Who knew that South Florida had a young musician that’s breaking the rules in hip-hop by doing something he calls “happy raps?” Well, it does and his name is Sam Stan.
Laid back vibes and a positive mindset are the keys to his world. Catchy beats and optimistic lyrics deliver his message: remain positive through it all. In his song “Happy Place,” “all the fathers and the moms don’t have to cry today.”
In a genre like hip-hop that is so commonly associated with violence, sex and drugs, it seems strange to pair ‘happy’ and ‘raps.’. Could Sam Stan be inventing an entirely new genre?
“I’m gonna let hip-hop take the credit here because, at its core, hip-hop is about authenticity,” Stan said. “My music is different from what’s popular right now, but I do think it belongs in hip-hop.”
And he must be doing something right because people are listening to what he has to say. He has over fifty thousand monthly listeners on Spotify and an active fan base on social media, where he has been announcing the upcoming release of his next album, “Happy Raps 2.”
“I think it’s my best work to date,” Stan said, referring to his new album. “It’s head-nod you can listen to at a reasonable volume getting ready for work, or on your way to school. I’m working hard on it and it’s coming soon.”
“Happy Raps 2” is the next step on his journey, which started with his first EP, “Happy Camper,” back in 2014.
” ‘Happy Camper’ was kind of like growing pains,” Stan said. “When I was creating it, I was experimenting creatively and also finding myself as a man. Now I have a better understanding of who I am, so I’m more intentional with my music because I know where I want to go. But without ‘Happy Camper’ I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now.”
Living in Pembroke Pines has shaped his sound. The 23-year-old said he draws inspiration from his surroundings and the things he does, like playing pick-up soccer and hanging out with people.
“The music scene here is interesting,” Stan said. “There’s a lot of attention here now because of many local hip-hop artists that are breaking, but it’s hard to showcase [my music] because I feel like people are caught up with a certain sound and it’s seen as unorthodox to do something that’s different.”
He’s proud to say he’s different, though. As he blissfully raps in “Happy Camper,” he’s a weirdo and spiritual, and if you don’t believe in miracles just look at him because he’s living proof.
“For me, my music is definitely therapeutic,” Stan said. “It’s something I feel like defines who I am as a creative. I hope it inspires others to chase their dreams wholeheartedly, be truthful, stick to their plans and not stay in what society wants them to.”
With a rising fan base and talent to spare, this Fresh Prince of Broward is already on the journey to his happy place. Catch him if you can.
