Iamsu! facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iamsu!
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Williams in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Sudan Ameer Williams |
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| Born | November 16, 1989 Richmond, California, U.S |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
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Sudan Ameer Williams (born November 16, 1989), known by his stage name Iamsu!, is an American rapper and music producer. He comes from Richmond, California. Iamsu! is a co-founder and main member of the hip hop group HBK Gang. This group started in 2008 and includes other artists from the Bay Area like Kehlani and Sage the Gemini.
He is famous for being featured on popular songs. These include Sage the Gemini's 2013 song "Gas Pedal" and LoveRance's 2011 song "Up!". Both of these songs reached the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. Iamsu! signed with Alternative Distribution Alliance to release his first album, Sincerely Yours (2014). This album appeared on the Billboard 200 chart.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Sudan Ameer Williams was born on November 16, 1989. His hometown is Richmond, California. When he was young, he listened to many types of music. Some of his favorite artists and styles included Kanye West, Aaliyah, and reggae music.
Sudan started making music when he was 14 years old. He always enjoyed playing with instruments. He also liked experimenting with different sounds. While in high school, he began making beats. He learned how to do this at a local program called "Youth Radio."
Music Career Highlights
Starting Out: 2009–2012
In 2009, Iamsu! began rapping. He first used the name "Su." Later, he changed it to Iamsu! This change helped people find his music more easily online. On July 4, 2010, he released his first mixtape. It was called Su! The Right Thing.
In 2011, Iamsu! helped create and produce the hit song "Up!" by LoveRance. He also sang on the song. A remix of the song even featured famous rapper 50 Cent. "Up!" reached number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also hit number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. After this, he appeared on E-40's popular song "Function". Other rappers like Problem and YG were also on this track. In 2012, Iamsu! was featured on songs by Jonn Hart and Wiz Khalifa.
New Mixtapes and Tours: 2012–2013
On October 2, 2012, Iamsu! made some of his earlier mixtapes available for sale. These included Kilt, Young California, and Su! The Right Thing. On November 12, 2012, he released a new mixtape called Suzy 6 Speed. This mixtape featured guest artists like Juvenile, Problem, and Wiz Khalifa. It included the popular song "Mobbin'". Critics really liked this mixtape.
On February 13, 2013, Iamsu! and Problem released a joint mixtape. It was titled Million Dollar Afro. Music critics praised this mixtape. Spin magazine even called it one of the best rap releases of 2013. To promote the mixtape, Iamsu! and Problem went on a "Million Dollar Afro Tour." On March 5, 2013, Spin magazine named Iamsu! one of the "Hottest MCs in the Game."
In May 2013, Iamsu! started his first tour as the main artist. This tour promoted his upcoming mixtape, Kilt II. He released Kilt II for free and on iTunes in July 2013. Iamsu! produced most of the songs on this mixtape. Pitchfork Media gave Kilt II a good review. They said it showed Iamsu! becoming a "burgeoning star." After Kilt II came out, Iamsu! shared that he was working with Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz. He later appeared on 2 Chainz's album B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time.
Major Albums: 2013–2016
Iamsu! was also featured on Sage the Gemini's hit song "Gas Pedal" in 2013. This song reached number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was the first time both artists had a song in the top 40. On August 12, 2013, Iamsu! and his group the HBK Gang released a mixtape together. It was called Gang Forever.
On December 3, 2013, Iamsu! released "Hipster Girls." This was the second single from his Kilt II mixtape. On January 3, 2014, he released a remix of YG's song "Who Do You Love?". He hinted that he was signing a record deal and planning his first album. On January 7, 2014, he announced his debut album would be called Sincerely Yours. He also confirmed that the first song would feature Sage the Gemini. On January 28, 2014, he released the album's first single, "Only That Real". This song featured 2 Chainz and Sage the Gemini. The album was then set to be released on May 13, 2014.
In 2015, Iamsu! started touring around the world. He was promoting his second studio album, Kilt 3. The first song from the album, "Up All Night," came out on February 14, 2016. The full album was released on March 24, 2016.
Discography
- Sincerely Yours (2014)
- Kilt III (2016)
- 06 Solara (2018)
- Blessed (2018)
- Boss Up V (2019)
- California (Deluxe) (2021)
- Sudi (Deluxe) (2022)
- 1-833-HBK-GANG (2023)
