Aston Matthews

{{Short description|Guatemalan-American rapper (born 1989)}} {{Distinguish|Austin Matthews|Auston Matthews}} {{Multiple issues| {{notability|Music|date=December 2017}} {{BLP sources|date=July 2016}} }} {{Use American English|date=February 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = A$ton Matthews | image = | caption = | birth_name = Matthew Lopez | alias = {{hlist|Brick Flair|Chapovelli|The Tan Moses|Mini Van Dan}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|10|30}} | birth_place = Los Angeles, California, US | genre = Hip hop | occupation = Rapper | instrument = Vocals | years_active = 2011–present | label = Yamborghini | current_member_of = Cutthroat Boyz | website = {{URL|astonmatthewsmusic.com}} }}

'''Matthew Lopez''' (born October 30, 1989), known professionally as '''Aston Matthews''' (stylized as '''A$ton Matthews'''), is a Guatemalan-American rapper from Los Angeles, California.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/meet-aton-matthews-west-coast-gangster-raps-best-kept-secret/|title=Meet A$ton Matthews, West Coast Gangster Rap's Best Kept Secret|work=NOISEY|date=17 June 2013 |access-date=2016-07-27}}</ref> He began to gain recognition in 2014 following the release of his second mixtape, ''A$ton 3:16''. Matthews is also a part of the Los Angeles hip-hop trio Cutthroat Boyz alongside fellow Californian rappers Vince Staples and Joey Fatts.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.2313/title.aton-matthews-anticipates-displaying-his-versatility-with-aton-316|title=A$ton Matthews Anticipates Displaying His Versatility With "A$ton 3:16"|work=HipHopDX|date=13 March 2014 |language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-27}}</ref>

== Early life == Matthew Lopez was born October 30, 1989, in the city of Los Angeles, California. Born of Guatemalan immigrants, Lopez spent much of his formative years between Los Angeles, Hawaiian Gardens, Gardena, and Carson, California.<ref name="Montes">{{Cite news|url=http://www.ocweekly.com/music/after-almost-dying-aston-matthews-became-a-rapper-6586787|title=After Almost Dying, Aston Matthews Became a Rapper|last=Montes|first=Patrick|date=2013-09-17|work=OC Weekly|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> Lopez, a self described multi-sport athlete, played varsity football throughout the duration of his high school career. It is during this time that he became a member of the West Side Pirus, a faction of the Bloods based in Carson, California.<ref name="Montes"/> On May 31, 2008, Lopez was involved in an altercation at a house party where he was shot in his heart by a .40 caliber bullet, breaking his ribs, and tearing his stomach in the process. After making a full recovery, Lopez began to write and record songs about his life.<ref name="Montes"/>

== Career ==

=== 2009-11: Career beginnings and ''NOFVCKSGIVEN'' === Following his recovery Lopez would practice writing, rapping, and recording one song a day for two years before releasing his first solo project.<ref name="http://hiphopdx.com">{{Cite news|url=http://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.2313/title.aton-matthews-anticipates-displaying-his-versatility-with-aton-316|title=A$ton Matthews Anticipates Displaying His Versatility With "A$ton 3:16"|work=HipHopDX|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref> On November 4, 2011, Lopez would release "NOFVCKSGIVEN." Lopez described his approach to the project in an interview with VICE as, "I'm just gonna go in on a bunch of beats, make some random crazy shit and see what the fuck happens."<ref name=":0" /> ''NOFVCKSGIVEN'' largely narrated the events leading up to Lopez's shooting, as well as describing it from his own point of view on the song "May 31st" which also featured then rising rap artist ScHoolboy Q.<ref>{{Citation|last=FeelKrooKed|title=A$ton Matthews (Ft. Schoolboy Q) - May 31st|date=2011-11-14|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXNTLnXKtuE|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref> When he began to rap himself, Lopez primarily studied the flow and musical patterns of Eminem, also citing Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, G-Unit, and The Diplomats as direct influences to his style.<ref name="Montes"/>

Prior to recording ''NOFVCKSGIVEN'', Lopez would be introduced to Vince Staples through a mutual friend. Staples and Lopez would go on to collaborate on numerous occasions, ultimately appearing together on Lopez's first project. After the release of ''NOFVCKSGIVEN'' Staples would introduce Lopez to A$AP Yams who admired Lopez's unique rap style and wanted to further develop him as an artist.<ref name="hiphopdx.com">{{Cite news|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.36653/title.aap-ferg-on-aap-yams-hes-very-much-still-alive-to-me#|title=A$AP Ferg On A$AP Yams: He's Very Much Still Alive To Me|work=HipHopDX|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2011-12: Cutthroat Boyz and ''Versace Ragz'' === After forming Cutthroat Boyz with rising west coast rap artist Vince Staples and Joey Fatts,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/arts/music/asap-yams-partner-to-hip-hops-asap-rocky.html|title=ASAP Yams, Partner to Hip-Hop's ASAP Rocky|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|date=2013-01-25|work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-05-29|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Yams would go on to manage Lopez and oversee his next project entitled "Versace Ragz."<ref name="http://hiphopdx.com"/><ref name="hiphopdx.com"/> The title served as an ode to New Orleans rap legend Juvenile's sophomore album Solja Rags. The project furthermore paid tribute as the cover art featured a hand drawn Lopez in the style of early 1990s New Orleans rap album covers made popular by Cash Money Records.

On August 4, 2012, Lopez would release Versace Ragz. The project featured rising New York artists Da$h, RetcH, and Bodega Bamz, as well as Vince Staples. Three weeks later on August 24, 2012, Lopez would premiere his debut music video 'Triple HHH' the video featured both Staples and Fatts, marking the first appearance together on film as Cutthroat Boyz.<ref>{{Citation|last=Brick Flair|title=A$ton Matthews - Triple HHH (Official Music Video)|date=2012-08-24|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAmcX-CTeEI|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref>

On November 6, 2012, Lopez released a remix to the project's lead single "Mini Van Dan" featuring A$AP Nast, Danny Brown, and Flatbush Zombies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://2dopeboyz.com/2012/11/06/aston-matthews-min-van-dan-rmx-f-danny-brown-asap-nast-flatbush-zombies/|title=A$ton Matthews – Mini Van Dan (rmx) f. Danny Brown, A$AP Nast & Flatbush ZOMBiES|last=Meka|website=2DOPEBOYZ|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> A week later on November 12, 2012, Lopez would release an official video to "Hell in a Cell".<ref>{{Citation|last=Blowhiphoptv|title=ASTON MATTHEWS "HELL IN A CELL" (Official Video)|date=2012-11-12|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwFyFif2N4|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref>

Since Versace Ragz release, Lopez has been regarded as being a pioneer in experimental gangster rap as his subject matter reflected a mixture of gang life and the implementation of WWE Wrestling references.<ref name=":0" /> Lopez has often referred to himself in song as several monikers in homage to wrestlers including; Brick Flair, his most popular moniker in tribute to Ric Flair, Mini Van Dan, in tribute to Rob Van Dam, Big Poppa Pump, in tribute to Scott Steiner,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/aston-matthews-scott-steiner|title=Listen to A$ton Matthews Shout Out "Scott Steiner" in New Song|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> Eddie Guerrero's Hologram, in tribute to Eddie Guerrero, and Latino Heat, also in tribute to Guerrero.

=== 2013-14: ''A$ton 3:16'' and Touring === Following the success of Versace Ragz, Lopez would join A$AP Rocky on the European leg of his Live.Love.A$AP Tour in May 2013. Lopez was then announced to make a feature appearance on A$AP Ferg's debut album Trap Lord before joining his first nationwide tour 'Turnt x Burnt' as a supporting act the following Fall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52359-aap-ferg-and-aap-mob-plot-turnt-x-burnt-tour/|title=A$AP Ferg and A$AP Mob Plot "Turnt x Burnt" Tour {{!}} Pitchfork|website=pitchfork.com|date=19 September 2013 |language=en|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/trap-lord-tracklist|title=Here's the Tracklist for A$AP Ferg's "Trap Lord" Album|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2017-05-30}}</ref>

On January 16, 2013, Lopez sold out his first show at The Roxy alongside Staples and Fatts, marking the group's first performance and appearance together on stage as The Cutthroat Boyz.<ref>{{Citation|last=Brock Fetch|title=Vince Staples, Joey Fatts, and Aston Matthews Live at The Roxy|date=2013-01-20|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJAvUOjDN0g|accessdate=2017-06-01}}</ref>

On May 1, 2013, Lopez released an official video to "Mack 11," also announcing he was currently working with legendary hip-hop producers Alchemist and Evidence (of Dilated Peoples).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Citation|last=Brick Flair|title=A$ton Matthews - Mack 11|date=2013-05-01|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54YWTrO9wG4|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref>

In June 2013, it was announced Lopez was working on a new project entitled 'A$ton 3:16' which he would describe as a departure from his former projects, "Showcasing [my] rap ability across the board."<ref name=":0" /> In an interview with HipHopDX, Lopez described his experience with both producers as,<ref name=":1" />

{{Quote box |quote = "I can really rap. I'm young, so I like to have fun with those trap beats and the heavy 808s. When I go to shows, I like to get crazy, and that's just my style. I can really spit though, and that's why I think that I make my best music whenever I'm with Alchemist and Evidence. I love making music with those guys because they challenge me to channel in to a whole different side of my brain that I didn't even know was there." |quoted = 1 }}

On October 3, 2013, it was revealed Lopez would appear on the soundtrack of Grand Theft Auto V via the song 'R-Cali' alongside A$AP Rocky.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/03/rockstar-reveals-definitive-gta-5-radio-station-song-list-4133849/|title=Rockstar reveals definitive GTA 5 radio station song list|last=Metro.co.uk|first=Metro Music Reporter for|date=2013-10-03|website=Metro|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref>

Two weeks later on October 16, 2013, Lopez released an official video to "Like This" the video quickly became a viral sensation garnering over 500,000 YouTube views upon release.<ref>{{Citation|last=Brick Flair|title=A$ton Matthews - Like This (Prod By Joey Fatts)|date=2013-10-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oBAXkxCRts|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref>

On December 16, 2013, Lopez released an official video to "Free Wavy Crockett II" an official followup to "Free Wavy Crockett" off his NOFVCKSGIVEN project, both songs and video pay homage to incarcerated New York rap artist Max B whom frequently went by the moniker 'Wavy Crockett'.<ref>{{Citation|last=Blowhiphoptv|title=A$TON MATTHEWS "FREE WAVY CROCKETT II" (Music Video)|date=2013-12-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCxiHMFZBWY|accessdate=2017-06-01}}</ref>

On January 29, 2014, Lopez debuted a single off the project entitled 'T.L.C.' which featured Action Bronson, Flatbush Zombies, and A$AP Yams. The song is Lopez's most streamed song on SoundCloud to date, garnering over 1,000,000 streams to date.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/aston-matthews-f-action-bronson-flatbush-zombies-tlc|title=A$ton Matthews Shares Some "TLC" Alongside Action Bronson and Flatbush Zombies|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=TLC (Feat. Action Bronson, Flatbush Zombies, Yams & Bari)(Produced by. V.Don)|url=https://soundcloud.com/brickflair/tlc-ft-action-bronson-flatbush|language=en|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref>

On February 10, 2014, Lopez released an official video to "Praey". Two weeks later on February 24, 2014, released an official video to "What You Need" directed by Andy Hines, the video features a cameo by A$AP Rocky.<ref name="Brick Flair">{{Citation|last=Brick Flair|title=A$ton Matthews - What You Need (Prod by Jay Curry)|date=2014-02-24|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAZniCMPgsY|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Brick Flair|title=A$ton Matthews - PRÆY (Prod By Joey Fatts)|date=2014-02-10|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLxxWdTHfbc|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref>

On February 20, 2014, Yams tweeted a flyer confirming Lopez's appearance at SXSW Music Festival,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/asapyams/status/436651579014262784|title=...... on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en}}</ref> one month later on March 14, 2014, Yams would post footage of Lopez performing a verse over an early version of A$AP Mob's single "Hella Hoes", to his Tumblr.<ref>{{Citation|last=xXKnightXx|title=A$AP MOB - Hella Hoes (Feat. A$AP Rocky, A$AP Nast, A$AP Twelvyy, A$AP Ferg & A$ton Matthews)|date=2014-03-14|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtPBKdpCBCg|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref> Lopez would later perform his verse in its entirety alongside the group at SXSW's House of Vans stage sponsored by Vibe Magazine and Vans.

On March 16, 2014, Lopez released A$ton 3:16 via SoundCloud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/brickflair/sets/aston-3-16|title=ASTON 3:16|website=SoundCloud|language=en|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> The title acted as an ode to WWE Wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin, and featured 19 songs in total. The album's cover art pays homage to Ice Cube's Death Certificate, Lopez has said in interviews his father was an Ice Cube fan and frequently played his albums growing up.<ref name="http://hiphopdx.com"/> Executive produced by both Yams and Chace Infinite, the project featured production by Evidence, Alchemist, Jay Curry and Dj Khalil, as well as guest appearances by Action Bronson, Ab-Soul, Flatbush Zombies, A$AP Ferg, Vince Staples, and Bodega Bamz.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/03/aston-matthews-aston-316-mixtape-stream|title=Listen to A$ton Matthews' New Mixtape "A$ton 3:16"|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref>

On May 2, 2014 Lopez joined Danny Brown's OLD Tour, making his first appearance at University of California, San Diego.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://xdannyxbrownx.com/old-danny-brown-tour-spring-dates/|title=The Old Danny Brown Tour - Spring Dates - Danny Brown - Bruiser Brigade, Detroit, MI.|date=2014-04-02|work=Danny Brown|access-date=2017-06-02|language=en-US}}</ref>

On July 7, 2014, Lopez released an official video to "Lit".<ref>{{Citation|last=Cutthroat Records|title=A$ton Matthews ft. Kap G - The Other Side|date=2014-08-27|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NRq7XDD8es|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref> Nearly two months later on August 27, 2014, Lopez released an official video to "The Other Side" featuring Kap G.<ref>{{Citation|last=Cutthroat Records|title=A$ton Matthews - LIT (Official Video)|date=2014-07-07|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRCR0DFZnwM|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref> Both song and videos have been released as non-album promotional singles.

On September 9, 2014, during an interview with XXL Magazine, Vince Staples announced Lopez would be one of two features alongside Teyana Taylor on his upcoming "Hell Can Wait" EP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/09/vince-stapless-ep-hell-can-wait-will-feature-aston-matthews-teyana-taylor/|title=Vince Staples' EP 'Hell Can Wait' Will Feature Aston Matthews And Teyana Taylor - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=9 September 2014 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> Lopez would later make a cameo performing an interlude in the music video of Staple's lead single, "Screen Door."<ref>{{Citation|last=VinceStaplesVEVO|title=Vince Staples - Screen Door (Explicit)|date=2015-02-06|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62ST_xsaZUI|access-date=2018-09-13}}</ref>

One month later on December 10, 2014, Lopez appeared alongside Young Thug on Noisey's Rap Monument,<ref>{{Citation|last=Noisey|title=The Rap Monument (Full Length)|date=2014-12-18|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDthtLCzhhw|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref> a 42-Minute song consisting of over 40 rappers including Raekwon, Pusha T, Nipsey Hussle, Danny Brown, and YG among others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-rap-monument-vol-7-young-thug-and-aston-matthews/|title=The Rap Monument, Vol. 7 - Young Thug and Aston Matthews|website=Noisey|date=10 December 2014 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> Noisey, the music division of Vice Magazine, regarded Lopez as, "West coast gangsta rap's best kept secret."<ref name=":0" />

=== 2015-16: Yams Passing and Hiatus === On August 28, 2015, in an interview with XXL Magazine, Lopez revealed that he was with Yams the evening of his passing. Stating he flew to New York to pitch himself for the 2015 XXL Freshman Class, he spent time working with Yams on an unreleased project before ultimately witnessing his passing January 18, 2015. Lopez spoke of his hiatus and the impact of Yams untimely passing as,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/08/aston-matthews-asap-yams-chapoveli/|title=After An Up and Down Year, Aston Matthews Is Getting Back To the Music - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=28 August 2015 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-31}}</ref>

{{Quote box | quote = "Being thats the homie, being thats the reason people even know who the fuck I am, he built me. And being that he brought me into this shit I was like, I'm straight on this rap shit for a minute. I'm good." | quoted = 1 }}

After a hiatus from social media, on April 1, 2015, Lopez released an official video to "Chapo" featuring Vince Staples. The video quickly became Lopez's most watched music video with over 1,000,000 YouTube views to date. Lopez is seen wearing a T-shirt honoring Yams throughout.<ref>{{Citation|last=Brick Flair|title=A$ton Matthews CHAPO FT. Vince Staples|date=2015-04-01|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlZZaXSeOjk|accessdate=2017-05-29}}</ref>

On May 2, 2015, Lopez would return to London for the first time in two years to perform, selling out the legendary 100 Club alongside frequent collaborator Da$h.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.licensetotrill.com/post/117515883176/bank-holiday-lituation-with-da-h-aston-matthews|title=LICENSE 2 TRILL|website=LICENSE 2 TRILL|access-date=2017-06-01}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Upon his return to the United States May 30, 2015, Lopez would go on to sell out Los Angeles' Los Globos alongside frequent collaborator Bodega Bamz.<ref name=":2" />

On June 30, 2015, it was revealed Lopez would appear on Vince Staples Summertime '06 album. Lopez was praised by Complex Magazine for his guest appearance as well as being credited the "Best voice in the rap game."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/06/vince-staples-summertime-06-album-review|title=Review: With His Startling Debut Vince Staple Proves Kendrick Isn't the Only L.A. Rapper Making Classic Material|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> Lopez also appears in the music video of the album's lead single "Senorita".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vevo.com/watch/vince-staples/senorita-(explicit)/USUV71500823|title=Señorita - Vince Staples|website=VEVO|language=en-us|access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref>

In Lopez's August 28, 2015 interview with XXL Magazine he explained overcoming depression following Yams passing, and announced working with New York producer Velous on his upcoming project entitled "Chapovelli." Lopez described the project's conception as,<ref name=":2" /> {{Quote box | quote = Well you know, 'Pac did Makaveli, I'm a big Max B fan and he had the Biggaveli shit. And then my homie put me on to this book, that Machiavelli shit [The Prince] so I started dabbling in that. And everything was connecting to religion, and I was questioning my own faith throughout the year with everything that was going on with Yams and all these other things that was happening in my personal life. So then it just made sense. The wave and then 'Pac, that rough shit, fuse the two, I feel like that's me: the wave and the aggression. And then religion, that's my beliefs, and then questioning it is just my life. So that's why I say it's almost like my offering; in a religious sense it's almost like, "Here, this is what I have, it's all on the line, take my artistry for what it is." 'Cause I'm at a different place; it's not the same rap shit no more. It's aggressive but it's also progression at the same time. It's not the same Aston Matthews no more. | quoted = 1 }}

On October 19, 2015, Lopez would perform at The Novo in Los Angeles at Young Thug's Hy!£UN35 Tour. A month later on December 13, 2015, Lopez would join Vince Staples on his Summertime '06 Tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/_fX-1QLCHK/|title=Instagram post by A$ton Matthews • Dec 19, 2015 at 10:30pm UTC|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref>

On December 21, 2015, in celebration of the life and legacy of Yams, the ASAP Mob announced Lopez would perform at the first annual Yams Day Music Festival at Terminal 5 in New York City on January 18, 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hypebeast.com/2015/12/aap-mob-announces-first-annual-yams-day-in-new-york-city|title=A$AP MOB Announces First Annual "Yams Day" in New York City|work=HYPEBEAST|access-date=2017-06-01|language=en}}</ref> Lopez would go on to perform at the second annual Yams Day Music Festival at Madison Square Garden in New York City the following January 18, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BPY9t65Ds48/|title=Instagram post by A$ton Matthews • Jan 18, 2017 at 3:08am UTC|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref>

On April 26, 2016, in part of the Wavy Wednesday series, ASAP Mob released a remix version of 'Hella Hoes' featuring Lopez and Danny Brown in addition to the group's original verses on both SoundCloud and YouTube.<ref>{{Citation|title=A$AP MOB X ASTON MATTHEWS X DANNY BROWN - HELLA HOES REMIX|url=https://soundcloud.com/awgeshit/aap-mob-x-aston-matthews-x-danny-brown-hella-hoes-remix|language=en|accessdate=2017-06-01}}</ref> Lopez performed his verse three years prior at The House of Vans Stage at SXSW alongside the group, as well as on a leaked video version posted by Yams the week of the performance.<ref>{{Citation|last=xXKnightXx|title=A$AP MOB - Hella Hoes (Feat. A$AP Rocky, A$AP Nast, A$AP Twelvyy, A$AP Ferg & A$ton Matthews)|date=2014-03-14|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtPBKdpCBCg|accessdate=2017-06-01}}</ref>

On August 22, 2016, Lopez joined OG Maco's nationwide T.L.C. Tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/OGMaco/status/767772694817497088|title=TABLES+LADDERS+CHAIRS W/ @INSOMNIACLAMBS @astonmatthewspic.twitter.com/RLiF36p92b|last=#OGMACO3|date=2016-08-22|website=@OGMaco|access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref>

On October 18, 2016, Lopez released 'Coldest Night In Hell'<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/10/18/aston-matthews-coldest-night-in-hell|title=L.A. Is Dark And Hell Is Cold On New A$ton Matthews Track|website=The FADER|access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref> Produced by Velous, the song heavily samples Ghostface Killah's 2000 song 'Mighty Healthy' and details the events of '100 Days, 100 Nights' a period of sustained gang warfare in retaliation to the death of a 27-year-old man in Los Angeles in the summer of 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://homicide.latimes.com/post/100-days-100-nights-lapd-qa/|title=100 days, 100 nights: How LAPD is dealing with rumors, gangs and fear - The Homicide Report|work=homicide.latimes.com|access-date=2017-06-01|language=en}}</ref>

=== 2017-Present: Resurgence and ''Chapovelli'' === On June 20, 2017, in an Instagram post celebrating the life and legacy of the late rap artist Prodigy of the Queensbridge rap duo Mobb Deep, Lopez revealed they had recorded an unreleased collaboration 'months' prior to his passing.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BXJ65UkFNGU/|title=Instagram post by A$ton Matthews • Jul 30, 2017 at 3:06am UTC|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref> On January 30, 2018, Billboard premiered the posthumous collaboration entitled, '1 Minute To Pray.' In an interview with Billboard, the collaboration is described by Lopez as,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/los-angeles-rapper-aton-matthews-teams-with-the-late-prodigy-on-1-8097243/|title=Los Angeles Rapper A$ton Matthews Teams With Late Rapper Prodigy on '1 Minute to Pray': Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2018-01-31}}</ref>

{{Quote box | quote = "One of the top 5 moments of my career. I'm forever grateful for what he did for this game, and the influence he gave me, as well as the rest of the world.” }}

On September 15, 2017, Lopez announced he would be performing for the first time in Seoul, South Korea at The Henz Club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BZFa0Yrl48M/|title=Instagram post by A$ton Matthews • Sep 16, 2017 at 2:11am UTC|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref> The performance would mark Lopez's first appearance in an Asian territory. A week later, Lopez announced on September 25, 2017, that a collaboration with up-and-coming producer Pi'erre Bourne was in the works. On November 1, 2017, Lopez premiered the collaboration with hip-hop magazine XXL entitled 'BRAZY' reviving talks of his long-awaited album ''Chapovelli'' across the internet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/10/aston-matthews-pierre-bourne-brazy/|title=Aston Matthews Goes Over Pierre Bourne Production for ''Brazy'' - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=30 October 2017 |access-date=2017-11-06}}</ref> Two weeks later, on November 13, 2017, Lopez debuted a music video for 'BRAZY' citing its release in honor of Yams birthday of which fell on the same day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/video/2017/11/aston-matthews-brazy-video/|title=Aston Matthews Flexes in South Korea for ''Brazy'' Video - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=13 November 2017 |access-date=2017-11-14}}</ref> The music video showcases Lopez's travels throughout Seoul, South Korea.

== Personal life == On the morning of February 9, 2018, Lopez announced the arrival of his first born son.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/Aston_Matthews/status/961995177425424384|title=A$ton Matthews on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=2018-04-17|language=en}}</ref>

Lopez is a self-proclaimed fan of The Oakland Raiders, The Los Angeles Lakers, The Los Angeles Dodgers, and The University of Southern California Trojans, frequently making highly opinionated and candid remarks toward each organization across all social media platforms throughout each team's season.

== Discography == {{BLP unreferenced section|date=July 2016}}

=== Studio albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of studio albums, with selected chart positions ! rowspan="2" style="width:12em;" | Title ! rowspan="2" style="width:19em;" | Album details ! colspan="6" | Peak chart positions |- ! style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | US ! style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | US<br>R&B/<br>HH ! style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | FRA |- !scope="row"|''Chapovelli'' | * Scheduled: TBA * Label: Yamborghini Records * Format: Digital download | — || — || — |}

===Mixtapes=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" |+ List of mixtapes and selected details ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:15em;"| Album details |- ! scope="row"|''NOFVCKSGIVEN'' | * Released: November 4, 2011 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"|''Versace Ragz'' | * Released: August 9, 2012 * Label: Cutthroat Records * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"|''Aston 3:16'' | * Released: March 16, 2014 * Label: Yamborghini * Format: Digital download |- |}

===Singles===

====As lead artist==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" colspan="3" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | US<br> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | US<br>R&B<br> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | US<br>Rap |- ! scope="row"|"Mini Van Dan" |rowspan="3"|2013 | — || — || — |rowspan="3"|''Versace Ragz'' |- ! scope="row"|"Hell in a Cell" | — || — || — |- ! scope="row"|"Mini Van Dan" (Remix)<br />{{small|(featuring Flatbush Zombies and Danny Brown)}} | — || — || — |- ! scope="row"|"Like This" |rowspan="5"|2014 | — || — || — |rowspan="5"|''Aston 3:16'' |- ! scope="row"|"Chapo"<br />{{small|(featuring Vince Staples)}} | — || — || — |- ! scope="row"|"What You Need" | — || — || — |- ! scope="row"|"TLC"<br />{{small|(featuring Action Bronson and Flatbush Zombies)}} | — || — || — |- ! scope="row"|"TTG"<br />{{small|(featuring Ab-Soul)}} | — || — || — |- ! scope="row"|"Lit" | rowspan="2" | 2015 || — || — - | rowspan="2" | - | rowspan="2" {{n/a|Non-album singles}} |- ! scope="row"|"The Other Side"<br />{{small|(featuring Kap G)}} | — || — |- ! scope="row"|"BRAZY" |rowspan="1"|2017 | — || — || — |rowspan="1"|''Chapovelli'' |- | colspan="7" style="font-size:90%" | "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |}

===Guest appearances=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" style="width:16em;" | Title ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Artist(s) ! scope="col" | Album |- ! scope="row" | "Tres Puntos" | rowspan="2" | 2012 | Bodega Bamz | ''Strictly For My P.A.P.I.Z.'' |- ! scope="row" | "Sweet Chin Symphony" | Retch | ''Delinquents & Degenerates'' |- ! scope="row" | "TanGerine" | rowspan="5" | 2013 | Chuck Inglish, Kash Flow da God | ''Droptops'' |- ! scope="row" | "Everything a Go" | Joey Fatts | ''Chipper Jones Vol. 2'' |- ! scope="row" | "Fuck Out My Face" | ASAP Ferg, B-Real, Onyx | ''Trap Lord'' |- ! scope="row" | "R-Cali" | ASAP Rocky, Joey Fatts | ''Grand Theft Auto V Soundtrack'' |- ! scope="row" | "In My Mind" | Raven Sorvino, Mike G, Maxo Kream | ''Queen of HeArts'' |- ! scope="row" | "With My Soul" | rowspan="7" | 2014 | The Alchemist, Budgie, Action Bronson, J Rocc | ''The Good Book'' |- ! scope="row" | "AWOL Radio Volume Won" | Statik Selektah | ''AWOL Radio Volume Won'' |- ! scope="row" | "3:16" | Smoke DZA, 183rd | ''Ringside 2'' |- ! scope="row" | "Westside" | Boogie | ''Thirst 48'' |- ! scope="row" | "Paradise" | Joey Fatts, Waka Flocka Flame | ''Chipper Jones Vol. 3'' |- ! scope="row" | "Screen Door" | Vince Staples | ''Hell Can Wait'' |- ! scope="row" | "The Man" | Les | ''Steak X Shrimp, Vol. 1'' |- ! scope="row" | "Invoice" | rowspan="3" | 2015 | Bodega Bamz | ''Sidewalk Exec'' |- ! scope="row" | "Hang N' Bang" | Vince Staples | ''Summertime '06'' |- ! scope="row" | "Shark Tank" | Dash, Sha Hef | ''17 More Minutes'' |- ! scope="row" | "Chemdream" | rowspan="2" | 2016 | Chuck Inglish, Blended Babies | ''Ev Zeppelin'' |- ! scope="row" | "Hella Hoes" (Remix) | ASAP Mob, ASAP Rocky, ASAP Ferg, ASAP Nast, ASAP Twelvyy, Danny Brown | {{n/a}} |- ! scope="row" | "Double Tap" | rowspan="2" | 2017 | Madchild, Fashawn | ''The Darkest Hour'' |- |}

==Awards and nominations==

{| class="wikitable" |- !Year !Nominated work !Award !Result |- |2016 |rowspan="2" | A$ton Matthews |rowspan="2" | XXL Freshman |rowspan="2" {{nom}} |- |2017 |}

== References == {{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Matthews, Aston}} Category:Rappers from Los Angeles Category:Songwriters from California Category:American people of Guatemalan descent Category:Living people Category:1989 births Category:Bloods Category:21st-century American rappers Category:21st-century American male rappers