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Ian (rapper)
American rapper (born 2005) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ian O'Neill Smith (born May 29, 2005), known mononymously as Ian (stylized in all lowercase), is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter.[2]
 | This article's Career section contains promotional content. (July 2025) |
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Early life
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he attended Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas where he played rugby and crew. He attended Clemson University, where he also played rugby before pursuing his music career fulltime.
Career
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2023–2024: Breakthrough with Valedictorian
In 2023, Ian began releasing singles under his own name, gaining traction with tracks like "Bad Habits" and "Ghost Ride". He signed with BuVision, Columbia Records, and Dogdog in early 2024. His breakout moment came with the release of his single "Figure It Out" in May 2024, featuring a cameo from former NFL star Marshawn Lynch in its Lyrical Lemonade-produced music video.[3] Shortly after, on May 17, 2024, Ian released his debut mixtape Valedictorian, which debuted at number 54 on the Billboard 200 and featured high-energy rage beats and dynamic production by mainly producer Sxprano and American rapper and producer tana.[4] A deluxe edition, released in July 2024, included the viral hit "Magic Johnson", which charted on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and was later certified Gold by the RIAA.[5]
In June 2024, he released "Fit Check" with VonOff1700.[6] Also in 2024, he released the song "Magic Johnson," which became viral on TikTok; this single would be tacked onto the deluxe edition of Valedictorian.
2024: Rise to mainstream and Goodbye Horses
Following the success of Valedictorian, Ian collaborated with Lil Yachty on the single "Hate Me", which debuted at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100.[7] The song was accompanied by another Lyrical Lemonade music video and further propelled his growing popularity. In October 2024, Ian released his debut studio album, Goodbye Horses.
2024: "Ian" Tour
In support of his debut mixtape Valedictorian, Ian embarked on the "Ian" Tour in late 2024. The tour included performances across various cities, including Santa Ana, San Diego, Chicago, and Houston. Notably, the San Diego show took place at The Observatory North Park on December 5, 2024.[8]
2025–present: Continued success and upcoming projects
In early 2025, Ian teased new music and announced his first headlining tour, set to take place in the U.S. and Europe. He has also hinted at collaborations with artists like Destroy Lonely, Ken Carson, and Yeat. With his growing influence in the rage rap and hyperpop scenes, Ian is expected to release a follow-up project in late 2025.[citation needed]
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Discography
Studio albums
Mixtapes
Extended plays
Singles
Other charted songs
References
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