Check Out Samii Austin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samii Austin.

Hi Samii, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, music has always moved me. As a child, my dad would throw on a good tune a my legs would just move with no since of direction, only instinct. It’s something we laugh about to this day. Dance was my first love, but wasn’t something that was nurtured (unless you were a girl in the 90’s). In between sports practices and band practice YouTube became my dance studio and I would learn moves that way since taking classes was a distant dream. In middle school, my English teacher noticed how much of a wordsmith I was after turning in a poem assignment and got me into writing classes which eventually lead to submitting my work for competitions. With all of that I was still underwhelmed until one late night as my radio was low and my mind fighting sleep, I just started writing to whatever song was on and then it hit me. “This is actually kind of fire!” I couldn’t wait to show my friends the next day and when I did, within a week the Center Floor Boyz was born. In the era of “Crank That” we just KNEW we’d be the next big thing. Nothing came of it, but the writing continued. I built a collection of random written freestyles and song remakes in my composition notebook. As social media grew, I’d drop random freestyle video just to see what the masses thought. It was 2017, in the break room of my first office job I meet my NOW best friend DiiJai The Singer. We started by chat it up about some nobody he was dating then BOOM, next thing we know we are growing a bond and friendship that now seems unbreakable. I always knew he was a singer and I passively mentioned that I rap. We’d talk music on and off until one day he sends me a file. A song about the same nobody we spoke about before. Not going to lie the song was FIRE. Knowing the situation, within 20 minutes I sent back a audio recording of a verse I wrote as if I was in situation myself. HE LOVED IT and said “We are going to the studio THIS WEEKEND!”. I was so excited and for some reason nervous. After an amazing studio session we talk about shooting a visual and “F**k N****” was born. Mid conversation, I think to myself “Am I really doing this right now?”. We shoot the visual, drop the song and perform the song and as traction grew the decision was made. I’m going to pursue a career in music. From there, Samii Austin took on a life of his own and has been evolving ever since. From showcases, to pride stages and most recently I found myself on the hit YouTube reality show “Chasing Atlanta”. My reintroduction has made one thing clear, my story is far from over. As my following and support continues to increase, it is my hope that my music carries me to new heights.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to entertainment seemed easy in my head but being an independent artist is not for the weak. Finding your own resources, networking, and navigating which rooms understand and respect my artistry have been quite challenging. Getting a booking before felt more like begging and as an introvert who operates as an extrovert that was torture. Now as I step into a new level, how do I lean into paid gigs that are worth the type of production I put on. Sometimes it can feel like the biggest setback is the fact that I am not a heterosexual male. Often time I’d find myself confronting my delusions as if I was in an episode of Insecure. But one thing was certain, there is nothing like me out there. I’m needed. I have value. I have TALENT. And THAT has been my push.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an all around entertainer. I’ve touched multiple aspects of creative arts but I’ve made a name for myself by way of performing arts as a dancer and lyricist. Thats not a combination that people are used to. You have artists like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Chris Brown…..all singers. Then you have Missy Elliot but she’s a female. What male rapper have we seen actively give you chores while delivering heavy hitting bars? My proudest moments are honestly all of them. I’m always honored to have the opportunity to showcase my talents. Whether it’s in front of the LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY or not I make sure when I step off stage, I’ve given it my all and left people entertained.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Aside from my creative expression, the people around me make me happy. I can say that I have an amazing village of supporters around me. My fiancé being the biggest. He has been my rock and my sounding board through out every set back I face. My cousins, my friends and new found fans also make me smile. From being the first to buy my merchandise to being just as excited about a new verse, all the way down to just saying how much they enjoyed be on screen. It all changes my point of view when I overthink and critique myself harshly. It’s a subtle pat on the back that you are on the right track and that being my authentic self is way better than trying to be like someone else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/samii-austin/1316058963
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whois_samiiaustin?igsh=MXkyNzhnaHo1dTVnYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://x.com/WhosSamiiAustin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@samiiaustin
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@whois_samiiaustin?_r=1&_t=ZT-95L8g0x0PUs