Iamsu!

Iamsu!
Birth name Sudan Ameer Williams[1]
Also known as Su
Born (1989-11-16) November 16, 1989[2]
Richmond, California, U.S.
Origin Richmond, California, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active 2007–present
Labels
  • HBK Gang
  • Eyes On Me
Associated acts
Website hbkiamsu.com

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 feature on "Up!" and his single "Famous". He has produced and featured many 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, however, he moved to live in Pinole. At a young age, he would be listening 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 be started learning about 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 the online classes, however, he went back to in-class schooling during 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 hit single "Up!", which also included fellow rapper 50 Cent on a remix. The song peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached at number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[2][5] He 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! releaseed his previous mixtapes: Kilt, Young California and Su! The Right Thing, on iTunes for sale. 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][7][8] On February 13, 2013, both Iamsu! and Problem, released a collaboration mixtape, titled Million Dollar Afro.[9] The mixtape would be praised by Tom Breihan of Stereogum and Spin, and was named mixtape one of the best rap releases of 2013.[10][11] This mixtape features guest appearances from Juvenile, King L, Bad Lucc, Too Short, Omarion, Short Dawg and Wiz Khalifa, among others.[12] To promote the mixtape, he been touring with Problem on the 10-stop "Million Dollar Afro Tour".[9] On March 5, 2013, Spin named Iamsu! as the tenth "Hottest MC in the Game".[13]

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.[14] The production was primarily handled by Iamsu!, along with other members of The Invasion.[15] 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][16] 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."[17] 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 eventually appear on "Livin", taken from 2 Chainz album B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time (2013).[18]

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.[19] On December 3, 2013, Iamsu! released "Hipster Girls as the second single from Kilt II.[20] 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, he 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.[21] On January 28, 2014, he released the album's first single, titled "Only That Real", featuring Sage the Gemini and 2 Chainz.[22] The album was then set for a May 13, 2014, release date.[23] Following the release of his debut album, Iamsu! released a collaboration album with Problem, titled Million Dollar Afro 2 and another HBK Gang project.[24]

In 2015, he began touring worldwide to promote his second studio album, KILT 3. The album's first single "Game Time" was released January 10, 2016. The second single "Up All Night" followed February 14, 2016. The album was released March 24, 2016.

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected information
Title Album details
Sincerely Yours
Kilt 3

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes
Title Album details
Su! The Right Thing[25]
  • Released: July 4, 2010
  • Label: HBK Gang
  • Format: Digital download
Young California[26]
  • Released: May 7, 2011
  • Label: HBK Gang
  • Format: Digital download
Kilt[27]
  • Released: May 7, 2012
  • Label: HBK Gang
  • Format: Digital download
Stoopid (with Jay Ant)[28]
  • Released: October 30, 2012
  • Label: HBK Gang
  • Format: Digital download
$uzy 6 $peed
  • Released: November 10, 2012
  • Label: HBK Gang
  • Format: Digital download
Million Dollar Afro
(with Problem)[10]
  • Released: April 10, 2013
  • Label: HBK Gang, Diamond Lane
  • Format: Digital download
Kilt II
  • Released: June 6, 2013
  • Label: HBK Gang
  • Format: Digital download
Gang Forever
(with HBK Gang)
  • Released: August 12, 2013
  • Label: HBK Gang
  • Format: Digital download
Eyes on Me
  • Released: February 24, 2015
  • Label: HBK Gang
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as lead performer, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B		 US
Rap
"Let Go"[29]
(featuring Tank)		 2013 — — — Kilt 2
"Hipster Girls"[20] — — —
"Only That Real"
(featuring 2 Chainz and Sage the Gemini)		 2014 — 56 — Sincerely Yours
"I Love My Squad" — — —
"Gametime"
(produced by IAMSU)		 — — — non-album single
"Famous"
(featuring Dej Loaf and K Camp)		 2015 — — — non-album single
"Up All Night"
(featuring HBK CJ)		 2016 — — — Kilt 3
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

As featured artist

List of singles as featured performer, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US US
R&B		 US
Rap
"Up!"
(LoveRance featuring Iamsu! and 50 Cent)		 2011 46 2 2 N/A
"Make You Say"
(Kickflip featuring Iamsu!)[30]		 2012 — — —
"Function"
(E-40 featuring Problem, Iamsu! and YG)		 121 62 22 The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 2
"Who Booty"
(Jonn Hart featuring Iamsu!)		 66 20 — Heart 2 Hart
"Gas Pedal"
(Sage the Gemini featuring Iamsu!)		 2013 29 6 4 Remember Me
"Do"
(D&D featuring Iamsu!)[32]		 — — — N/A
"Step On the Gas"
(Fly Street Gang featuring Iamsu! and Problem)[33]		 — — —
"Can't Trust Deez"
(Young Sam featuring Iamsu and AD)[34]		 — — —
"Work"
(Flip Major featuring Iamsu!)[35]		 — — —
"Hoes Into Housewives"
(ST Spittin featuring Iamsu! and D-Lo)[36]		 — — —
"Do My Own Thang"
(Show Banga featuring Iamsu!, CJ and P-Lo)[37]		 — — —
"Pick a Winner"
(Nova Boy featuring Iamsu! and Nonywopz)[38]		 — — —
"Show Up"
(Kafani featuring Iamsu!, Jonn Hart and Sage the Gemini)[39]		 — — —
"Ride on It"
(Armani DePaul featuring Iamsu!, Jonn Hart, Kool John and Rayven Justice)[40]		 — — —
"Don't Play"
(Neiman featuring Iamsu!)[41]		 — — —
"Shut It Down"
(Driicky Graham featuring Iamsu!)		 — — — N/A
"Backflip"
(Casey Veggies featuring YG and Iamsu!)		 2015 — — — TBA
"100"
(Travis Barker featuring Iamsu!, Ty Dolla Sign, Kid Ink and Tyga)		 — — — TBA
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted songs

List of non-single songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
 US
R&B
 US
Rap
"Bout Me"
(Wiz Khalifa featuring Problem and Iamsu!)		 2012 — 52 — O.N.I.F.C.
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Bout Me" 2012 Wiz Khalifa, Problem O.N.I.F.C.
"Livin"[42] 2013 2 Chainz B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time
"Smack"[43] Audio Push, Ty Dolla Sign Come As You Are
"Tonight is the Night"[44] Mistah F.A.B., Mickey Shiloh Hella Ratchet
"On Citas"[44] Mistah F.A.B., Keak da Sneak
"Fuck Her So Long"[44] Mistah F.A.B., Problem
"All Y'all"[45] E-40, Kool John The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 5
"Penetrate"[46] E-40, Sage the Gemini, Eric Statz The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 6
"Pull Up" 2014 L.A. Leakers, Sage the Gemini, Kid Ink N/A
"Go Somewhere" Sage the Gemini Remember Me
"Nothing to Me"
"Mad at Me" Sage the Gemini, Jay Ant
"Worth It" 2015 Tinashe Amethyst

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Iamsu! Interview Sphinx Chains, College, Yeezus". Complex. 2013-06-21. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  2. 1 2 "Watch Iamsu's 'Father God' Video - Video". Rolling Stone. 2013-07-02. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  3. 1 2 3 "IAmSu! Talks Being in College, Avoiding Groupies, and Tour Life". Vibe. 2013-05-23. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  4. 1 2 "IamSu! Is Playing Noisey's May Rap Party, So We Interviewed Him | NOISEY". Noisey.vice.com. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  5. 1 2 "IAmSu! revitalizes Bay Area rap - The Daily Californian". Dailycal.org. 2013-05-09. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  6. ↑ http://www.billboard.com/artist/276018/e-40/chart?f=367
  7. ↑ Gotty (2012-11-12). "Download: IamSu! - $uzy 6 Speed Mixtape". Smokingsection.uproxx.com. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  8. ↑ Soderberg, Brandon (2012-10-25). "First Spin: Iamsu's 'Mobbin'' | SPIN | No Trivia". SPIN. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  9. 1 2 "IamSu! And Problem Teach You Double Date Etiquette - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-05-15. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  10. 1 2 "Mixtape Of The Week: Problem & Iamsu! Million Dollar Afro". Stereogum. 2013-04-10. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  11. ↑ "Iamsu! - MTV T.R.U. Life: The REAL 10 Hottest MCs in the Game | SPIN | Discover | SPIN Lists". SPIN. 2013-03-05. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  12. ↑ "New Mixtape: Problem x Iamsu! ‘Million Dollar Afro’". MissInfo.tv. 2013-02-16. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  13. ↑ "Iamsu! - MTV T.R.U. Life: The REAL 10 Hottest MCs in the Game | SPIN | Discover | SPIN Lists". SPIN. 2013-03-05. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  14. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Kilt II (Deluxe Edition) by IamSu". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-07-09. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  15. ↑ "Download Iamsu!’s Kilt 2 Mixtape « The FADER". Thefader.com. 2013-06-06. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  16. ↑ "Iamsu!: Kilt II | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. 2013-06-28. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  17. ↑ "Hear Iamsu!'s 'Kilt 2' Mixtape, a Hi-Fi Ratchet Revelation | SPIN | SPIN Mix | Songs". SPIN. 2013-06-07. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  18. ↑ Kim, Emmeline (2013-06-25). "IamSu! Working With 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  19. ↑ "Iamsu! & HBK Gang Releases New Mixtape, 'Gang Forever' - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-08-12. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  20. 1 2 "Hipster Girls - Single". iTunes. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  21. ↑ ericdiep (January 7, 2014). "Iamsu! Reveals Title Of Debut Album Due Out In April". XXL Mag. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Iamsu! – "Only That Real" (Feat. 2 Chainz & Sage The Gemini)". Stereogum. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  23. ↑ emmanuel (April 8, 2014). "Here’s The Tracklist and Cover Art For Iamsu!’s Album". XXL Mag. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  24. ↑ "My name is Iamsu!. My new album is called Sincerely Yours. AMA. : IAmA". reddit. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  25. ↑ AZ (2010-07-06). "Iamsu! "Su! The Right Thing" Mixtape". Gslaps.com. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  26. ↑ Title Artist Name. "Iamsu! Mixtapes - Young California". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  27. ↑ "IamSu! - Kilt // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  28. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Stoopid by Jay Ant & IamSu". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-10-30. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  29. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Let Go (feat. Tank) - Single by IamSu". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-08-06. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  30. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Make You Say (feat. Iamsu) - Single by Kickflip". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-01-21. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  31. ↑ "American single certifications – Sage the Gemini – Gas Pedal". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 8, 2014. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
  32. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Do (feat. Iamsu) - Single by D&D". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-02-27. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  33. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Step On the Gas (feat. Problem & IamSu) - Single by Fly Street Gang". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  34. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Can't Trust Deez (feat. IamSu & AD) - Single by Young Sam". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  35. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Work (feat. IamSu) - Single by Flip Major". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-04-23. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  36. ↑ "iTunes - Music - H*es Into Housewives (feat. D-Lo & IamSu) - Single by ST Spittin". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-05-28. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  37. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Do My Own Thang (feat. CJ, IamSu & P-Lo) - Single by Show Banga". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-06-04. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  38. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Pick a Winner - Single by Nova Boy, IamSu & Nonywopz". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-06-28. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  39. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Show up (feat. Jonn Hart, Iamsu! & Sage the Gemini) - Single by Kafani". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-07-09. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  40. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Ride On It (feat. IamSu, John Hart, Kool John & Rayven Justice) - Single by Armani DePaul". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-07-23. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  41. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Don't Play (feat. Iamsu!) - Single by Neiman". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-07-23. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  42. ↑ "Tracklisting: 2 Chainz – ‘B.O.A.T.S. 2 #MeTime’". Rap-Up. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  43. ↑ "Audio Push "Come As You Are"". Complex. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  44. 1 2 3 Ju, Shirley (2013-08-27). "Mistah F.A.B. "Hella Ratchet" Tracklist, Cover Art & Mixtape Stream". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  45. ↑ "iTunes - Music - The Block Brochure: Welcome To the Soil (Parts 5) by E-40". Itunes.apple.com. 1967-11-15. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  46. ↑ "iTunes - Music - The Block Brochure: Welcome To the Soil (Parts 6) by E-40". Itunes.apple.com. 1967-11-15. Retrieved 2013-11-21.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Tuesday, May 03, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.