WHATMORE want to be the best band of all time

Meet the N.Y.C.-based rap collective that’s bridging hip-hop, R&B, and indie rock.

The first thing you should know about WHATMORE is that they’re more of a supergroup than a band. Its five members — Cisco Swank, Yoshi T., Elijah Judah, Jackson August, and Sebastiano — all boast their own niches in New York City’s underground as tinkerers playing at the intersection of hip-hop, R&B, classical music, and more through songwriting, production, or film. (In 2023, we highlighted Cisco Swank in our longstanding Gen F series.) But sometime around 2024, the former classmates of LaGuardia High School, who were already working together in various combinations, had the idea that they should just make it official. Thus WHATMORE was born — a decision that’s already paying dividends.

Over the past year, WHATMORE have ridden an organic groundswell of hype to become what might be the next big group to come out of N.Y.C. Through laidback, rap-adjacent anthems, an undeniable chemistry as friends, and an algorithmically perfected TikTok presence, they’ve jumped from playing DIY bills to opening on tour for fellow Gen Z act Laundry Day. The collective, as they describe themselves, only released its bouncy debut single, “eastside w my dogs,” in June but have already followed that up with their self-titled debut album, which dropped in October. The BROCKHAMPTON comparisons have come and gone but as their album shows WHATMORE is vying to become its own, different beast.

Ahead, get to know the group as they take The FADER along on their first U.S. tour with Laundry Day and share the best advice they’ve gotten, their musical influences, and what they jot down in their iPhone Notes app.

What’s your favorite song to play live right now and why?

“Hit it” because it’s the best song anyone could ever experience.

What was the first CD/album/vinyl that you ever bought?

Elijah – b4da$$ – Joey bada$$.
Cisco – innervisions — Stevie Wonder.
Sebastiano – Sean Kingston.
Yoshi – Michael Jackson Thriller.
Jackson – The Eagles Greatest Hits.

Explain a lyric of yours that you think people don’t really get.

Jackson: on Bombay “can’t keep f*****g my friends.”

Tell us about your favorite tattoo.

Yoshi: The tattoo of full body jon cohen wearing skinny jeans placed directly above my heart.

What’s the best thing you’ve bought yourself recently and why?

Floss. Dental care.

What’s an app you could never delete but most people don’t have?

Elijah – Sky Guide.

What’s something that’s always on your rider?

-Tea
-Coconut water
-Ginger beer
-Fruits
-Veggie platter
-Granola bars

What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?

Sebastiano – LOCK IN.

What’s the ideal level of fame?

Bon Iver fame, cult classic but u can go to the grocery store.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

to be the best band of all time.