2016. In 2020, he joined the board of directors for media-based technology company Artist Republik.{{Cite web|url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/riannaturner/2020/09/02/rapper-hopsin-joins-board-of-directors-at-social-media-startup-artist-republik/|title=Rapper Hopssin Joins Board of Directors at Social Media Startip Artist Republik|magazine=Forbes}}

Early life

Marcus Hopson was born on July 18, 1985, in Los Angeles, and was raised in the largely Hispanic Panorama City neighborhood of Los Angeles. He attended James Monroe High School, where he was placed into special education classes.{{cite news|url=http://myfunkvolume.com/artist/hopsin/ |title=Funk Volume Music-Hopsin|work=Myfunkvolume.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211203316/http://myfunkvolume.com/artist/hopsin/|archive-date=December 11, 2012|access-date=December 19, 2012}} Hopsin has been an avid skateboarder since the age of twelve, and many of his music videos feature him skateboarding.{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9NtIobol04 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/T9NtIobol04 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Who Is Hopsin (Part 2 of 3) |work=HavocTV|date=July 2, 2012|access-date=December 19, 2012}}{{cbignore}} He started rapping at sixteen years old, and took his hobby more seriously by 2003 which is the year the majority of the tracks from Hopsin's self-produced album Emurge were recorded.{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q9jwYw1h54 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/9q9jwYw1h54 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Who Is Hopsin (Part 1 of 3) |work=HavocTV|date=July 26, 2012|access-date=December 19, 2012}}{{cbignore}}

In 2004, Hopsin and a group of friends were arrested for vandalizing James Monroe High School property. It was supposed to be a school prank but later they were all charged and held on $20,000 bail. Hopsin, who dropped out earlier that year, was sent to Los Angeles County Jail where he spent 8 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jun-29-me-vandals29-story.html|title=5 Held in School Vandalism|first=Christiana|last=Sciaudone|date=June 29, 2004|access-date=April 15, 2022|via=LA Times}} Upon his release, he began to pursue a career in music, purchased a microphone, and installed FL Studio (known as FruityLoops at the time) on his computer. He credits Eminem as the rapper that initially got him interested in hip hop music.{{cite news |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/09/hopsin-explains-the-making-of-ill-mind-of-hopsin-5-video/ |title=Hopsin Explains the Making of "Ill Mind of Hopsin 5" [Video]|work=XXL News|date=September 7, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012}}

Music career

=2003–2009: Career beginnings, ''Ruthless Records'' and ''Funk Volume''=

Hopsin began recording his debut project Emurge in 2002 and was eventually released locally in 2003, copies of the project are very sparse and hard to find, a bootleg version appeared online in 2008 and had many extra songs on it, however to this day the album has never been released officially.{{cite web|url=http://www.datpiff.com/Hopsin-Emurge-mixtape.610211.html|title=Hopsin – Emurge Hosted by Trid Tha Kid|access-date=August 16, 2015|archive-date=December 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210063256/http://www.datpiff.com/Hopsin-Emurge-mixtape.610211.html|url-status=dead}} Hopsin had initially signed with Ruthless Records in 2007 and even began recording his debut album as early as 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiehiphop.net/how-they-came-up-the-hopsin-story/|title=How They Came Up: The Hopsin Story|date=February 6, 2012}} He was originally hailed as one of the driving forces behind attempting to bring Ruthless Records back to previous glory.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044603/ruthless-new-blood |title=Ruthless' New Blood |magazine=Billboard |date=August 2008 |access-date=August 25, 2013}} Hopsin's lead single from his debut album "Pans in the Kitchen" was released on May 27, 2008.{{cite web|title=Pans In the Kitchen – Single |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pans-in-the-kitchen-single/id2809803 |publisher=iTunes |access-date=December 19, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The album was set to be self-produced by Hopsin and feature no collaborations with other artists. However his debut album, Gazing at the Moonlight was not released until October 27, 2009, with little to no promotion.{{cite web| title = Gazing At the Moonlight| date = October 27, 2009| url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gazing-at-the-moonlight/id337755122| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120122235157/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gazing-at-the-moonlight/id337755122| url-status = dead| archive-date = January 22, 2012| publisher = iTunes|access-date = December 19, 2012 }} Shortly after the album's release, Hopsin sought his release from Ruthless Records due to lack of financial compensation, artist support, and promotion.{{cite web | last = Dwyer | first = Alex | title = Hopsin Says "Fuck Ruthless Records," Admits Tomica Wright Inspired "Kill Her" | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14216/title.hopsin-says-fuck-ruthless-records-admits-tomica-wright-inspired-kill-her | publisher = Hiphopdx.com | date = February 26, 2011 | access-date = November 3, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121104212012/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14216/title.hopsin-says-fuck-ruthless-records-admits-tomica-wright-inspired-kill-her | archive-date = November 4, 2012 | url-status = dead }} Shortly before the departure from Ruthless Records, Hopsin founded his own independent label, Funk Volume, with Damien Ritter. SwizZz, Damien Ritter's younger brother and a former classmate of Hopsin at Monroe High, was the first artist to be signed to Funk Volume. Shortly after launching Funk Volume, both Hopsin and SwizZz released a collaborative mixtape titled Haywire in June 2009 to promote the label.{{cite web | title = Best Of Hard Knock TV : Hopsin talks Spiderman, Retiring, Moving to Australia + More | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdAxJi9IJhM | publisher =HardKnockTV | date = September 21, 2012 | access-date = December 20, 2012 }} Funk Volume originally wanted to sell it for retail sale, but were unable due to Hopsin still being contracted by Ruthless Records at the time.{{cite web|first=Max |last=Bell |url=http://www.laweekly.com/2013-08-08/music/funk-volume-hopsin-dame-swizzz/ |title=Funk Volume: Valley-Based Rap Label Builds an Independent Empire – Page 1 – Music – Los Angeles |work=LA Weekly |date=August 8, 2013 |access-date=August 25, 2013}} On mixtape website DatPiff, it has been certified Gold for being downloaded over 100,000 times and it later made available for purchase for digital download via iTunes and Amazon.com.

=2010–2011: Success with Funk Volume and ''Raw''=

Hopsin released "Nocturnal Rainbows" as the first single off of his upcoming second album Raw on August 1, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nocturnal-rainbows-single/id616064792 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224040016/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nocturnal-rainbows-single/id616064792 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 24, 2014 |title=iTunes – Music – Nocturnal Rainbows – Single by Hopsin |publisher=iTunes |date=August 1, 2010 |access-date=August 25, 2013}} On October 8, 2010, Hopsin released a music video for the song "Sag My Pants", the second single off Raw on YouTube. The video became a YouTube success and currently has over 37 million views.{{cite web | title = Hopsin – Sag My Pants (Official Music Video HD) | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtfd69DfOak | publisher =Hopsintv | date = October 8, 2010 | access-date = December 19, 2012 }} In the song Hopsin pokes fun and disses other rappers such as Lil Wayne, Drake, Soulja Boy, Lupe Fiasco, Rick Ross and Tomica Wright, the owner of Ruthless Records. Hopsin's second album, Raw, was released on November 19, 2010. In March 2011, Hopsin went on a two-month nationwide tour to promote Raw with the I Am RAW tour.{{Cite web|date=2011-02-28|title=Hopsin Announces I Am RAW Tour Dates|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.14233/title.hopsin-announces-i-am-raw-tour-dates|access-date=2022-02-26|website=HipHopDX}}

In July 2011, Hopsin released the fourth installment of his "Ill Mind of Hopsin" video series which later received over 21 million views on YouTube. In it he disses Tyler, the Creator of the Los Angeles hip hop collective, Odd Future.{{cite web | title = Hopsin – Ill Mind of Hopsin #4 (Tyler The Creator Diss) {{!}} New Hip Hop Music & All The New Rap Songs 2011 | publisher = HipHop DX | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.15877/title.hopsin-ill-mind-of-hopsin-4-tyler-the-creator-diss | date =July 18, 2011 | access-date = November 3, 2012 }} On October 31, 2011, Hopsin was featured in a mobile battle rap game, Battle Rap Stars by Jump Shot Media.

=2012–2013: Mainstream breakthrough and ''Knock Madness''=

File:Hopsin_2013.JPG

In January 2012, Hopsin landed a spot on MTV2's "Sucker Free Sunday" by appearing in Tech N9ne's music video for "Am I A Psycho?".[https://web.archive.org/web/20120208231602/http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/727175/sucker-free-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-with-tech-n9ne-bob-hopsin.jhtml Sucker Free Exclusive: Behind The Scenes With Tech N9ne, B.o.B & Hopsin | Video]. MTV. Retrieved on November 4, 2012. In February 2012 Hopsin appeared on the front cover of XXL as part of their annual "Top 10 Freshmen list" along with fellow rappers French Montana, MGK, Danny Brown, Roscoe Dash, Iggy Azalea, Macklemore, Don Trip, and Kid Ink.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-freshman-2012/ |title=XXL'S 2012 FRESHMAN CLASS |publisher=XXL Mag |date=April 2012 |access-date=January 5, 2013}} In July 2012, Hopsin released the fifth installment of his "Ill Mind of Hopsin" video series which hit YouTube with huge success. It had received over 1 million views in less than 24 hours and currently has over 50 million views.[http://jackthriller.com/2012/07/18/new-video-hopsin-ill-mind-of-hopsin-5/ New Video: @Hopsin – "Ill Mind of Hopsin 5"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130126181431/http://jackthriller.com/2012/07/18/new-video-hopsin-ill-mind-of-hopsin-5/ |date=January 26, 2013 }}. Jack Thriller (July 18, 2012). Retrieved on 2013-02-02.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/hopsin/status/225851524864151552|access-date=2022-02-26|website=Twitter|language=en|title=maan i got 1 MILLION VIEWS on ILL MIND 5 in less than 24 hours! this is freakin WILD! what the hell! you gotta be...}}{{Citation|title=Hopsin – ILL MIND OF HOPSIN 5| date=July 18, 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRVOOwFNp5U|language=en|access-date=2022-02-26}} In "Ill Mind of Hopsin 5" Hopsin expresses his frustration with jaded youth and disenchantment towards other rappers who are unrelatable. It had also charted at number 17 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Digital songs chart.{{Cite magazine|last=Gruger|first=William|date=2012-07-30|title=Hopsin Hops Onto Social 50 Chart After 'Ill Mind' Video Goes Viral|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/hopsin-hops-onto-social-50-chart-after-ill-mind-video-goes-viral-1084419/|access-date=2022-02-26|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}} In October 2012, Hopsin made an appearance on a BET Cypher during the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards alongside Schoolboy Q, Mac Miller and Mystikal.{{Cite web|title=Watch BET Hip Hop Awards 2021 Videos|url=https://www.bet.com/hip-hop-awards/videos|access-date=2022-02-26|website=BET|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=The Cypher Lineup 2012|url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/uhc0gl/the-cypher-lineup-2012/m5a1vp|access-date=2022-02-26|website=BET|language=en}}

Hopsin's album, Knock Madness was released on November 26, 2013, to fairly good success in US Rap Charts.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuv2mvfO_mg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Vuv2mvfO_mg |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Hopsin – ILL MIND OF HOPSIN 6 |author=Hopsin |publisher=YouTube |date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=July 18, 2013 }}{{cbignore}} Featured guests for the album include Dizzy Wright, SwizZz, Jarren Benton, and Tech N9ne. He has said the album has more of a positive message and said it is "better than Dr. Dre's Detox."{{cite web | author = Vasquez, Andres | title = Hopsin Praises Tech N9ne's Support, Explains Odd Future Diss Track {{!}} Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.16403/title.hopsin-praises-tech-n9nes-support-explains-odd-future-diss-track | publisher = HipHop DX | date = August 12, 2011 | access-date = November 17, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131102123113/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.16403/title.hopsin-praises-tech-n9nes-support-explains-odd-future-diss-track | archive-date = November 2, 2013 | url-status = dead }} Hopsin and the rest of the Funk Volume artists went on a three-month worldwide tour in the fall of 2012 which included 58 shows in 60 days in the United States, Europe, and Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/08/hopsin-announces-funk-volume-2012-tour-with-dizzy-wright-swizzz-jarren-benton-video/ |title=Hopsin Announces Funk Volume 2012 Tour with Dizzy Wright, SwizZz & Jarren Benton |work=XXL |publisher=Harris Publications |date=August 16, 2012 |access-date=February 2, 2013}}{{cite web | title = Funk Volume – Timeline Photos | url = https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151169698727235&set=a.422150327234.211663.46326227234&type=1&theater | publisher = Facebook | date =October 5, 2012 | access-date = June 16, 2014 }}

In December 2012, Hopsin had hinted on his Facebook and Twitter pages that he and Travis Barker are working on a project together, further details on the project were yet to be released. However, in late December, Travis Barker would say they are working on a collaboration EP which would be released in 2013.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/hopsin/status/278661725178429441|access-date=2022-02-26|website=Twitter|language=en|title=just finished a good studio session with Travis Barker to work on our EP. got a small skate session in afterwards...}}{{Cite web|date=2012-12-28|title=Travis Barker Says He & Hopsin Are Working On EP Together|url=https://www.ballerstatus.com/2012/12/28/travis-barker-hopsin-working-ep/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215133422/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2012/12/28/travis-barker-hopsin-working-ep/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 15, 2013|access-date=2022-02-26|website=Ballerstatus.com|language=en-US}} Then on February 5, 2012, Hopsin would say all the production had been finished for the EP.{{cite tweet|number=298836009452441600|user=hopsin|title=This EP with Travis Barker is comin along really dope. We finally got all the beats complete for it. Get ready... |access-date=March 26, 2015|date=February 5, 2013}} On January 24, 2013, Funk Volume released a music video featuring the entire roster; Hopsin, Dizzy Wright, SwiZzZ, Jarren Benton and DJ Hoppa for a song titled "Funk Volume 2013."{{Cite web|date=2013-01-24|title=Hopsin, Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, SwizZz & DJ Hoppa: Funk Volume 2013 (Music Video)|url=https://www.ballerstatus.com/2013/01/24/hopsin-dizzy-wright-jarren-benton-swizzz-dj-hoppa-funk-volume-2013-music-video/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215133656/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2013/01/24/hopsin-dizzy-wright-jarren-benton-swizzz-dj-hoppa-funk-volume-2013-music-video/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 15, 2013|access-date=2022-02-26|website=Ballerstatus.com|language=en-US}} On March 30, 2013, performed at the 2013 Paid Dues festival in San Bernardino, California.{{Cite web|title=2013 Paid Dues Lineup Revealed|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/01/2013-paid-dues-lineup-revealed|access-date=2022-02-26|website=Complex|language=en}}

On July 18, 2013, Hopsin released "Ill Mind Six: Old Friend" on his YouTube channel. At the end of the video, the release date for Knock Madness was confirmed as November 26, 2013. He later said that the song is not the sixth song in the "Ill Mind of Hopsin" series, and is instead a track on Knock Madness titled "Old Friend".{{cite tweet|number=371135346748030976|user=hopsin|title=i'll be real, ill mind 6, wasnt really ill mind. its just called "old friend". its a track on knock madness. the real IM6 was too personal |access-date=March 26, 2015|date=August 24, 2013}} Knock Madness was released on November 26, 2013, by Funk Volume and debuted at number 76 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 12,000 copies. The album contains guest appearances from SwizZz, Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton and Tech N9ne along with being production primarily by Hopsin himself. It was also supported by the singles "Hop Is Back" and "Rip Your Heart Out". Following the Knock Madness tour beginning in December 2013, Hopsin planned to go on a hiatus also saying, "When I take a break, I am still going to be making music, I am [just] not going to be out publicly promoting shit. I am just going to be in my own house, doing whatever the fuck I want to do. Finding myself as a person."{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/hopsin-explains-the-stories-behind-his-best-tracks-on-new-album-knock-madness/|access-date=June 9, 2016|date=November 20, 2013|title=Hopsin Explains The Stories Behind His Best Tracks On New Album 'Knock Madness'|first=Eric|last=Diep|magazine=XXL}}

=2014–2015: ''Pound Syndrome''=

On January 30, 2014, while on tour, Hopsin was scheduled to perform a show in Fort Collins, Colorado, but feeling deeply depressed and even suicidal he walked out the back door of the venue before the performance. He hid in a house under construction until he called a friend to pick him up.{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/for-rapper-hopsin-winning-fans-is-easy-everything-else-is-hard-5079806|title=For Rapper Hopsin, Winning Fans Is Easy. Everything Else Is Hard|work=LA Weekly|date=September 16, 2014|access-date=September 4, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rOSUbqvJzc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/9rOSUbqvJzc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title= Hopsin on What Happened in Fort Collins, Dizzy Wright, Suicidal Thoughts|work=YouTube|date=July 31, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2015}}{{cbignore}} However, on July 11, 2015, to make amends, he performed a free show for fans in Fort Collins at the same venue where he was originally to perform and dedicated a song titled "Fort Collins" on his album Pound Syndrome.{{cite web|url=http://www.cervantesmasterpiece.com/event/895129-hopsin-free-make-up-show-fort-collins/|title=Hopsin "Free Make Up Show" @ THE AGGIE THEATRE|work=Cervantes' Masterpiece|access-date=September 4, 2015}}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On July 1, 2014, Hopsin posted a picture of his mugshot stating that he would be releasing "Ill Mind of Hopsin 7" on July 18, 2014. He then stated that it was for sure the realest song he has ever wrote in his career.{{cite tweet|number=484012304371970048|user=hopsin|title=ILL MIND OF HOPSIN 7 will be here July 18 |access-date=March 26, 2015|date=July 1, 2014}}{{cite tweet|number=486524163319152640|user=hopsin|title=10 days till ILL MIND of Hopsin 7. This is for sure the realest shit I have ever written in my whole career. my... |access-date=March 26, 2015|date=July 8, 2014}} The video for "Ill Mind of Hopsin 7" had gotten over 1 million YouTube views in a day. On "Ill Mind of Hopsin 7", Hopsin lyrically shares his religious beliefs, his views on other religious beliefs and the connections between religion, history and governance.

Hopsin had revealed on his Instagram that he would be retiring from rap and moving to Australia. However, on December 25, 2014, Hopsin shared a video on his YouTube channel called "The REAL reason Hopsin left the music industry" with label mate Jarren Benton inspired by the film Dumb and Dumber To which stated that he was not quitting rap and it was all a joke, also revealing that he will be releasing a new album called Pound Syndrome in 2015.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ICvfRjmdFM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/_ICvfRjmdFM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=The REAL reason Hopsin left the music industry|date=December 25, 2014|work=YouTube|access-date=March 26, 2015}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.31884/title.hopsin-not-quitting-rap-says-it-was-a-prank|title=Hopsin Not Quitting Rap, Says It Was A Prank|author=HipHopDX|date=December 26, 2014|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 26, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://hiphop-n-more.com/2014/12/hopsin-says-hes-quitting-rap-moving-to-australia/|title=Hopsin Says He's Quitting Rap & Moving To Australia (Update: he's not)|author=Navjosh|date=December 25, 2014|access-date=March 26, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hopsin-announces-pound-syndrome-album-with-art-news.13388.html|title=Hopsin Announces "Pound Syndrome" Album With Art|first=Rose|last=Lilah|work=HotNewHipHop|date=December 26, 2014|access-date=March 26, 2015}}

On May 27, 2015, an interview was released on Sway Calloway's YouTube channel, touching on his appearance at Soundest Music Festival, and announcing that Pound Syndrome would be released on July 24. In the interview, he said that this is "definitely the best album that [he's] ever created, hands down."{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=137&v=O-OOZF7XALY|title=Soundset 2015: Hopsin on Performing at the Biggest Hip-Hop Festival in the World + His Best Album|publisher=YouTube|date=May 27, 2015|website=SwaysUniverse.com|access-date=June 9, 2016|time=2:17}} In June 2015, both "Sag My Pants" and "Ill Mind of Hopsin 5" were certified Gold by the RIAA. On June 1, 2015, the first single off the album "Crown Me" was released. The second single "Fly" was released on July 8, 2015. Also in July 2015, it was announced that Hopsin had signed a distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records. Pound Syndrome was released on July 24, 2015. The album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 17,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34929/title.hip-hop-album-sales-eminem-future-meek-mill|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: Eminem, Future & Meek Mill|date=August 3, 2015}}

=2016–2018: ''Undercover Prodigy'' and ''No Shame''=

In January 2016, Hopsin had announced on social media that his label Funk Volume, is "officially dead", due to ongoing business issues and financial disputes with his business partner and co-founder of the label, Damien Ritter.{{cite web|last1=Rose|first1=Lilah|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hopsin-says-funk-volume-is-officially-dead-news.19504.html|title=Hopsin Says Funk Volume Is "Officially Dead"|work=HotNewHipHop|date=January 7, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2019}} In March 2016, Hopsin released "Ill Mind of Hopsin 8".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/ill-mind-of-hopsin-8/1120926350|title=Ill Mind of Hopsin 8 by Hopsin|website=Apple Music|date=March 8, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2019}} The song was a diss track directed towards Damien Ritter and Funk Volume.{{cite web|url=https://revolt.tv/stories/2016/03/08/hopsin-explains-funk-volume-split-ill-mind-hopsin-8-233aaa5774|title=Hopsin Explains Funk Volume Split In "Ill Mind Of Hopsin 8"|work=Revolt|date=March 8, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717005802/https://revolt.tv/stories/2016/03/08/hopsin-explains-funk-volume-split-ill-mind-hopsin-8-233aaa5774|url-status=dead}} Hopsin officially left Funk Volume after the song's release and went on to create a new label called Undercover Prodigy.{{cite news|last1=Hernandez|first1=Victoria|title=Hopsin Finds Freedom After Leaving Funk Volume|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.37805/title.hopsin-finds-freedom-after-leaving-funk-volume|access-date=July 16, 2019|publisher=HipHopDX|date=March 8, 2016}} Hopsin later went on to release more singles with his new label with, "Bout the Business" on April 20,{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/bout-the-business-single/1120697010|title=Bout the Business – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2019}} "Die This Way" on May 31,{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/die-this-way-feat-matt-black/1119325183|title=Die This Way (feat. Matt Black & Joey Tee) – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2019}} "False Advertisement" on August 25,{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/false-advertisement-single/1148329306|title=False Advertisement – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=August 25, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2019}} and "Scrollin" with Futuristic off his As Seen on the Internet album on August 26.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/as-seen-on-the-internet/1140184779|title=As Seen on the Internet by Futuristic|website=Apple Music|date=August 26, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2019}}

In February 2017, Hopsin confirmed he was working on his next studio album and released the singles "All Your Fault", and "Bus That" on April 17.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/all-your-fault-single/1207705366|title=All Your Fault – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=February 20, 2017|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cite web|last1=Findlay|first1=Mitch|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hopsin-bus-that-new-song.1973721.html|title=Hopsin – Bus That|work=HotNewHipHop|date=April 17, 2017|access-date=July 16, 2019}} On September 22, 2017, Hopsin released the lead single to his fifth album titled, "The Purge".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-purge-single/1285743064|title=The Purge – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716235401/https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-purge-single/1285743064|url-status=dead}} The following single, "Happy Ending", was released as the second single on October 13.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/happy-ending-single/1294330469|title=Happy Ending – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716235401/https://music.apple.com/us/album/happy-ending-single/1294330469|url-status=dead}} In the same month, Hopsin confirmed in an interview that he signed a distribution deal with 300 Entertainment.{{cite web|url=https://faygoluvers.net/v5/2017/10/hopsin-talks-300-deal-keys-to-success-more-interview/|title=Hopsin talks 300 Deal, Keys To Success, more! [Interview]|date=October 6, 2017|access-date=November 1, 2017}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8022133/hopsin-signs-deal-300-entertainment|title=Hopsin Signs to 300 Entertainment, Premieres New Video 'Witch Doctor': Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|date=November 2017|access-date=November 1, 2017}} On November 1, 2017, Hopsin released the third single, "Witch Doctor", and announced and revealed the album's title and cover of his fifth studio album titled, No Shame.{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/video/2017/11/hopsin-witch-doctor-video-no-shame-project/|title=Hopsin Drops 'Witch Doctor' Video, Teases 'No Shame' Album|work=XXL|date=November 2017 |access-date=November 1, 2017}} The album was released on November 24, 2017, and debuted at number 42 on the US Billboard 200 chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2017-12-16|title=Billboard 200 – December 16, 2017|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 16, 2019}}

Following the release of No Shame, Hopsin later went on to release music videos from the album with, "Ill Mind of Hopsin 9", being released the same day as the album's fourth single.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM9b5C26hvs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/eM9b5C26hvs |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Hopsin – ILL MIND of HOPSIN 9|date=November 23, 2017 |publisher=Hopsintv|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|last1=Findlay|first1=Mitch|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hopsin-dives-into-his-twisted-psyche-on-ill-mind-9-new-song.1976394.html|title=Hopsin Dives Into His Twisted Psyche On "Ill Mind Of Hopsin 9"|work=HotNewHipHop|date=November 24, 2017|access-date=July 16, 2019}} "Panorama City" and "Tell'em Who You Got It From" were released in January and February 2018, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ1MbrqrEjA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/SQ1MbrqrEjA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Hopsin – Panorama City – feat. Joeytee|date=January 26, 2018 |publisher=Hopsintv|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-BfaQQxuO4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/p-BfaQQxuO4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Hopsin – Tell'em Who You Got it From (Official Music Video)|date=February 20, 2018 |publisher=Hopsintv|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}} In July 2018, Hopsin appeared on a single and music video with Canadian rapper Dax titled, "YourWorthIt.org".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWOez0pl7xM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/cWOez0pl7xM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Dax – "YourWorthIt.org" ft. Hopsin (Official Music Video)|publisher=Dax|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/yourworthit-org/1408108864|title=YourWorthIt.org – Single by Dax & Hopsin|work=Apple Music|access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716235359/https://music.apple.com/us/album/yourworthit-org/1408108864|url-status=dead}} In December 2018, Hopsin released the singles "Low-Key" and "Hell's Carol".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/low-key-single/1447383964|title=Low-Key – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=December 21, 2018|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/hells-carol-single/1448040223|title=Hell's Carol – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=December 25, 2018|access-date=July 16, 2019}}

=2019–present: Hiatus and return to music=

On January 28, 2019, Hopsin released another collaboration with Dax titled, "You Should've Known".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-shouldve-known-single/1450307760|title=You Should've Known (feat. Dax) – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7pteqWRYu4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Y7pteqWRYu4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Hopsin – You Should've Known (feat. DAX)|date=January 28, 2019 |publisher=Hopsintv|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|last1=Jahmal|first1=Karlton|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hopsin-and-dax-step-into-the-world-of-bird-box-for-you-should-ve-known-visuals-new-video.44958.html|title=Hopsin & Dax Step Into The World of "Bird Box" For "You Should've Known" Visuals|publisher=HotNewHipHop|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=July 16, 2019}} Hopsin later went on to release the singles "The Old Us" and "Picasso" on February 28 and May 8, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-old-us-single/1454321864|title=The Old Us – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=February 28, 2019|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cite web|last1=Findlay|first1=Mitch|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hopsin-arranges-scattered-thoughts-on-lyrical-banger-picasso-new-song.1982902.html|title=Hopsin Arranges Scattered Thoughts On Lyrical Banger "Picasso|work=HotNewHipHop|date=May 8, 2019|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/picasso-single/1462379220|title=Picasso – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=May 8, 2019|access-date=July 16, 2019}} On July 15, 2019, Hopsin released a new song titled, "I Don't Want It".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxqVPcDaYFQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/CxqVPcDaYFQ |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Hopsin – I Don't Want It|date=July 15, 2019 |publisher=Hopsintv|access-date=July 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}} In the song, he announces that he will be taking a break from music to recover from problems in his personal life.{{cite web|last1=Findlay|first1=Mitch|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hopsin-drops-off-emotional-new-track-i-dont-want-it-new-song.1983786.html|title=Hopsin Drops Off Emotional New Track "I Don't Want It|work=HotNewHipHop|date=July 15, 2019|access-date=July 16, 2019}}

On February 16, 2020, Hopsin uploaded a video to his YouTube channel announcing his return from his hiatus and announcing an upcoming album.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfX6orrR2oc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/wfX6orrR2oc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=I'm Good|publisher=Hopsintv|date=February 16, 2020|access-date=March 4, 2020}}{{cbignore}} On April 21, Hopsin released a new single titled, "Covid Mansion".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/covid-mansion-single/1508400795|title=Covid Mansion – Single by Hopsin|work=Apple Music|date=April 21, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020}}

In September 2020, Hopsin joined the advisory board of music social networking startup Artist Republik.{{Cite web|last=Turner|first=Rianna|title=Rapper Hopsin Joins Board Of Directors At Social Media Startup Artist Republik|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/riannaturner/2020/09/02/rapper-hopsin-joins-board-of-directors-at-social-media-startup-artist-republik/|access-date=September 25, 2020|website=Forbes|language=en}}

Controversy

=Tyler, the Creator=

{{Listen|pos = right

|filename=Hopsin - Ill Mind of Hopsin 4.ogg

|title= Ill Mind of Hopsin 4

|description=A sample of Ill Mind of Hopsin 4 which features his most known Tyler, the Creator diss.

}}

In July 2011 Hopsin released "Ill Mind of Hopsin 4" which in the second verse he disses Tyler, the Creator of the Los Angeles hip hop collective, Odd Future and his "Yonkers" music video. Hopsin said that he hates Odd Future's music, noting its negativity and "random" lyrical content and criticizing the group's production values.{{Cite web|title=Hopsin Talks About His Beef With Tyler, The Creator : KillerHipHop.com|url=https://www.killerhiphop.com/hopsin-talks-about-his-beef-with-tyler-the-creator/|access-date=2022-02-26|language=en}} Tyler responded via Formspring, stating that although "[Hopsin] can rap," Tyler felt that Hopsin was "bitter" and attempting to "get a name" by dissing Tyler and Odd Future.{{cite web|url=http://www.formspring.me/wolfhaley/q/217266645192703752 |title=Huge fan but no lie, Hopsin went in. Are you gonna respond? This might be something worth responding to. Formspring |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219003546/http://www.formspring.me/wolfhaley/q/217266645192703752 |archive-date=February 19, 2013 |url-status=dead }}. Formspring.me (July 18, 2011). Retrieved on 2013-02-02. Hopsin later said he did not have a beef with Tyler.[http://www.themaskedgorilla.com/hopsin-addresses-tyler-the-creator-beef-w-the-masked-gorilla/ TheMaskedGorilla] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911091308/http://www.themaskedgorilla.com/hopsin-addresses-tyler-the-creator-beef-w-the-masked-gorilla/ |date=September 11, 2013 }}. TheMaskedGorilla (April 28, 2012). Retrieved on 2013-02-02.

=Soulja Boy=

Hopsin's feud with Soulja Boy dates back to Hopsin's single "Sag My Pants", in which he disses Soulja. In late 2011, Soulja Boy called Hopsin "dope" but said that he wouldn't bother dissing him until Hopsin got more known.{{cite web|url=http://www.defsounds.com/hip-hop-news/rap-beef-soulja-boy-goes-in-on-hopsin-says-diss-track-is-on-the-way|title=[Rap Beef] Soulja Boy Goes In On Hopsin, Says Diss Track Is On The Way|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827034708/http://www.defsounds.com/hip-hop-news/rap-beef-soulja-boy-goes-in-on-hopsin-says-diss-track-is-on-the-way/|archive-date=August 27, 2012|url-status=dead|work=Defsounds.com|date=August 25, 2012|access-date=February 2, 2013}} On August 25, 2012, Soulja Boy made controversial comments towards Hopsin on one of his webcam chats with his fans when Soulja stated "Fuck Hopsin. I'm about to go in the studio and record this Hopsin diss real quick". He continued, saying: "That nigga's a bitch; fuck that bitch ass nigga." Two days later on August 27, 2012, Hopsin and Soulja confronted each other on Tinychat where Hopsin goaded Soulja into dissing him.{{Citation|title=Hopsin & Soulja Boy Confront Each Other On Tinychat (WORLDSTARHIPHOP)| date=August 27, 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbnRhctSpcw|language=en|access-date=2022-02-26}} On September 3, 2012, Soulja released a Hopsin diss entitled "That Nigga Not Me", to which Hopsin has not responded. In an interview with Tim Westwood following that diss, Hopsin put down the diss song as horrible and said the only rapper he has legitimate beef with is Soulja Boy. He also said he is contemplating "smashing the hell out of Soulja's career."{{Cite web|date=2012-11-14|title=Hopsin Debating Whether Or Not To "Smash The Hell Out Of Soulja Boy & His Whole Career"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hospin-debating-wether-or-not-to-smash-the-hell-out-of-soulja-boy-and-his-whole-career-news.3470.html|access-date=2022-02-26|website=HotNewHipHop|language=en}}

=Orlando arrest=

File:Hopsin mugshot 2012-8-26.jpg, August 26, 2012]]

On August 25, 2012, Hopsin was scheduled to perform at Club 57 West, a popular night club located in Orlando, Florida. At the last minute, the club promoters chose to pull the last opening act, causing a verbal altercation between the club promoters and the artist's entourage. Some witnesses claim Hopsin tried to settle the argument verbally, while Hopsin claims he tried to defuse a fight outside of the club on his way to 7-Eleven (without indicating whether this was the same conflict, or something unrelated). At one point, Hopsin even offered 15 minutes of his own set to help find a solution to the problem.{{Cite web|url=http://www.reporlandohiphop.com/2012/08/26/hopsin-arrested-before-performance-in-orlando-at-57-west/|access-date=2022-02-26|website=www.reporlandohiphop.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920004936/http://www.reporlandohiphop.com/2012/08/26/hopsin-arrested-before-performance-in-orlando-at-57-west/|archive-date= September 20, 2012|url-status=usurped|title=Hopsin Arrested Before Performance in Orlando at 57 West}} Hopsin was detained shortly thereafter once police responded to the initial call stemming from the altercation inside the club. According to court records, he was arrested for disorderly conduct. On September 21, the assistant state attorney decided not to officially file the information. Hopsin later commented on the case, referring to the police officer as a racist.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26364/title.hopsin-says-2012-arrest-was-unfair-racially-motivated|title=Hopsin Says 2012 Arrest Was Unfair & Racially Motivated|author=HipHopDX|date=November 22, 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125001430/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26364/title.hopsin-says-2012-arrest-was-unfair-racially-motivated/|archive-date=November 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}

="Happy Ending"=

Hopsin’s critically panned{{cite web | url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/hopsin-no-shame/ | title=Hopsin: No Shame | website=Pitchfork }}{{cite web | url=https://www.theneedledrop.com/features/2017/12/10-worst-singles-of-2017 | title=10 Worst Singles of 2017 | date=December 20, 2017 }} 2017 single "Happy Ending", off of No Shame, revived criticism for its depiction of Asian women as hyper-sexualized and submissive massage parlor workers.{{cite web | url=https://nextshark.com/hopspin-rapper-asian-women-sexist-music-video-happy-ending/ | title=Rapper Reduces Asian Women to Sex Objects with Incredibly Sexist Music Video | date=October 13, 2017 }}{{cite web | url=https://asamnews.com/2017/10/14/no-happy-ending-to-racist-song/ | title=No Happy Ending to Racist Song | date=October 14, 2017 }} The video was also initially taken down by YouTube for including nudity; Hopsin criticized the decision, stating that there were no visible nipples and he wore a "dick sock" to hide his genitalia.{{cite web | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/10/hopsin-happy-ending-video/ | title=Hopsin Gets a Happy Ending in New Video - XXL | date=October 13, 2017 }}{{cite web | url=https://hiphop-n-more.com/2017/10/hopsin-happy-ending/ | title=Watch Hopsin's Absurd New Video 'Happy Ending' | date=October 13, 2017 }} He later apologized for any offense he caused to the Asian community with the video.{{cite web | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/hopsin-interview-no-shame-album/ | title=Hopsin Bounces Back with 'No Shame' After Experiencing a Downfall - XXL | date=November 24, 2017 }}

Acting career

Hopsin got his start in entertainment appearing as a background extra in movies and Disney Channel TV shows such as John Tucker Must Die, Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, Cold Case, Malcolm in the Middle and Gilmore Girls among many others.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26839/title.hopsin-addresses-suicide-tweets-and-upcoming-hiatus|title=Hopsin Addresses Suicide Tweets And Upcoming Hiatus|author=HipHopDX|date=January 1, 2014|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103073619/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26839/title.hopsin-addresses-suicide-tweets-and-upcoming-hiatus/|archive-date=January 3, 2014|url-status=dead}} His most notable work was on That's So Raven, which he worked on for several years, starting when he was 15.{{Cite web|date=2013-01-17|title=Hopsin Recalls Acting On "That's So Raven," Trashes Lil Wayne's Skateboarding|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.22578/title.hopsin-recalls-acting-on-thats-so-raven-trashes-lil-waynes-skateboarding|access-date=2022-02-26|website=HipHopDX}} In the entire course of his appearances he only had a speaking part a single time. He also made an appearance in the 2009 film Fame as a rapper. In 2015, Hopsin co-starred in the second season of the TV drama series Murder in the First.{{cite web|access-date=June 9, 2016|url=http://www.faygoluvers.net/v5/2015/06/hopsin-to-be-on-tnts-murder-in-the-first/|title=Hopsin to be on TNT's "Murder in the First"?|date=June 2, 2015|website=Faygoluvers.net}}

Public image

In 2004, Hopsin began wearing colored eye contacts in appearances in interviews, music videos, and performances. He stated that he used the contacts to give himself a memorable appearance and differentiate himself from other African American rappers.{{cite news|last=Dwyer|first=Alex|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1661/title.hopsin-something-wicked|title=Hopsin: Something Wicked|magazine=XXL News|date=February 28, 2011|access-date=December 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104054223/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1661/title.hopsin-something-wicked|archive-date=November 4, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Hopsin is against drug and alcohol usage, and has criticized how mainstream entertainers promote usage of drugs and alcohol to youth. In some of his tracks, such as "Nocturnal Rainbows", he emphasizes his dislike for drugs (most notably crystal meth) and the irreversible damage they are capable of. Hopsin has stated that he tries to be a hip hop musician who can instill positive influences in people who listen to his music.{{cite news|url=http://www.killerhiphop.com/killerhiphop-exclusive-hopsin-interview/|title=KillerHipHop Exclusive: Hopsin Interview|date=January 17, 2012|access-date=December 19, 2012|website=KillerHipHop.com|author=Quez}} He follows a straight edge lifestyle, and has claimed to have never drank alcohol, taken recreational drugs, or smoked.{{ cite web | url = http://thenehiphop.com/hopsin-talks-slowing-down-on-diss-tracks-being-straight-edge-on-tour-his-retirement-hoax/ | title = Hopsin Talks Slowing Down On Diss Tracks, Being Straight Edge On Tour & His Retirement Hoax | website = thenehiphop.com | publication-date = July 20, 2015 | date = May 24, 2015 | access-date = August 18, 2016 | format = video | time = 1:45 | quote = Yeah, I'm straight edge, 100%, never tried, never drink, never smoke, never done any drug in my whole life. | location = Shakopee, Minnesota }}

Discography

Studio albums

Gazing at the Moonlight (2009)
Raw (2010)
Knock Madness (2013)
Pound Syndrome (2015)
No Shame (2017)

Filmography

=Films=

class="wikitable"
style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;" ! Title	Year	Role	Other notes
Max Keeble's Big Move	2001	Pizza Parlor Guy	Extra
Fame	2009	Senior Rapper	Supporting role
Bomb the World	2010	Face	Starring role
Independent Living: The Funk Volume Documentary	2013	Himself	Starring role

=Television=

class="wikitable"
style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;" ! Title	Year	Role	Other notes
That's So Raven	2003	Guy #2	Extra 1 episode ("To See or Not to See")
Murder In The First	2015	Fatty B
Paradise City	2021	Gabriel