It’s in her blood. Music, performing, and entertaining is all Sum1 has known since her toddler days in Lumberton, North Carolina. She was told that at 2, her father gifted her a toy drum set and that fueled her passion for artistic expression. Needless to say, the fire is still burning.
At 12, she was persuaded to try singing and dancing at church under the direction of her father, who was the minister of music.
“He was also a rebel and listened to Al Green, Bob Marley and a lot of older, classic artists. I listened to a lot of Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys with my mom and aunt. But my first musical idol was Selena,” she says.
When asked about who's on her playlist today, she touts another songstress with capturing her ear.
“The other day I heard ‘Just Be A Man About It’ by Toni Braxton for the first time. I fell in love with it.”
Sum1’s uncle noticed her interest and introduced her to songwriting software. By age 15, she was writing and singing her own songs. With the power of social media, a manager stumbled upon her talent on the Gram, connected her with a girl group, and within two years, the girls were signed to a recording deal in Atlanta!
Now solo, Sum1 has partnered with music mogul Missy Elliott on Missy’s latest single, “DripDemeanor.”
“It was fun working with her and her team. They’re all down to earth and humble. And definitely funny! We recorded at her home, which can be intimidating, but she gave me my space to be creative,” she shares.
Missy is currently executive producing Sum1’s upcoming project that will include approximately 10 songs written by Sum1 and her manager/writing partner, Corte Ellis. The devastating effect of the Coronavirus pandemic has delayed production, but they are working incessantly to complete it.
The 22-year-old also stays busy with her Major Villain: A Community for Misfits clothing line that is forthcoming.
Follow her @Sum1 on Instagram.
“I’m making music that everybody can rock to,” says Sum1. “Love songs, twerk songs, inspirational ones and some fun things will be on it.”