$xmti is the professional name of emerging Hip-hop artist, Somti Anya. The New Jersey-based singer, songwriter, rapper and clothing designer made his professional solo recording debut in 2021 with the single “No Guarantees.” That track introduced a talented young artist with a melodic flow, conscious rhymes and a taste for downbeat Trap grooves.
The rapper followed with three more singles. Each track further developed his unique and thought provoking style. On December 17, 2021 $xmti dropped his debut album to all major streaming services. On the nine song collection he delivers real-life stories of his family and life on the street.
After an introductory bit of motivation from his mother, $xmti kicks it off with “No Help.” Cinematic, classical music rides the beat as the emcee delivers a defiant declaration of independence. The classical vibe continues as the rapper redirects his aim toward weak emcees and haters on the track “Babies.”
He sings and rhymes about his commitment to the grind on “Dedicated” as an Alternative Rock guitar sets a dark mood over a hard Trap beat. “I Try” opens on an emotional piano ballad. Once the beat drops $xmti tells an Emo Trap tale about his commitment to rising up from the projects and making his mother proud.
Family is a recurring theme on “Lights Out.” That is heartbreakingly real on the true-life COVID story of “Quarantine Hero.” $xmti raps about family and friends who he has lost since the pandemic started. Musically the track is a clever mix of the Jazz classic “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” Indie Rock guitar and a Trap beat.
“Big Dawg ” and the title track “Lights Out” are a pair of acoustic guitar driven autobiographical stories of life in the neighborhood. $xmti closes the set with the personal confessional “In My Head.” He delivers a heartfelt and introspective soliloquy set to a downtempo Hip-hop beat and a sample of the Eminem/Rihanna hit “The Monster.”
Check out the “Dedicated” video below, or listen to the entire album on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear that song, the title track and the “I Try” on the Deep Indie Beat playlist. We had the chance to chat with $xmti about his music and the future. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with $xmti. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the current and future projects from this multi-talented young artist.
8 Questions with $xmti
Where are you from?
I was born in Nigeria but moved to New Jersey when I was 6.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been writing music all my life but started taking it more seriously a year and a half ago.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
My really close friend is the only feature on the project. He is featured on big dawg. His name is Vic.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I have a lot of musical influences; J Cole Nipsey Hussle, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, 50 cent… the list goes on.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Family
What inspired you to create this project?
This album represents pain, sacrifice, hard work, resilience and dedication. Sometimes we get focused on helping people and most times they don’t help back. They just suck all your energy and never help you on your own goals. I depicted them as babies because babies need nurturing. LIGHTS OUT REPRESENTS ME CUTTING OFF THEIR LIGHTS AND FOCUSING ON MY OWN DREAMS AND @2wishes
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I want to drop 2 projects in 2022 and more singles and music videos. I want to motivate people and inspire and help out any way I can. I feel like that’s my mission and why I’m on this earth to inspire and add value and guidance to the world.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
STARS ALWAYS SHINE. Never give up on your dream. Just keep going no matter what.
