Iamsu!

Sudan Ameer Williams (born November 16, 1989) better known by his stage name IAMSU is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Most known for his singles "Only That Real" and "I Love My Squad"; As well as his appearances producing and featuring for artists such as: Tinashe, Sage the Gemini, Kehlani, Hit Boy, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, DJ Mustard, Casey Veggies, Lil B, G-Eazy, and the HBK Gang.

Early life

Sudan Ameer Williams was born on November 16, 1989 in Richmond, California but grew up in Pinole, California. At a young age he would listen to artists such as Kanye West, R. Kelly, Aaliyah, Marching Band, The Grammar Band and reggae music. At the age of 14 he began making music. Around that time he was "always playing with instruments and messing around with music." Once he attended high school he started learning how to make beats on the computer.^[1] In 2007 after graduating from Pinole Valley High School he began college at Cal State East Bay to major in Communications. Once he started to get recognition he moved to online classes, however, he went back to in-class schooling for his senior year.^[1][3]

Career

2009–12: Career beginnings

In 2009, Iamsu! started rapping under his stage name "Su", but then he decided to change it to Iamsu!, due to search engine optimization.^[4] On July 4, 2010, he released his first mixtape, titled Su! The Right Thing. In 2011, Iamsu! produced, co-wrote and featured on LoveRance's 2011's hit single "Up!", which also included a fellow rapper 50 Cent on a remix. The song peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard's Hot 100 and reached at number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.^[2][5] He would followed with his appearance on E-40's hit song "Function", along with rappers Problem and YG. The song peaked at number 62 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.^[6] In 2012, he also featured on Jonn Hart's track "Who Booty" and Wiz Khalifa's track "Bout Me".^[5]

2012–13: $uzy 6 Speed, Million Dollar Afro and Kilt II

On October 2, 2012, Iamsu! has been putting the releases of his previous mixtapes: Kilt, Young California and Su! The Right Thing, which all these mixtapes to be stock up for retail sale on iTunes. This became begin a trend, where all his new mixtapes would also be released to iTunes.^[7][8] On November 12, 2012, Iamsu! released another mixtape, titled $uzy 6 Speed. This mixtape features guest appearances from Juvenile, Problem and Wiz Khalifa. It contained the single "Mobbin'" and received critical acclaim upon the release.^[3][9][10] On February 13, 2013, both Iamsu! and Problem, who they had met for the first time at the "Function" video shoot, released a collaboration mixtape, titled Million Dollar Afro.^[11] The mixtape would be praised by Tom Breihan of Stereogum and Spin named the mixtape one of the best rap releases of 2013.^[12][13] This mixtape features guest appearances from Juvenile, King L, Bad Lucc, Too Short, Omarion, Short Dawg and Wiz Khalifa, among others.^[14] Following the release of the mixtape, he been touring with Problem on the 10-stop "Million Dollar Afro Tour".^[11] On March 5, 2013, Spin named Iamsu! as the tenth "Hottest MC in the Game".^[15]

In May 2013, Iamsu! began his first headlining tour, in promotion of his then upcoming mixtape, titled Kilt II.^[3] On June 6, 2013, Iamsu! released Kilt II as a retail mixtape, for free and to iTunes on July 9, 2013.^[16] The production was primarily handled by Iamsu!, along with other members of The Invasion.^[17] Pitchfork Media gave the mixtape a 7.5 out of 10 rating saying, the mixtape "doubles down on all of his strongest and most likeable qualities: Largely self-produced, high-energy, and creative, it shows Iamsu! continuing to transform from a promising, agreeable Bay Area rap figure into a burgeoning star."^[4][18] Spin would also praise the mixtape saying, "As much a showcase of Iamsu!'s production prowess as it is evidence of his unique lyrical skills, the new tape is an enjoyably bumpy ride through treble-y bleeps, bassy bloops, tinny drums, and hard-hustling vocals."^[19] Following its release, he told HipHopDX that he was working with Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz on their upcoming albums Blacc Hollywood and B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time. He would be making his appearance on 2 Chainz' track "Livin", taken from his B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time (2013).^[20]

2013–present: Sincerely Yours and Kilt 3

Iamsu! was also featured on Sage the Gemini's 2013's hit single "Gas Pedal", which peaked at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it both artist's first top 40 entries and their most successful single to date. On August 12, 2013, Iamsu! and his group HBK Gang, released a compilation mixtape, titled Gang Forever.^[21] On December 3, 2013, Iamsu! released "Hipster Girls as the second single from Kilt II.^[22] On January 3, 2014, Iamsu! released a remix to YG's "Who Do You Love", where he was hinted at being signed and planning to release his debut album. On January 7, 2014, Iamsu! then announced that his debut album would be titled Sincerely Yours and be released in April 2014. He also confirmed that the first single would feature Sage the Gemini and it would be released soon.^[23] In January 28, 2014, he released the album's first single, titled "Only That Real" featuring Sage the Gemini and 2 Chainz.^[24] The album was then set for a May 13, 2014 release date.^[25] Following the release of his debut album, Iamsu! would released a collaboration album with Problem, titled Million Dollar Afro 2 and another HBK Gang project.^[26] He might also be releasing a collaboration album with Sage the Gemini, which would be released by Sage's label Republic Records.^[27]

He is currently touring worldwide and preparing his second studio album, "KILT 3", which will be available in 2016. The album's first single, titled "Famous" featuring Dej Loaf and K Camp, which has quickly become a fan favorite.

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Other charted songs

Guest appearances

References

External links

• Official website
• Iamsu! on Twitter