A fresh new album release from Summi brings the fire with a youthful and outside the box approach to the rap game complete with some unique production, character and style.
The M.E.S.I. album is packed to the brim with insanely catchy flows and hooks coated with colorful instrumentation and beats that brings a fresh aesthetic and a bright feel.
Lyrically up front and honest, the songs come through with a fun flare but with a realness that lurks beneath the surface.
Tracks touch on hot topics and personal experience and situation that catch you off guard but if you really listen, you can hear the struggles that helped create this massive piece of work.
One of the best things about this record is Summi's outstanding ability for lyrical phrasing and squeezing so much to say into such a short time.
The fun is always there and its all incredibly textured and built with a pure love for the game.
Summi is certainly in love with his craft and you can hear the level of fun he had making this record.
Lucky for us, it all comes through with so much gusto, you find yourself singing hooks and phrases long after songs have ended.
Summi has a freshness rarely understood but for those who get it, they will be impressed to say the least.
This album has it all. The punch packing pure energy factor, the skill and precision factor, and the ability to appeal to so many different kinds of people its almost intimating.
With such a killer release, we wanted to have a talk with Summi to find out where this all came from.
RAG: Let's start with the M.E.S.I. album. This record brings together some new and old-school feels and it all has a killer sound and flow! Where did this record come from?
M.E.S.I. was written, recorded, and produced in Vacaville, Ca. Vacaville is a little town located in the east bay, about an hour from Oakland.
RAG: Your sound is a cross of underground and popular rap. Who are some of your actual biggest musical influences?
I’d say I got most of my inspiration from Mac Miller. He was the one who really pushed me to do this thing for real. Something about his music… So raw, organic, and emotional. That really connected with me right when I needed it and gave me that push to strive for more. A few other notable influences would be Kendrick Lamar, Isaiah Rashad, Lil Peep, Dominic Fike, Schoolboy Q, Post Malone, Alt-J, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin.
RAG: At times this record sounds like a concept album. Is this true?
M.E.S.I. is actually not a concept album, but this is not the first time someone has thought that. I try to create a consistent soundscape across the records I make, which I think can aid in keeping the album flowing smoothly and contributing to one overall feeling and vibe.
RAG: I feel like you'd be awesome to see live. Are you planning any live shows in the near future?
I am! My team and I are coordinating shows in the California, Bay Area for early 2022, as well as later in the year. We hope to begin touring with the next project!
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I like to spend time outside in nature. Whether it’s a full blown hike or just a walk around the neighborhood, getting outside helps me clear my mind and gets my creative gears turning. I also work with disabled children at an after-school program during the week.
RAG: This album felt like a massive undertaking. Do have any advice for upcoming artists out there?
My advice for anyone trying to make a name for themselves in the music industry would be to practice patience. I think it’s a common feeling to want to blow up overnight, but in reality that almost never happens. It can become easy to wish you were in someone else’s shoes or that you were further along in your career than you currently are. Chances are though, you aren’t even physically or mentally ready for what “making it” entails. You are exactly where you need to be. Enjoy the process and take in your surrounding. Lastly, work with as many other artists and creatives as you possibly can, no matter where you currently stand in your music career. Never be afraid to approach another creative.
RAG: Who are you listening to right now?
Lately I’ve been listening to Terry Presume. Terry is an Indie-Rock/Hip-Hop artist out of Florida. We met over the internet during the start of quarantine and remotely made a song together, which was released exclusively on Soundcloud. Terry is one of the hardest working up and coming artist in the game right now. Shortly after we met he signed to a label and released his Debut EP, “What Box?” I look up to Terry a lot. He’s really out here doing what he loves and finding success through it. Hope to work with my man again soon :)
RAG: What kind of things really inspire you to write?
I think I pull most of inspiration from self-reflection and life’s lessons. Specifically the hard ones. I also find myself getting ultra-motivated to write, immediately after listening to something that really resonates with me or just manages to make my head bob. I always seem to have this mindset that if someone else could do it, why can’t I? What makes us different? After all, we’re all just people trying to express ourselves.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
As my team and I proceed with the roll-out of M.E.S.I., we continue hard at work on the next project. I’m unable to say exactly what that “project” is going to consist of or look like, but I can guarantee you’ll be disappointed to miss it! With that said, make sure to follow us on all our social media accounts to stay up to date!
RAG: Were there collaborators you teamed up with for tracks on this record?
Yes! I had the pleasure to work with producers Anders Knutstad, BLAIZE WAREHAM, Luke White, and AstoriaBLVD. I also had the honor to receive a guest appearance from Juliette Fred and a feature from recording artist TSAVO.
RAG: Can we expect any music videos this year?
Most definitely! We are currently in the midst of shooting music videos for multiple songs from the album. Release of the videos can be expected at the start of the new year, if not sooner! Shoutout Aaron Brown for his amazing work with the camera and editing.
RAG: What people are musicians do you really look up to?
Terry Presume is going to be the big one for me right now. Other artists I admire and look up to are Byemilo, TSAVO, Grant Arnet of “Pleasant Wounds”, Dleeted Ego, and NoMBe. All amazing artists who are hungry in the game right now. Highly recommend listening to their music. You can thank me later.
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I can’t express enough, in words at least, how much your support has and does mean to me. M.E.S.I. is being received way better than I anticipated, and for that I owe all my supporters the upmost gratitude and respect. On behalf of myself and my team, we love you, we value your support, and we will continue to faithfully provide new music until the day we die. Never give up on yourself. You’re right where you need to be, so stop trying to speed through the process. Take a step back and take it all in, because things can change in a moments notice. With love, Summi.