So I have some type of drive in me that keeps me innovative and gives me the ability to reinvent myself. I think that in and of itself has helped me along to where I'm at now. The world saw me when I was 12 years old through 14, the 4-year break. I was 18 and now I'm 22. So I was able to evolve and allow my fans to grow with me and for them to really embrace the growth that I've been going through in this industry.
Exactly one decade ago, you made your debut in 1999, with the #1 smash "I Like It." As you matured and evolved, from a boy into a man, so have your die-hard fans, who have grown — over time — with you. Over the years, you have also garnered a new fan base, with your sophomore album, Sammie (2006), and guest appearance on Soulja Boy's "Kiss Me Thru the Phone." For those fans that just recently discovered you, what kind of insight can you give them about your musical beginnings?
Man, I've been singing since the age of four. I started off in church, cliché as that sounds but it's true. I got my biggest break in 1998 at the Apollo in New York in the kids segment. I made it to the finals in '99. From there, I was discovered by Dallas Austin. I got my first major recording deal when I was 12 years old with Capitol Records/Freeworld Entertainment. From then on, life changed for me.
"I Like It" was the biggest record thus far in my career – number one in the charts for four and a half weeks. I had my album at the age of 13 – From the Bottom to the Top is the name of that album. It kind of just took off from there. Then I took a break to have a sense of normalcy – went back to school and graduated in '05 and returned back to the industry with my sophomore album entitled Sammie under Rowdy Records.
I reunited back with Dallas Austin. Here we are now 22 years old with Coming of Age album coming soon. It's just a new me. I have finally grown into myself, so, like I said, it's like the evolution of Sammie thus far in my career.
You mentioned Dallas Austin as a key figure during your early years. Do you recall your first meeting with him? If you do, what was your initial impression?
Article comments
1 - Nowthebiz
Mr. Perry, this interview is incorrect, Sammie is currently signed to Empire Entertainment an Atlanta based Label, he may have started his own company, but it was clearly in 2009. Sammie is tring to get a release out of his current contract, his claim to be releasing an album is just that. I have followed his very short career from the beginning & would like the truth to be printed, Sammie being Un loyal to his fans for not telling the truth & to his Recording company that has supported him from his 5year break. Sammie is a has been & the only reason you are even talking to him is because of Soujia Boy's song.
2 - Miss M.
Great interview, Mr. Perry. I gave two different opinions about young Sammie and his plans to "come back"- I was impressed to hear him talk intelligently and coherently about his childhood, transitioning in the industry, and his plans to be the number on db artist out there. I worry though that like some other artists, he just doesn't have that 'it' factor right now. I mean, he's cute enough, his voice is nice enough, his swag is pretty generic... I want him to grow up a little more and do some self discovery. At 22, I didn't know who I was and at 25, I still don't. So all I'm saying is, before he starts referring to himself in the third person and owning labels, I really want him to get his feet firmly planted, get some well produced, well written, appropriately marketed track and a unique selling point that is truly his, and then he'll be ready. I love to see a young black man being positive and trying to make it... I want Sammie to do well and I think that if he's careful and meticulous and really works on his craft like he says he wants to, people will support him and really help him become to superstar he wants to be. Good luck, my Brotha!