A native of Cambridge, MA, Sam Adams doesn’t rap about topics you expect a rapper to deliver. College girls, teachers assigning essays, and Dominos bread replaces pimps, police brutality, and gangs. Adams may have a different story to tell, but one no less worthy of hearing. He proves himself with his incredible song-writing talent and supreme drive for success. Much of his immediate fame stems from the power of social-networking sites; without the backing of a major record label, Adams’ single “Drive Me Crazy” recently exploded on iTunes, reaching the top spot for new releases.
The artist graciously agreed to give us a little more insight on his recent success and how it all began…
Liv: How did you become involved in rapping? Did you wake up one morning and say “I’m gonna make a rap song!”
Sam: People don’t really understand that I spent most of my childhood in Cambridge – all of my close friends growing up were black, Hispanic, Portuguese… I had exposure to rap music, I’ve always been around it. When I was seventeen, my parents moved us out of the city into the suburbs. Making music always seemed just out of my reach though; at one point, I just said “Fuck it, I’m going to make the music I want, I don’t care what people think” and started recording songs. Transferring from Hobart [in New York] to Trinity College [in Connecticut] was definitely better for getting creative; it was hard to make music at my first college. I finally let myself get into it, made the right choices, and succeeded.
Liv: You’re a full-time student at Trinity, and the captain of the soccer team. How do you balance school and a blossoming music career?
Sam: It’s definitely been hard, but manageable. I feel like I’m living two different lives. All the traveling is difficult; recording in LA then having to fly back to Connecticut to take a test sucks. I do well when I’m really busy though, so it’s not that stressful for me.
Liv: Who are your musical influences? Favorite artist?
Sam: Growing up, I loved Nas and his original stuff; Reasonable Doubt is my favorite record. “Life’s A Bitch” and “The World is Yours” by Nas are great songs, as is Jay Z’s “Politics as Usual”. I love Wu Tang too. Locally, there’s definitely a bit underground rap scene in Cambridge, but that wasn’t really the route I wanted to go with my music. I have a completely different story to tell. I’m in college, I play soccer. I think a lot of people don’t like that and they disagree with what I do – I’m not the “typical rapper”.
Liv: Has that been particularly difficult to overcome?
Sam: No, not at all, I’m over that. What people think doesn’t matter. I’m just doing what I’m doing.
Liv: Did you ever expect to achieve fame so quickly? Your songs to be blowing up on iTunes…
Sam: In terms of iTunes, that level of fame definitely surprised me. But I knew I’d sell records, I have a fan base and people like my music. I mean, life’s great! Being a celebrity has its perks, I’m starting to get recognized on the streets of Boston and NYC. It’s weird, but fun!
Liv: What would be your ideal musical collaboration?
Sam: Oh man, this is a tough question. I’d love to do a track with Jay Z and Nas, with Dave Matthews Band in the background.
Liv: What do fans have to look forward to from you in the immediate future?
Sam: Right now we’re getting ready to do a bunch of shows over the next three or four weeks. We’re going to be hosting some parties too.
Liv: And long-term goals?
Sam: I’m trying to stay as humble as possible. Aside from my current projects, I’m working on solidifying the artistic process, figuring out how to overcome writer’s block, staying healthy, that sort of long-term thing… and to get my music out there to as many people as possible, just keep building my fan base. It’s an awesome feeling when live shows get bigger and bigger, it makes you want to record bigger and better songs.
Check out Adams’ website and Twitter.
Boston kids: Sam Adams takes over The Paradise Rock Club on May 5th, so check him out!
Author: Liv
Comments
Good luck to Sam… his music shows that he is a serious pro and he knows what he’s doing. Reminds me of New Kids on the Block: fun, funky, danceable pop with singalong choruses and a streetwise hip-hop flavor. It’s a recipe for conquering the pop charts! Citizens of Boston, hold your heads up with pride as Sam Adams prepares to join a long list of music-industry success stories that have come out of Beantown.
PS – Please, Sam, don’t blow it by taking too many drugs or going Tiger on us or getting an inflated ego. Keep it real!
seriously kick ass article. i love sammy adams!
Sam Adams is in this months issue of ALL AREA ACCESS! I know, it’s pretty cool! so everyone should go check it out! support our favorite boston boy!
http://illuminaallareaaccess.com/index.php
i loooooooveeeee u omg ahahaha
sammyyy!! pleaseeee tell me where to find ur hat on ur cover! my boyfriend reallly wants it and i would lovee to get it for him for his birthday
Im from cambridge to, so i really give big ups to him, nothing really happens in our town happpens.soooo sammy keep doing ur thing lol the song Driving me crazy is my ringtone.
( and i hate college. lmao i love u Sammy. Portlife
~lil baby loso (lady version)
what do u do in all of album pictures with your hand on your hat?
Your sic at rapping you are my favorite singer keep rapping like a boss sammy!!!!!
what do u do in all of album pictures with your hand on your hat?
Fuckin’ love Sam. Great interview.