Finding your own path in an unfamiliar environment presents certain challenges that force people to be creative and seek out something more. Bay Area’s 23 year old producer and rapper Iamsu! was born in Richmond but spent most of his youth in the neighboring hills sharing a room with his mother in his grandmothers house. He remembers, “On our street there were people driving Porsches, but I was sharing a room with my mom. That was hella culture shock. I didn’t know what crowd to be with.” Feeding his undying passion for hip hop, he joined Oakland non-profit Youth Radio and began learning how to make beats from resident hitmaker Trackademicks before carving out the HBK Gang collective that fostered his talent.
Now a 16-man crew, the HBK Gang setup in producer Chief’s basement studio, spending hours collaborating on a Pro Tools-rigged PC. This is where, Iamsu! was able to come into his own and experiment with his sound with the support of HBK. “I’m hella shy, but not when we’re around each other. I’m more experimental with my style over there,” he explains. As his confidence grew, the verse got stronger and he found himself collaborating with rappers like E-40, YG, Problem, and Wiz Khalifa. In 2012, he released his own Kilt mixtape that was a truer representation of his personal story with rhymes relating to his independence, making his own money, and his loyalty to those who supported him from the beginning. He notes, “I rap for people that wanna enjoy themselves and chill out. I make music for girls to get dressed to. Ultimately, it makes the most sense for me to be myself.”
Iamsu! has the motivation and drive required to make it in today’s competitive rap game and was nominated for XXL’s 2013 Freshman List and profiled in The FADER’s 2013 Spring Style issue. His enthusiasm for music and fashion are constantly refreshed and moving forward he aims to spread his positivity with new and provoking tracks. Iamsu! recently stated “I don’t focus on the things that I’ve already done, I always think about what’s next and how I can elevate myself.” He’s well on his way with his latest release Kilt II that highlight his high energy flow and creative producing.
October 18th, Iamsu! and fellow HBK Gang members Sage the Gemini and Kool John make their way from the Bay to L.A. for Check Yo Ponytail 2! Joining them will be Finatticz and Brrang-a-Dang. This showcase of rising hip hop talent brings the positive vibes and good times to the dance floor so pick up your tickets for the show below.
Tickets available HERE.
Steve
