Dropout Kings

Dropout Kings is a nu-metal rock band from Phoenix, Arizona, United States. The group was founded in 2016 by vocalist Adam Ramey after the dissolution of his previous band The Bad Chapter. He connected with rapper Eddie Weltz, and together they recorded a cover of Linkin Park’s “Lying from You.” This drew a positive reaction, so they decided to expand the project to include former members of The Bad Chapter and other musicians. They named the project Phoenix Down, and in 2017 changed their name to Dropout Kings. In 2018, the group signed with Napalm Records, with whom they released their debut album AudioDope. The album reached Number 52 on the US Top New Artist Albums chart. Over the next two years, Dropout Kings continued performing in support of their record, embarking on tours with OTEP and Outline in Color. In March 2019, the metal band Dayshell featured Dropout Kings on their single “KOMBAT.” In August of that year, the group played the Main Stage at the 29th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos festival. In 2021, Dropout Kicks released their EP GlitchGang. The EP contains the single “Virus,” which features Dayshell vocalist Shayley Bourget and hit Number 33 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart. Following the release of Riot Music and the departure of guitarist Staig Flynn in 2023, vocalist Adam Ramey committed suicide on May 19, 2025, two days before his 33rd birthday. William Lauderdale replaced him on the third full-length Yokai, which celebrates the late founding member's legacy.