A simple cup of black coffee may be the ultimate symbol of mundanity. Plain and pedestrian — black coffee serves as that quick hit of caffeine before a long day of work or a long night of studying. But in the reflection of the darkness of a simple cup of black coffee, Patti Smith sees a way of life — the life of an artist.

To hear frontman Kevin Abstract call his collective “America’s favorite boy band” is deceptive — but so is Brockhampton. Although they are often compared to the Los Angeles rap group Odd...