Ian O'Neill Smith (born May 29, 2005), known mononymously as Ian (stylized in all lowercase), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.
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 full-time.
Career
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. 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. 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.
In June 2024, he released "Fit Check" with VonOff1700. 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.
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.
2024–present: 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. The song was accompanied by another Lyrical Lemonade music video and further propelled his growing popularity. In October 2024, Ian released his second mixtape, Goodbye Horses.
Discography Mixtapes +List of mixtapes, with selected details and chart positions Title Mixtape details Peak chart positionsUSPeaks on the Billboard 200: Valedictorian: Goodbye Horses: USR&B/HHPeaks on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: Valedictorian: Goodbye Horses: USRapPeaks on the Billboard Top Rap Albums: Valedictorian: Goodbye Horses: Valedictorian Released: May 17, 2024 Label: BuVision, Columbia, Dogdog Format: Digital download, streaming 54 1815 Goodbye Horses Released: October 18, 2024 Label: BuVision, Columbia, Dogdog Format: Digital download, streaming8630242005 Released: October 24, 2025 Label: BuVision, Columbia, Dogdog Format: Digital download, streaming———
Extended plays + List of EPs, with selected detailsTitleEP details Only for a WhileReleased: August 4, 2022 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download, streaming RemembranceReleased: September 24, 2022 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download, streaming Empty Suit (with gyo)Released: November 23, 2023 Label: Dogdog Records Format: Digital download, streaming
Singles +List of singles, with selected peak chart positions Title Year Peak chart positions Album US USR&B/HH NZHot "Figure It Out"2024———Valedictorian "Grand Slam"——— "Hate Me" 68 18 9 Goodbye Horses "End Up Gone" — — — "No Way" — — — rowspan="2" "Pack It Up" 2025 — — 37
Other charted or certified songs +List of other charted or certified songs, with selected peak chart positions Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album USBub. "Magic Johnson": USR&B/HHPeaks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart: "Never Stop": "Magic Johnson": "Never Stop" 2024 14 39 Valedictorian "Magic Johnson" 1 25 RIAA: Platinum "3.5" — — RIAA: Gold Goodbye Horses
References