HBK is using his pain to tell his story through music

HBK is a 24-year-old artist based in the Midwest, keeping his exact location lowkey while letting the energy and experiences from where he’s from speak through…

HBK is a 24-year-old artist based in the Midwest, keeping his exact location lowkey while letting the energy and experiences from where he’s from speak through his music. That honesty and emotion are present in every track he releases.

He began making music in 2020 after a heartbreak that left him feeling empty and unsure how to process it. What started as a personal outlet, with no thoughts of numbers or a career, slowly turned into something more as that pain shaped his sound. Over time, listeners began connecting with the emotion in his music. As of late July 2025, HBK took a major step forward by working with ADA Music, marking a new chapter in his journey.

Emotion remains the foundation of his artistry. He draws inspiration from artists who know how to translate real feelings into music, with YoungBoy being a major influence. He’s also inspired by TOPPOPPGEN, ZZZSAM, Juice WRLD, and the broader sad wave sound, always putting emotion first.

For new listeners, standout projects include “HBK vs the World Pt. 3” and “Camp Rock,” both of which became his most-played albums in their first week. His most recent album, “Nightmare Maniac,” continues that emotional storytelling while showing growth in his sound. He also released the “DECLASSIFIED” EP with Reject TV, a nostalgia-driven project inspired by the Nickelodeon show.

HBK keeps his goals simple: stay true to himself, stay out of the spotlight when possible, and make real money from music. With a new album dropping next month, he’s focused on building something lasting.