In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with Samii Austin, music artist and star of Chasing Atlanta Season 7. In this conversation, Samii traces the journey from Tampa to Atlanta, from choir kid to rapper to reality star, and talks about what it actually costs to show up fully as a Black queer artist in spaces that weren't designed with you in mind. He reflects on what Chasing Atlanta revealed about him, why the community he has built in Atlanta is worth protecting, and what it means to want to give back to underground LGBT artists who are doing the work without the resources to match. There's joy here, and there's grit. And underneath both, the quiet insistence that being exactly who you are is the whole point. Because the stage was always big enough and all you had to do was claim it.

Connect with Samii on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whois_samiiaustin/

Get Samii's Merch here: https://austarz-by-samii-austin.myshopify.com/

Connect with Harry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryitie

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

Hi, my name is Hari Tie and welcome to Odejuma.

Odejuma is an ishakiri farewell that loosely translates to till tomorrow.

But for me, I look at it as a promise that there is so much more in life to look forward to and this interview driven storytelling podcast is rooted in that promise.

So as you take the time to listen, I want you to feel that as we go deeper with folks from across the Black diaspora, exploring the adventures, resilience, joy and the ordinary moments that change their lives, that you would have a good hearty laugh or you find something to sit with.

Because there is power in the stories of everyday people and these stories are worth telling.

Hi y'.

All.

Welcome to O Day Dreamer.

I'm super excited to be back with you.

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I'm so excited about my guest today.

He is a multi talented artist and also one of the stars in the new season of Chasing Atlanta.

I have Sammy Austin.

How are you?

Sammy, are you.

I'm doing well, how are you?

I'm doing pretty good.

Pretty good.

Very excited to talk to you.

I am a fan of the show.

I watch the show so kind of like looking forward, I'm looking forward to this conversation also, even moving past the show, but just learning more about you and your journey so far.

So thank you so much for coming through.

So let's get started.

Please let our audience know our listeners know a little bit more about Sammy.

Who is Sammy Austin.

So I am originally, originally from Tampa, Florida.

I was raised here in Atlanta, Georgia.

The oldest of three and the only boy.

Have two younger siblings.

Been dancing all my life but started rapping once I lost my voice when I was I wasn't exercising my singing as I should have been, but just because I love music that much, I didn't want to give up on it.

So I started rapping or writing raps I should say like way back in middle school.

My best friend put me on one of his songs.

He's also an artist, he's a singer, he and he put me on one of his songs.

That was the first time I did like a fully packaged thing like getting in a real studio recording, doing a visual, performing on stage like my own verse to like an original song.

So I was just like, okay.

I actually really like this.

Like this is fun.

I can see myself doing this for real.

So I would just like, you know, kind of drop a freestyle here and there.

And then eventually I started putting out my own work and like really just going forward and.

And now I am the Sammy awesome that you guys see today on Chasing that Lady.

Awesome.

That is pretty interesting.

And you talk about losing your voice, so I'm guessing that there was a time when you were singing.

Yeah.

And so losing your voice, was that been scary?

What was that feeling like for you?

Yeah, it was really scary.

I mean, and then also that was like pre puberty era.

So like my voice changed like when I stopped.

But yeah, from elementary all the way up to through middle school, I was singing.

I was in the choir.

I went to a private school, so we used to do like all of the arts.

Would like go and perform and do competitions.

So I would sing solos and just perform that way.

But yeah, once I left the private school and went into public school, I just stopped singing.

And like I said after that and hitting puberty and just like life changing, trying to do it again was just like, whoa, that doesn't sound right.

But like I said, I just couldn't give up on it.

So started like just writing raps because I was into poetry.

So I was like, let me try to like flip this a little bit.

And then rapping became the thing that is pretty cool.

So from singing to dance to poetry to rap.

So you've done everything?

Cause I also see with like your performances and everything, you could tell that you actually do know how to like, you know, dance and stuff.

So is acting something that you also want to conquer?

So let's just be a whole triple threat.

Is that something that's on the radar as well?

Yeah, that's something that is definitely on my radar.

Crazy enough, I was having a conversation with a friend and I just, I like to like approach being an artist in like the old school form.

Like all of them were like triple threats.

Like you could see them acting.

You can see them like singing or doing what their like major talent is, whether it's singing or rapping.

They were modeling.

Like they were doing the things.

Like there were three main things that they were always doing.

So always wanted to try to embody that.

Like nowadays.

So acting is something that I would.

I think I would enjoy doing that.

I think it would be cool to kind of like play someone else in a sense.

So I think that would be actually kind of Dope.

Okay.

Okay.

That's pretty cool.

And I think I can see that as well with everything.

And the music is pretty good.

I know we're going to talk about chasing Atlanta at some point.

Yeah, I know.

I think that's a song that, you know, everybody really kind of really likes and everything.

I thought that was, like, a really, really, really pretty cool song.

Thank you.

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind that song.

So the song itself, crazy enough, is a double entendre.

Like, it is, on one hand, a very, like, somewhat cocky and, like, boastful song, but at the same time, it's very, like, affirming.

And that was kind of, like, the point, because you have those days where you don't feel your best, and it's like you literally have to kind of, like, be like, how Issa Rae was and insecure and, like, look in the mirror and, like, talk to self.

And so to me, that was like, one of those moments where when I wrote the song, I was just, like, listening through.

Listening through beats because, again, music is just how I kind of, like, push through, like, those lows in life.

And when I heard it, immediately connected to it.

I was like, oh, this is fire.

And it just literally came to me.

Literally.

Yeah, I know.

It was the first three words that came to mind, and I just started filling in the blank, and it's like, what do I know?

What do I need to tell myself?

Like, what do I need to affirm to myself?

Or what do I know that I can like, really essentially pop my shit about, like, what is, like, factual to me?

So, like I said, it kind of carries weight on both ends.

And from there, I just try to push that even through performance.

Like, I'm big on engagement, so when I'm performing it, I like to get the crowd engagement.

I want them singing it by the time I'm done.

Like, that's really the bigger picture of it.

Awesome.

Awesome.

I really like that.

And you've been doing.

You've been on artists for what are, like, the challenges that you face as an independent artist trying to make your name in this very, you know, packed industry.

If I should say.

Yeah.

Nowadays, the thing is, everybody is doing it, and it's not saying that, like, in a bad way.

Like, everybody does it now.

Like, you could either have the passion for it, or you could wake up tomorrow and be like, you know what?

I think I want to rap or I think I want to sing.

And, you know, that's cool.

Like, you know, art is expression.

So however you need to, you know, kind of go through and get it out, do it.

But I think for me, it's finding a way to separate myself from not only those who are just doing it as a hobby, but for those who are, like, actually really going for it.

Because that's the thing.

Like, this field is very competitive, so it's just like every little thing has to be, has to have intention.

Like, for me, I rap.

Most rappers don't dance.

Even, like, the female rappers.

Like, it's rare that you see them dance unless it's like a music video or like a big, big performing stage.

But as far as, like, men, you don't see them rapping.

Even the gay rappers, you don't.

I mean, you don't see them dancing.

You don't even see many gay rappers dancing.

So I'm like, okay, that's already one thing, and then two.

I always add a little extra by not performing to, like, a track, which is not a bad thing.

But again, I like to stand out.

So I always have live instrumentation, like, as if I have a band behind me while I perform.

That's just like, another thing that I do where it's just like, you could hear my song and you can be like, this track sounds good, but the way he performs it and the way that the music just sounds like this, and it just takes you from here to there, like, with your mood.

Like, that's what I kind of strive to go for.

Like, I want people who watch me perform to, like, walk away feeling like something or feeling something at all, period.

That's pretty cool.

And it seems like you take the art very seriously.

That's what, you know, that's what is coming across.

So that's pretty cool as well.

You talk about, you know, as you were speaking, you mentioned gay rap, gay rappers.

I know that.

We know, we're in the community.

I feel like sometimes it feels like gay rappers, especially when you are not mainstream.

A lot of.

Obviously a lot of rappers, first of all, who are gay and black are not even mainstream to start with.

And so there is a way that the community doesn't really fully acknowledge the artistry that comes from, you know, black queer rappers, you know, if I must say.

Absolutely.

Can you talk about that a little bit?

And how does that affect how you approach your work in general?

The thing is, like, I think what.

What people will always respect is authenticity.

Despite those who choose to wake up and walk in ignorance, a majority of the world, they will connect with you in some way when you're authentic.

And I think that that's something that I always push.

Like that is just something I embody when I wake up and walk out the door.

I could not even be doing anything Sammy related.

It's just you have to kind of embody that star power just from the go.

Like when you walk in a room, they should look at you and be like, dang, who was that?

Like, that's kind of like what you should give.

But I think the struggle is like a lot of people don't take you seriously.

So you're always kind of on.

Like you don't get a chance to kind of like just sit in it and chill in it.

Like you're always on trying to like prove yourself essentially.

But yeah, I think being authentic is the rewarding part.

Like I don't have many, I would say of our like cisgender counterparts.

Like I don't have many run ins or issues with them.

Even when performing in front of like a majority like straight crowd, the reaction is still pretty good.

Like you might get a couple guys here and there where they just like, wait, hold up what he said.

But at the end of the day, it's like when you kind of just have it, like they respect it.

Like I've.

It's been great to actually get that feedback from Straight Lynn and be like, hey, I can't completely like vibe with what you saying.

Like I can't connect with it.

But you like, you good.

Like you are talented.

So just even connecting with them on that level is good enough for me.

So it is really just about us making those connections.

And you can only do that when you're like really authentic.

That's pretty cool.

That's pretty cool.

That's good to hear.

Okay, cool.

And I also want to talk a little bit about the queerness part of it.

I feel like being black and queer is its own thing in itself.

My God.

So I'm really curious about your journey so far.

You said you grew up in Atlanta, you're from Florida.

You know, what was that like growing up as a young queer black boy in the South?

And how has that influenced how you move through life today?

I can tell you one thing, think one real life influences art.

Like that's that's the thing.

So like a lot of my music and my coming up and the stories that I try to tell with my music come from like real life lived situations, whether it's mine directly or like a friend's.

But yeah, navigating that space is a little hard.

Harder than it should be because you one we unfortunately, are very critical.

And trying to get your own people to connect with you sometimes is just, like pulling teeth.

But I also think that's, like, that's the first.

The first mission is, like, connecting with your people.

Now, that's one of the biggest reasons not to, like, jump ahead, but one of the biggest reasons why I really wanted to join chasing, like, I wanted to get in front of my people.

Majority, of course, of my performances are in front of, like, our community.

But the biggest thing is, like, the influence and the representation of our community.

So if I can basically show and prove that I'm doing this in a way that makes us all look good, like, it's really less about me and more about, like, everyone.

So, like, if just like, with Saucy and Lil Nas X, when they started getting the notoriety they got, that gave us, like, a major push just as a community in general.

So it's like, I want to be like.

Like, I want to have that kind of influence, like, on the world.

Like, I want people to look at me.

Yeah.

But look at the community as a whole.

Like, okay, we can take them serious, and we can gamble and take a risk on them and not feel like it's gonna turn sour or anything like that.

But, yeah, as hard as it is, it also makes the biggest difference, like, once you have that backing from your communities.

And have you always been, like, you know, comfortable in your skin, always been, like, when it comes to, like, your sexuality and everything?

Not always.

It's been.

It has definitely been a journey from, like, just suffering with anxiety, body dysmorphia, just, like, going through all the things.

Like, I'm in.

I'm currently in therapy.

Like, I started for, like, grief counseling, but, you know, that's turned into just, like, life things.

And there have been, like, so many layers that I've had to, like, pull back to, like, really find out who self is every day, every session, I'm still, like, figuring out current day, like, who I am, but as I do that, it just helps me tell the story even better or give just more insight as to what life is like, not just for me, but someone who's like me that doesn't feel like they can tell their story.

But, yeah, it hasn't been easy, but it's been a worthwhile journey that I'm still literally walking to this day.

That's real.

That's real.

Thank you for sharing that.

And what are some of the things you've learned from just going through this journey right now with, like, therapy and finding yourself and Unpacking all these things from, like, you know, your childhood and your present and everything.

Definitely.

You can be your worst critic.

And while you may be the first person to kind of tear yourself down, you're also the first person who can build yourself up.

So I literally try to build myself up every day in my faith in just who I am, taking the right strides.

Everything that I find myself afraid of doing or everything that I was afraid of doing before, I'm, like, doing now.

Like, the.

The opportunities that keep coming up where I'm just like, ooh, I would love to do this, but I'm scared.

I'm nervous because I don't know how this is gonna go.

I don't know how they're gonna take this.

It's like, now I'm like, go for it.

Like, the fight or flight thing has, like, come into play.

Come into play.

But the decision to fly is what I've, like, decided to, like, go with.

Awesome.

Awesome.

And speaking a little bit more, you know, in that lane, is that what you bring to your music when it comes to, like.

Like, inspirations and also maybe to take it even a step further.

And what is that creative process like for you?

Like, do you hear a beat first?

Do you hear hum first?

Do you.

The lyrics pop in your mind when you're maybe, like, going to the grocery store or something.

What does that look like?

Little minute.

Oh, my goodness.

So the creative process of it all.

Well, one, to answer the first question, yes, I tried to, like, push that in my music, where on one hand, it, again, just sounds, like, really cocky.

Just like.

Yeah, I know.

Like, it sounds boastful.

It sounds cocky and conceited.

But, like, when you really listen to it, it's like you can quite literally be looking at yourself in the mirror and singing this song, and it's just, like, a boost of confidence by the time you get to the end.

So, yes, to answer your question, that is something that I try to put into my music, even when it's just, like, fun music.

But even with that, it's like, I try to make music that engages some kind of feeling and emotion that's positive.

So it's like, I want you to move.

I want you to get up.

I want you to feel good.

I want you to feel like a baddie if you want to.

I want you to feel like, you know, you are the baddest one in the room, and, you know, you just own everything.

Like, I want people to feel like that.

So, like, when I put that in the music, like, I Try to structure it in a way where it doesn't come off overly cocky, but just enough of, like, when you listen to it, you be like, you know what?

Yeah.

And now I'm saying it, and I'm, like, saying it as if, like, these are my words.

Like, that's what I want people to feel.

But as far as the creative process, it's so mixed and skewed, like, it's crazy.

Sometimes I can just be driving and.

And just random line or two or, like, pop in my head.

Like, my phone.

Of course, like, most is like my best friend, but I use mine for different purposes.

Like, I literally am jotting down just random lines.

Like, I literally have a folder full of, like, just random lines that I'm just, like, jotting down, jotting down.

And then if I'm, like, listening to something that's really good, like, some of my inspirations, I would say current day.

Like, some of my inspirations are like Adoja Cat Adochi, like, where they can make, like, conscious rap, but they make it sound good.

Like it's a vibe, like it's a bop still.

So it's like when I hear them say stuff and it just, like, clicks, and I'm just like, ooh.

I feel like I can say this, but say it in a different way without, like, taking what they saying, but make it mine.

And then, you know, that's like one method.

But sometimes I do literally just scroll through beats.

Just recently, I literally probably scrolled through, like, 200 beats.

Like, in one day.

I'm just, like, scrolling.

And if it doesn't.

If it doesn't move me, I'm just like, okay, next, next, next, next.

And then when I hear something, I'm like, okay, I like this, and I feel something.

I'll hold onto it.

Or I can hear something.

And it moved me so much.

If I can come up with at least four silent bars within, like, the first minute of listening to it, that's how I know it's the one.

Like, yeah, I know.

It was literally that, like, when I literally came up with the hook on, like, the first time listening, by the time I got, like, to the middle of the song and the hook was coming back in, I just like, yeah, I know.

And I was like, okay, well, this is cute.

I kind of like that that's a chant.

So let's build off of that.

So it's like, that is another way.

It's the most typical way I would write.

Like, I would just listen to something until I can feel what I want to like, evoke.

And then I just start writing from there.

And sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's hard, but, you know, either way, it usually comes out great.

Okay, that's real.

That's real.

But 200 beats, though, I mean, being an artist seems like a lot of hard work.

200 Beats, it's hard work and it's expensive.

I don't think people realize how expensive it is.

Like, if I could give you like a rough estimate, for me, I think to put a.

Just a single together.

Just putting a single together probably costs $700.

Wow, that's.

That's probably on the low end.

Like just like a quick run through, like the beat alone.

And this is if you're doing it the right way or if you don't have.

Or if you don't have no homeboy, they can like, you know, do all the things.

Like buying a beat with like all the proper rights can cost anywhere from $200 plus.

So I just say 200 for four.

Just for four hours in the studio is $250.

So we already at like almost 500.

Then you still have to do mixing and mastering.

It's probably like another 150 to 200.

I get my music for performances with the live instrumentation.

That's another 150.

Again, everything the right way.

Copywriting, like all of that, that costs money.

It can run you a pretty.

A pretty penny.

So, like those who can push out like full fled, I have like the utmost respect, especially when you're doing it independently.

Having somebody behind you with a little bit of coin, that's cool.

And that's usually the goal.

But like, independent artists who are putting out like full fledged projects, like, hats off because I haven't even gotten to like a full project mode.

Like, I'm still, you know, dropping singles here and there, but.

And I'm actually coming up to that point, but it's just like, Jesus, that is.

That sounds like a lot.

Yes.

And then I'm guessing music videos are also very expensive too.

Yeah, just to book the videographer.

That's.

That can run you anywhere from like 500 to 700, depending on what you trying to shoot.

Like, it is expensive.

Wow.

So how do you.

How do you keep pushing?

I don't want to assume that you have like someone with coin behind you or anything.

I wish.

You know what I'm saying?

So I feel like there's a lot of motivation that you have to give yourself to ship your mind, keep doing it, you know, as an independent artist, do you feel like, do you feel like you're getting, like, the value for.

So you're.

You're working hard in this regard, putting out music that is quality and that is, you know, that you're very proud of.

Do you feel like it's balancing out with, like, you know, audience reception, getting booked for shows, money wise as well?

How would you gauge that?

Yeah, I think it does all end up being worth it to an extent.

Like, again, being independent, not having a manager.

Like, we don't have a lot of people that can get you in the right places.

So even with that, to kind of answer another question, you have, like, that's a challenge of, like, finding the right avenue.

Because there's been plenty of times where I get booked for a gig.

And of course, like, I'm excited.

Cause it's like, this is another chance for me to show what I do.

So that alone makes me, like, want to just go for it.

But sometimes when you get there, you'll like, find yourself in a situation where it's just like, this is not what you said or what I thought it would be.

But you also.

It's one of those things where it's like, you have to, like, hustle for it, so to speak.

So it's like you kind of start from the bottom.

You'll start at the little hole in the wall clubs.

Like, you'll start at a open mic, you'll start at, you know, karaoke or whatever the case, and then work your way up to, like, the big things like the Prides and different festivals and working your way out of state.

So, I mean, that's the challenge.

But again, once you start getting there, that's the reward.

Like, I remember, I'll never forget when I booked my first, like, at Black Pride event in Atlanta.

That was like, that was almost like, peak.

I made it moment.

I was just like, oh, we here.

Because I just was actually the year before I told my fiance, I was like, I want to perform on stage like that.

Like, I want to be up there.

I'm sitting here watching people who are, like, doing so good, everybody's vibing, but it's like, I want to.

Like, that's where I want to be.

So to find myself there within the next year and then for like a couple years following that, that was probably one of the most rewarding things because, like, that means people trust you in your craft to, like, yeah, put their name on you and then put your name on their stuff and put you out there.

So it can be very rewarding.

Awesome.

Awesome.

That's good.

That's good.

Okay, so let's get into the.

A little bit of the tea.

Yeah, a little bit about that.

Let's talk about it.

So you are on Chasing Atlanta.

Chasing Atlanta has been a.

One of the most popular.

I think I would say the popular.

Most popular gay reality shows that has been out for a while, garnered a lot of following over the years.

And now it came back with a new cast.

I think only Dominique is from the old cast.

I would think.

Dominique and Tony Bryce.

Yeah.

Yes.

And Tony, who I love, by the way.

I think she's pretty amazing.

Yeah, she.

And so there's this new cast.

First of all, how did you even land the gig for Chasing react.

For Chasing Atlanta?

I mean, I saw they were looking for, like, new people, so I'm like, again, shot in the dark because another one of, like, my big fears was, like, getting in front of the world.

But it's always been like, I wanna be on a show.

I wanna have my own show.

It was a thing of, like, I had to literally talk myself out of that, like, mindset.

I was just like, oh, I wanna do it, but I don't feel like they're gonna pick me.

I don't even, like, I just thought, like, if I do it, they probably gonna be like, child, like, he ain't really doing nothing.

But I did it.

Got the interview.

And even during the interview, when I, like, first met Andario, like, well, before I even got to Andariel, not to give away, like, the setup, but, like, there's like a pre interview and then an interview, and I didn't even do the pre interview.

I went straight to Andariel and the rest of, like, the executive producers.

And that alone, to me was just like, okay, we might be like, we good.

Because I didn't get that.

You know, I ain't have to do that.

But talking to them was great.

Like, they were very, very interested in just my story and my following based on what I show on social media.

And I remember one of the producers walking me out into the elevator and he was just like, we literally, like, scrubbed your Instagram and everything about you is just, like, so polished and clean and, like, of quality.

Like, that is something that they really were looking for to have on the show.

So it was given.

Like, everything was mutual.

Like, they were, like, looking at me and I'm looking at them, and they were just waiting for everything to align.

So that's pretty much how it happened.

And from there, it really was just go.

And the discussions that they had to make sure I was shown in the best light, they made me very comfortable.

So once I signed on, like, it literally was go time.

Okay, that's pretty cool.

And how was the experience?

Like, first of all, like, I'm sure it is very.

You're, you're, you're.

Yes, you're used to the cameras and you're used to the, the entertainment business.

But now you have a camera, you have a crew in your home, you have a crew going out with you.

You're spilling all your beans.

You know, you are involved in conflict.

You know, and you know, we are different people when there's conflict.

I think that's a universal thing.

Yes.

But the beauty, the beauty about, like me, for example, when I'm in conflict with people, nobody's.

There's no camera to capture, you know, that experience.

Right.

And now that is something that is happening with you.

So what was that experience?

Like, you know, what, what, what surprised you the most about filming?

The whole initially was nerve wracking.

Like, if I can give some insight, like, my first, my intro to the show was at my single release party.

I felt like everything one, everything that could have gone wrong kind of went wrong.

That was just, you know, that show day stuff.

Like it usually happens like that.

Like, I didn't have my dancers, my face was breaking out because I was stressed out.

I literally didn't find my outfit until I think the day before.

And then I knew that was gonna be my first day filming.

And I'm just like, well, what if people don't show up?

I just.

It was so much going through my head, I could almost barely perform.

But that also is the reason why I literally broke down crying at the end because I was just like, okay, I made it through it.

They living for it.

Like, the response was great.

I already knew Nick prior to the show.

Cause he grooms my dog, so I already knew him.

So, like, seeing a familiar face and him bringing somebody that was new, that was interesting.

And just meeting with them was good.

And even that very first sit down, I was just like, oh God, there's cameras, like right here.

Like, there's cameras watching me.

And I'm trying to like, make this look as natural as possible.

But once, like, we kind of got going, I actually forgot that they were there.

Like, I think people forget, like, what you see on shows is literally a snippet.

Like, I think we sat there for a good hour, maybe almost hour and a half, just like talking.

And I was just like, wait a minute.

We shooting the show, like, we Gotta go.

Y' all gotta go.

Like, what's happening?

But it was really good in the beginning, and I think every first few scenes for me felt like that it always kind of.

It was just getting used to it.

And then towards, like, the halfway mark, it's like, okay, we gonna shoot.

Once I got comfortable.

Got comfortable around certain people, like, we're good.

I just tried to, again, make sure I was showing myself in the best fight.

And, you know, I think I did a good job compared to some.

So would you.

Would your castmates.

Would your castmates think the same way if I.

If I bring them on this show,.

Would they be like, I think so?

Maybe a couple of them might say no, but, I mean, we would all.

We would all know why.

But I mean, you know, it always got to be one hater in the bunch.

But I think the majority rules.

And the majority would say that I, you know, showed up very well on the show.

And just in general, because going through this experience and this experience almost being over, like, for this season, I literally walked away with, like, new friends.

And that was honestly something I did not expect.

To answer that part of the question.

Like, I was actually shocked at how many friends that I would kind of, like, walk away with, like, new friends.

So I think that was the biggest thing and probably one of the most rewarding outside of, of course, being on the platform in general and, like, people really getting into my music, like, just seeing the engagement, like, shoot up since being on the show has been great.

The next best thing was literally making those connections.

Still getting used to people noticing me when I'm out.

That is still very new for me.

Like, I've been out, and they're just like, oh, you're on the show.

And then I'm.

It's.

It's still.

Still a little weird, but.

Cause I just.

I still even feel like with all of this, like, I'm just.

Like, I'm.

I'm so regular.

Like, I'm just chill.

But the experience has been great.

Over.

Okay.

And did you watch the show before you got on the show, or did you come in just, like, nothing, no prior context, before?

Yeah, I watched before.

I watched the first two seasons when Chasing Atlanta first got introduced, and then when.

Cause I actually knew somebody that was on those seasons.

And then I met Oliver Twix the same year.

I think it was my first year that I did Black Pride in Atlanta when I performed.

He also performed, and I met him, and I knew that he was on there.

As I started watching to kind of see what he was doing.

And then even him and I prior to getting on the show and, you know, I know they got.

He got his stance when it comes to the show, but his support has been, like, everything.

We got really close again.

It just made me want to, like, watch the show even more and be like, you know, let me see what he getting into.

How's he handling things?

And then after that, when he found out that I was on, he was, like, super supportive.

Like, he's probably one of my closest friends in the industry, per se, and he's also, like, a mentor.

Cause he is a great artist.

And the way that he manages his social media is like, wow.

So I'll call him in a minute and be like, friend, I need some help.

I just.

I'm just trying to make.

Make some shake.

And I feel like I'm losing it up here.

Get me in line.

But.

Okay.

Okay, that's.

That's pretty cool.

This season, you know, if you watch.

If you.

I watch.

I watch.

I don't want to say I watch a lot of reality tv, but I watch the good ones.

You know, I watch the Housewives, the Married, Tibet.

I watch.

I watch really good.

I like reality tv.

I just don't have time, honestly, to watch it all.

It's just, you know, there's a lot of shows right now, but I love a good show, and I like that we are seeing more black queer reality shows.

I'm down for.

We got to support our people.

We got to support our community.

If you can watch, you know, a show on Bravo or any.

Any of your other platforms, Zeus or wherever, if you can watch, you know, our Cishetter Wakanda path, you can support us as well, because, you know, we deserve support, too.

And the thing gives that you wouldn't be watching anything different, but a different cast.

Like, the quality is amazing.

The storylines are amazing.

Like, it's giving the same thing.

Yes.

And we can connect to the stories.

Like, these are.

A lot of us are leaving some of the things that folks on your show and other shows on our reality shows, whether they're on YouTube or any of these platforms, you know, we are leaving those experiences as well.

And so, yeah, I really.

I really appreciate this season, especially.

I think this season has been so grounded.

Yes.

The messiness is there.

Yeah.

But it just feels like.

Yes.

Like, I really like.

I really.

I really like y'.

All.

I like.

I like everybody on the cast.

I think all of y' all are doing amazing work on the show.

And so.

Yeah, my little spill.

But What I want to say is, like, how would you define yourself in the.

You know, every.

Every show has the part starer, the bone collector, the peacemaker.

You know, what would you describe yourself?

What would you describe your role in this friend group?

I think my intentions have been to be the peacemaker, but some way or another, I became the bone Collector.

The people say that I'm the.

I'm the bone collector.

I. I wouldn't necessarily say so, but apparently I am.

I have accepted that role, but I. I still try to move in a way that I would be proud of, though, even with that.

Um.

But, yeah, is there something that.

Is there something that watching back?

Because I know that there were a couple of things that, you know, you got called out for, you know, by your customers.

Like, oh, is that what he said?

Or he was there, or he said this before and he changed when this person came into the scene.

Looking back over this seat this past season, is this something that has happened that you've been like, hmm, I wish maybe I should have handled that a little bit differently?

Um, I would say yeah.

And no.

Um, I would say yeah, just to make the show a little bit more spicy, but not in, like, an inauthentic way.

So that's why I would say no.

I feel like everything I did was authentic and real.

And I do feel like some things were misread.

I think people kind of got confused as to, like, what being neutral or riding the fence is versus, like, being fake.

Because being fake was, like, never a thing.

Me being neutral definitely was the thing, or at least was my intention.

It may come across as fence riding, but that's a type that I would not mind holding.

But I think me being neutral, me just being a positive being, I don't think at any point I really gave negative.

Like, I tried to take the positive route in everything.

Even with my opinions and things that I said, I still try to root it and end off at least on a positive note.

So, yeah, that's good.

That's good.

I'm a little curious again.

I know it sounds like a lot of chasing reality questions, Atlanta questions, but I'm a little curious.

You know, when the scene starts to pop off, when two people are in intense conflict and you're right there in the moment, what is running through your mind?

Because I'm always very curious, like, how will I react if I see?

And I know that sometimes for the show, you gotta let the people go at each other, but I'm like, I wanna.

Like, okay, what do I do?

What is what happens with you when that is what that is at play.

Well, of course, you know, it always depends on the situation.

But my biggest thing is just like, oh, my God, please, y' all don't get to fight.

Like, I hate.

I hate confrontations.

I'm here for a good read session.

But when things start getting confrontational, I'm just like, oh, my God, y', all, please.

Like, let's.

Let's not.

I mean, I know it's good for tv, but I just.

I just really hate that.

I don't want that to be why you are known for something, you know, Especially when it's, like, serious.

If it's some petty, petty stuff, and I'm just in your face, you in my face, and we going off.

Cool.

But, like, when you're there in the heat of the moment, you can feel when, like, things are getting serious.

Like, for example, with Alfea in Nova, when that comment was said, that's why you saw me, like, get up and get my stuff.

Cause I'm like, party's over.

I'm just gonna go ahead and step over here.

Cause I don't know what's gonna happen.

I just don't wanna get hit with no plate, hit with no cup.

I just.

I didn't want it to be, you know, none of that.

But also, given the circumstances, I was like, somebody ought to step in.

So, you know, that's what we all did.

We just made sure that it didn't go too far.

And Alfea Nova's situation is.

Has been the.

One of the major plot points of this season.

And it's also.

There's a larger conversation going on currently with trans women and cisgendered women.

And so I'm sure in yalls mind, you did not imagine that, you know, art, which is your show was going to be coming out at a time when a very.

A convert that has been going on for quite some time will be happening as well.

How has.

How have y' all been taking yourself?

Like, what has been the response, you know, to y', all, to your cast?

How are y' all navigating this time as well?

I think that is one of the most important things, and I think we knew it right when it happened.

We were just like, we, as a collective are gonna have to, like, talk about this and discuss.

Was an unfortunate event.

I hated that it even happened.

I mean, it.

I mean, it happened.

It's life.

But it did strike up a very important conversation.

And I think our goal was to everybody was for everybody to step into that conversation and handle it one, respectfully and two, responsibly, because at the end of the day, this is a black queer platform, and we do have a black, heterosexual woman on this platform.

So we have to be responsible on how we're handling both sides.

Like, we want to be fair to both sides.

There's a story on both sides, but there's accountability on both sides.

So it's like, we have to be able to tell that story responsibly, but also respectfully, because no one should be ostracized either.

And you can hold people accountable without being nasty.

So that was the biggest thing, at least for me.

But I think I speak for the group when I say that that was our biggest thing.

Yeah, y' all are really putting out something really impactful, something really good.

You all should be very proud of what you're creating and what you're making.

Yeah, it's such a.

It's such a really great.

I really enjoyed the show.

So we'll see.

I haven't seen a reunion yet, so we'll see if I have the same.

The same.

The same feelings right now.

I think I've said it every episode since we all kind of, like, met.

I think it's just been, like, uphill thing, and I'm just like, hey, put on your seatbelt.

Just.

Just put on your seatbelt and keep it on until it's over.

Yeah.

Are there any.

Who are the people that you're closest to right now on the cast?

I'm gonna start this off by saying I'm cool with everybody.

Just about everybody.

The people that I am closest to.

Still very close with Nique.

I got very.

I'm gonna start with the people I knew prior to.

Very close with Nique.

Still close with Tramell.

I got very close with Kendall.

I got very close with Q, as well as Noelle.

Those three being, like, new people that I just met.

Like, we.

Not in, like, a cliquey way, but we talk every other couple of days.

Like, there's been times where we done spent, like, whole weekends with each other.

Like, when I say I literally walked out the situation with, like, new friends like, that, that is how it feels.

Like, it definitely transcends beyond Chasing Atlanta.

Like, we all cannot come back next season, and it probably will be the same way.

You still would see us hanging out.

We would still be talking and being on FaceTime every other couple days.

Like, that's just what it is.

Also, Tony.

Tony has been truly amazing.

I already knew, like, just watching her from the previous season, I Was like, she was gonna be cool when I first met her.

And I, like, noticed she was, like, kind of off to the side, like, chilling.

She was like one of the first people I think I actually talked to, like, one on one, her and Nova, I think, at Q's event.

But I think Toni was like, one of the first people that I talked to because I just felt like.

I don't know, I just felt something with her, but I love Toni to do.

Okay, so from what you're saying that the word on the street is true, that there is a clique you say.

I want to be.

There is two sections.

They have a fraction group.

This dysfunctional family is operating in dysfunction right now.

Absolutely.

Hopefully y' all can do another lemon squeeze and come together as a.

As a family.

You know what the quads.

What did quads say in not married to Medicine?

Confessional, you know, you know how, like,.

Squeeze the lemon and the juice, like, squirt back and hit you in the eye?

I think they are done squeezing the lemons.

But I hope we can.

I do hope that we as a collective can come to a resolve.

Like, we all won't be the best of friends, but I do hope that we all can end up back on a level playing field, like, kind of come back to square one and just, like, end off with.

What we should start with is, like, respect.

So it's just like, you know, I can respect your viewpoint, even though I don't agree, and we can move from there.

So I do hope that when we get to the reunion, that's something that.

Something that we can accomplish.

Okay.

Okay, that's good.

That's good.

There is.

There was conversation during the show about your engagement and, you know, the length of your engagement.

What's the status on that?

Are wedding bells coming soon or is this still on ice?

Or do we need to tune into the next season to know what's going to happen?

It's coming.

It's coming.

You know how they had that trend where it's like, the saxophones are getting louder, the wedding bells are getting louder.

Okay, it's coming.

And I will say, like, with the time, I think it's one of those again, one of those live things.

Like, of course, initially, neither of us were like, oh, we gotta be together, like, 10 plus years before we get married.

Like, honestly, for me, at like, year three, four, I was just like, okay, so what we doing?

And like, we talked about it, and it definitely was something that we both wanted.

But I think it also got to a point of I think you notice more the person that you're with more than the fact that y' all are not, like, married.

Yeah.

Like, my fiance is, like, one of my best friends.

So the fact that we have a friendship embedded in our relationship, it's literally, like.

Sometimes I literally forget, like, when we got to year five, I was just like, oh, shit, it's been five years.

We got the 10 years.

I was like, Dang, we've really been together 10 years.

Like, that's crazy.

And, like, even now, it's like, we are on year 15 now, actually.

So it's just like.

I just never would have thought that it would have been this long, but the plan has been in motion.

It's just been in motion slow.

But we have had those conversations where it's like, okay, now we got to do something.

Like, we got to actually do it now.

It's not.

I don't want people to think that it's a thing that we question that we want to do it.

It's just more of, like, actually doing it.

And I don't think.

I don't think.

I don't think there's any question.

I mean, 15 years in gay world is like 40 years, so y' all are practically married, you know, so whatever.

It feels right for y'.

All.

I think y' all can take that.

That step or, you know.

And before we start to wrap up, Mike, I'm curious.

What has your experience on Chasing Atlanta?

What has he taught you so far, like?

And what are you grateful for about the experience?

What I have learned is, one, you can't please everybody.

You cannot please everybody.

You can't please everybody that's in your direct circle.

You can't please everybody that's in your indirect circle.

You just can't.

You can't please anybody.

But it also has, like, taught me to, like, stand in what I believe.

And what I believe is I can still be cool with who I want to be cool with.

It ain't got to pick no side.

That's what I'm going to stand in.

I can understand this person over here and understand this person over here and not have to choose.

Like, sometimes it's not, you know, just about, like, right and wrong.

Sometimes it's all about, like, your perspective and how you're seeing things and really trying to help the people that are actually involved see from the opposite lens, which I feel like was, like, my.

My role, but I've just learned that one, you can't please everybody, too.

Stand in what you believe, regardless of what Everybody is saying or what the collective is saying.

Something I'm grateful for is one again, my new friendships to the exposure.

Like, really seeing people enjoy what I'm putting out.

And in turn, like, that inspiring me to put out and do more and do more, like, come, like, quickly.

Cause usually I'll just be like, you know, put out a single this year, perform a bunch, start a single at the end of the year.

But now it's just like, okay, now I see that, like, people actually like it for real.

So, like, let me kind of, like, continue to feed y'.

All.

Like, let me give y' all more for y' all to like and enjoy.

And, you know, just that helped take me to the next level.

So that those are some things that I'm definitely grateful for throughout this process.

Shout out to that.

So you're ready to lock in.

That's what I'm hearing.

I am ready to lock in.

I am.

I am in project mode.

I'm working on some new stuff.

I mean, y' all see, I've been working on the merch.

The merch is out.

I got merch.

I'm working on new music, trying to get.

Trying to get us lit for the summertime.

Hopefully give y' all an album by the end of the year.

I don't know.

We'll see.

You know, I definitely am.

I'm in the lab.

I'm cooking.

I will tell you that I am cooking.

Okay.

Okay.

That's pretty cool.

We have some rapid fire questions for you, so I'm curious to, you know, hear your responses to this.

So the first one, what are the top five songs on your playlist right now?

Oh, I am so obsessed with Leak it by Flo.

I'm also obsessed with RARA 100.

I don't know if y' all know her or seeing her videos.

She has a song out called Feisty, and she does, like, this little dance.

I don't know.

I am obsessed with her right now.

So I listened to that.

Trim is growing on me a lot.

Like, I admire her as a young woman.

I admire her hustle so much, especially in the rap game.

And she's almost, like, doing it like old school.

Like, let me actually get out in the streets, and then also let me give y' all repetition.

Cause, like, repetition can.

It's that thing that is hit or miss.

But, like, when it hit and it sticks, like, people are literally walking around singing a song, and they just like, why do I keep singing this song?

You don't even have to like the song.

But because you hear it so much, you're gonna start singing it.

But Love, Trim and the way I'm obsessed with Ray's new album, I have to give her the last two slots, to be quite honest.

Like, Click Clack Symphony is one of my favorite songs on the album.

And then I think it's the WhatsApp stereo, the WhatsApp killer or something like that.

That song has had me in a chokehold like the last two weeks.

Those are like my top five, right?

Like at this current moment.

Shout out to that.

And you've given me some songs to go check out.

So thank you for the recommendations as well.

Who are the reality stars you admire?

I love Tiffany Pollard.

Like, with all the chaos included, like, that's like authenticity.

Like, I literally remember watching her when I probably shouldn't have even been watching the flavor of her love.

But no, I was old enough, I think.

But nothing about her has changed even to current day.

That's real to me.

Tiffany Parlor Love, love, love me some Portia.

Portia Williams can never do any wrong in my eyes.

And she is such a sweetheart.

Like, I've met her a few times and she just, like, she will forever have a heart.

Like, that's my girl.

Like, she really my best friend in my head.

I love me some.

Trying to go through, like all my favorite shows.

I really like.

I think Quan is cool.

I had some apprehension towards her at first.

Her and Mariah, when they came to Merit the medicine.

Cause I was like just a heavy gay talk at first was just like, I don't know.

But after, like seeing her in person and like watching her turn up, I was like, yeah, she's like a real one too.

Like, the way she is on TV is exactly how she is in real life with no cameras.

But she loves me.

So she was actually.

And then I gotta say Nene.

Like, Nene.

Like, I know I'm naming like all Atlanta people, but aside from Tiffany Pollard.

But Nene is literally a reality TV legend.

Yeah, yeah.

She's iconic for sure.

Who is or who are your dream collaborators or collaborator?

It could be one person.

It could be five people.

Anyone.

I'm gonna give you.

I would love to collab with.

I'm gonna give you like, mainstream and then I'll give you like a couple.

Well, I can't even say, like, my independent artists as far as rappers.

Cause some of them I've actually worked with now.

But as far as mainstream, would love to work with Dochi because she's also from Tampa and it's just Something about her vibe and the way that she presents her music.

Like, I feel like she would push me.

Actually.

I like to work with people.

Ones who are a vibe, but also people that push me.

Like, don't let me come in comfortable, like.

Cause I can give you something cute when I'm comfortable.

Cause like, and I know it's my lane, but I've been in positions where it's like somebody kind of pushed me out my comfort zone and that'd be some of my best stuff.

So I wanna work with somebody that's gonna like, really make me push.

And somebody like her.

Somebody like your doja cat is gonna give me a push.

I love Missy Elliott.

Would love to collab, even if it's just production wise.

Would love to collab with her and Timberland and also Pharrell Williams.

I don't know why, like, that has always stuck with me.

I want him to produce a track for me so bad.

Like, I just need something from him.

Yeah, those are good collaborators.

Those are good collaborators.

So from your lips to God's ears, you know anything else?

Yeah.

Oh, and one more like, my dream now as far as like, men, like artist artists.

And he's also one of my biggest inspirations and people say I favor him too.

Okay.

I would love.

I don't care if that man get on and just say too words or play the flute.

I don't care.

I just want to get in.

Get in the studio.

Okay.

Okay, that's Good.

Pretty iconic Atlanta, you know, Atlanta.

All the Atlanta legends, dream vacation destination.

I still.

I mean, it's not as elaborate to most, but I still haven't been to Turks and Caicos.

I really want to go there.

I want to go explore the uk.

Something about the UK is calling my name.

Like, no shade.

I actually would move to the UK and like, I would spend the rest of my life there.

To be quite honest.

Like, I'm so fascinated with the uk.

I definitely would love to go visit different countries in Africa.

I've seen like some of my really close friends that I like went to college with, like go to Ghana and it just looked beautiful over there.

So I would love to go there.

Just not Australia.

Why?

Look, I don't want to speak preemptively now.

If you booked me, I will still come.

Yeah, I was still.

Did Tony go to Australia in under season?

Look, I still.

Yeah, Toni did.

And when she went, I literally was calling her.

I'm like, girl, please be careful.

And the only reason I say that is because they have big ass spiders.

And I have the worst.

The worst arachnophobia.

Like, the spider could be this big.

I will probably crash my car trying to get out.

Like, I hate spiders.

So their spiders over there are like, on steroids.

I don't know.

I don't know what they got over there.

But that's the only reason why, other than that, I would love to go to Australia, actually, because I love that.

I love their accent.

My Siri on my phone actually has an Australian accent.

Okay.

Okay.

That's pretty cool.

That's pretty cool.

Final question on the rapid fire list.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sour Patch Kids.

Sour Patch Kids is like my favorite thing.

That's a way to make me happy.

Just pop up with Sour Patch Kids.

Okay, I'll keep that.

I'll keep that in mind for sure.

Maybe that'll be my wedding gift.

I'm just kidding.

Hello.

Right.

Inspired me.

A big old bag of Sour Patch ears.

That I would be so happy.

I'm just kidding.

I really appreciate you coming on and, you know, sharing a little bit more about your life and your journey.

But before I let you go, what is the one thing that you want to be remembered for?

As someone who is trying to make a name for himself when it comes to entertainment and when it comes to, like, you know, in general, what would you want to be remembered for?

Well, first I want to say thank you for having me on.

Like, I appreciate you reaching out and like, wanting me to even come onto your platform to just share who I am.

So thank you for that and for having an intentional and thought out interview.

It's amazing.

But what I will want to be remembered for is someone who defies or has defied the odds.

Everything that's like, stacked up against me, like, one by one, day by day is something that I try.

There's something that I'm aiming to knock down, even if it's internal.

And again, I want my story to resonate with anyone else.

Like, if there's anything in your way, whether it's an internal struggle or something in the outside world, literally day by day, moment by moment, take.

Take a minute to build yourself up and knock down whatever is in your way.

Because there's a way around it all.

Like, you can have it all.

I know sometimes the saying is that you can't have it all, but you really can't.

You can have as much as your heart desires as long as you work for it.

But yeah, that's one thing.

I just.

I would want to be remembered for just throughout entertainment as a whole.

Like, I beat thoughts.

Whatever somebody thought I couldn't do or whatever I thought I couldn't do, I did it.

Amen.

Amen.

Thank you so much, Sunny.

Really appreciate your time and thank you for listening and for taking your time to spend this, your time with us.

Wherever you're listening from.

Please don't forget to follow on all streaming platforms.

If you're watching us on YouTube, don't forget to subscribe as well.

This has been such a great conversation with Sammy and so I will leave Sammy's information in the description so you can go check out, you know, his stuff, his music available everywhere you stream your platforms.

You can watch the new season of Chasing Atlanta right now on YouTube and you can get Sammy's merch, right?

And I'll share that.

Like, yeah, he's wearing the merch, but.

You gotta be on billboard.

You gotta be your own billboard.

Well, guess what?

That's it for today's episode.

Thank you so much for spending your time with us.

And as always, Odejuma.