Cutthroat Boyz

Cutthroat Boyz emerged from the underground rap scene of Long Beach and Los Angeles in the early 2010s. Unlike many groups formed through auditions or label projects, they came together organically through mutual respect and shared vision. Joey Fatts and Aston Matthews started Cutthroat Records as a self-run venture, and Vince Staples joined the fold, creating a trio that would fly the Cutthroat banner. Their early work includes the track "Cutthroat" (2013), produced by Kenny Beats, which laid the foundation for their gritty, street-oriented sound.

The group operates as a loose collective, with each member maintaining a strong solo career. Vince Staples has become one of the most acclaimed rappers of his generation, known for his sharp lyricism and experimental projects. Joey Fatts built a reputation with his Chipper Jones mixtape series, while Aston Matthews contributed with his own releases. Together, they represent a DIY spirit in an era of major-label dominance.

Though the group hasn't released a formal studio album as Cutthroat Boyz, their collaborative tracks and shared label identity keep them connected. They remain active, with intermittent releases and appearances that remind fans of their chemistry. [edit]

The Cutthroat Boyz came together by coincidence and a MacBook. In an interview, Joey Fatts and Aston Matthews described starting Cutthroat Records about two years prior, signing themselves to their own imprint. The trio formed as they collaborated on music, with Vince Staples joining the crew after building connections through the Southern California rap circuit. There were no formal auditions, just a shared hunger and a laptop. [edit]

Cutthroat Boyz's sound is rooted in West Coast hip hop, with dark, atmospheric production and street-narrative lyricism. Early tracks like "Cutthroat" feature heavy 808s, minimalist beats, and aggressive delivery, reflecting Long Beach life. Joey Fatts' production often incorporates sample-driven beats, while Vince Staples' solo evolution toward experimental, electronic-influenced sounds seeps into their collaborations. The group's music balances gritty realism with introspective moments. [edit]

Cutthroat Boyz and Cutthroat Records carved a space in the early-2010s underground scene, championing independence at a time when many artists sought major-label backing. Their DIY approach, starting their own label and being signed to themselves, set an example for aspiring rappers. While the group itself didn't achieve mainstream crossover, Vince Staples' subsequent success brought attention to the crew's early work and ethos. [edit]

Cutthroat Boyz doesn't have a formal fandom name, lightstick, or fan color typical of idol groups. Fans connect through the individual artists' followings and the Cutthroat Records brand. The community is built on appreciation for raw, unpolished hip-hop and the members' solo catalogs. Fan projects are rare, but the loyalty runs deep among those who discovered them in the underground. [edit]

Cutthroat Records was started by the members themselves, and they emphasize being signed to themselves, a rare move in the industry. Joey Fatts and Aston Matthews described their collaboration as coming together "by coincidence and a MacBook," highlighting the bedroom-producer nature of their origin. Joey Fatts is a Long Beach native, tying the crew to that city's rap lineage. The group is often discussed as part of a broader Cutthroat Records clique rather than a strictly defined corporate group. [edit]