While there’s nothing inherently wrong with delivering music that sells, the pressure to create songs intended for commercial success has driven countless artists to place a heavier premium on trends at the expense of quality and uniqueness. In recent years, streaming platforms have been inundated with tracks that follow the same formula and that don’t speak of what the artist behind them stands for or brings to the table. Going against the grain by focusing on authenticity, the Los Angeles-based rapper Sham1016 is among those who are currently standing out in the saturated music scene.
Known for his distinctive discography, Sham1016 is a rising musician whose story of humble beginnings resonates with millions of people from across the world. Part of his stage name, 1016, serves as a toast to the street he called home and a reminder not to forget where he came from.
From the beginning, this promising talent has always had an affinity for beats and rhythms, his deep-seated interest in the craft the impetus behind his efforts toward carving a path toward the forefront of the music industry. Early on, Sham1016 also discovered a love for writing, a passion that would lead to a career in writing, producing, and arranging records.
Although Sham1016 is heavily influenced by household names like Ty Dolla $ign, Missy Elliot, Nip, Juvenile, Phonte, T-Pain, Nas, Jay-Z, Pharrell, and Suga Free, what primarily inspires the rapper-songwriter is life and the pains that come hand in hand with it. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise when his songs hit close to home.
In the time since he dipped his toes in the competitive waters of the music industry, Sham1016 has managed to reach great heights and capture the attention of hip-hop lovers for his lyricism and storytelling. Set to rise through the ranks in the years to come, the Inglewood-born rapper doesn’t blanket the harsh realities of life with flowery words and pretentious phrases. Along with his memorable flows, this no-filter approach to music helps distinguish the multifaceted artist from the rest of his equally talented peers.
His take on music-making is particularly evident in the single “Hurt Yourself” and its monochromatic accompanying video, as well as in the highly anticipated album Foul Play. Scheduled for release on April 8, Foul Play will explore the cycle of hurt. “Being in the position where I was responsible for hurting these different women’s feelings to being the one who gets hurt inspired the project,” shared Sham1016. “It’s about all the slimy s–t that I’ve done, been done to me, s–t the homies did, all that.”
The rawness and realness of Foul Play are bound to cement the LA star’s standing in the music scene even more solidly and push him toward the limelight. Along with his future releases, it is bound to connect Sham1016 with more listeners, especially those who appreciate quality and authenticity in the tracks they’re listening to.
