Hopkins' songwriting credits included the hits "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You."
Hopkins graduated from Arizona State University in 1984 or 1985 with a degree in sociology. During his high school and college career, Hopkins played in a number of bands and even spent time in recording studios with them before founding the band which would give him his greatest fame.
Hopkins was fired from the band in April 1992 as the band worked on its first full-length album, New Miserable Experience. He was struggling with depression and alcoholism, and his drinking impaired his ability to play his guitar parts. The band re-negotiated his contract with A&M Records, giving him half his salary. After his departure from the band, Hopkins pursued a brief career as a songwriter and formed another band in Tempe in August, 1992.
Articles in the local press and in music magazines indicated intense bitterness towards the band after his departure, and questions about how the band would replace their main songwriter.
In November 1993, Hopkins' girlfriend moved out of his apartment. On December 3, 1993, Hopkins left the detox unit at St. Luke's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona after an intake consultation, and bought a .38-calibre pistol at a pawn shop. On December 5, 1993, Hopkins laid down on his bed, in his apartment, put the gun in his mouth, and pulled the trigger. It was his sixth suicide attempt in 10 years. At the time of his death, he had $498 in his pocket. It was all the money he had.