Seafood Sam Remains Tranquil in West Coast Breeze on ‘Standing on Giant Shoulders’

Even during the year’s hottest months, Seafood Sam manages to stay cool, calm, and collected. The Long Beach rapper lives in a world that blends nostalgia and modernity. Furthermore, Sam does things his way — when and wherever he wants. Look no further than him giving his dog the most lavish and exuberant at-home spa treatments possible. Much of this unrestricted individuality thrives in his new album Standing On Giant Shoulders.

The giant shoulders mentioned in the album’s title are James Brown, Bobby Brown, and Miles Davis — a trio of soul singers that stimulate Sam’s creative process. This inspiration takes shape on tracks like “Pearly Gates Playlist” as Sam takes an introspective look at confronting the male ego, while “Can’t Take The Hood To Heaven” offers a lush hook reminding you to make something of yourself while you can. “Cowboy Leather” with Pink Sifu features a symphony of flutes, strings, and an ear-pleasing bass line, whereas “Attack Of The Dreadlocks” with Rae Khalil utilizes summery guitar strings to warn those who get in the way of Sam’s grind and hustle.

Overall, Seafood Sam’s Standing On Giant Shoulders bridges the gap between his inspirations and the current world he raps in. It’s a unique listening experience that moves the soul and settles the mind, leaving listeners craving more.

With the album out now, we caught up with Seafood Sam to learn more about him. Scroll down to discover the Long Beach rapper’s inspirations, influences, and aspirations.

What is your earliest memory of music?

I remember being really young in the car with my mom, and Zapp & Roger’s “I Wanna Be Your Man” came on. I lost it, asking who the artist was and what other songs they sing. I instantly got fully invested. The same happened with Teena Marie.

Who inspired you to take music seriously?

Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y. Once I heard “Kush & OJ” and “Covert Coupe,” music was no longer just a hobby.

Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn?

Naw, not yet. But give me two ballpoint pens and any desk/table and I’m making beats for days. I’d like to learn the saxophone or piano.

What was your first job?

Working at this skate shop in the Long Beach town center.

What is your most prized possession?

Won’t say it’s the first or second most prized, but I will say my Allen Iverson rookie card.

What is your biggest fear?

I don’t think about what I fear.

Who is on your rap Mt. Rushmore?

I always recycle through the same seven names, but as of today, I’ll go with Lil Wayne, André 3000, Roc Marciano, & Snoop Dogg.

You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!

Real Estate. Own a whole city worth of properties (sell some, rent some out & give some out to those in need… you know, that forever income)

What are your three most used emojis?

😊, 😎, and 🔥.

What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?

Sade.

If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?

I don’t watch TV that much, and even though it’s not currently running, I would’ve loved to be a voice on The Boondocks cause so many legendary people worked on that show — R.I.P. John Witherspoon.

Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?

Denzel Washington. From what I’ve seen, he’s always cool, calm & professional.

Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.

Waffles are better than pancakes.

What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?

“On My Way” by Suga Free. It’s 10/10.

What’s your favorite city in the world to perform in, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?

Hometown shows are always fun, but I can’t lie, recently performing in Brooklyn was insane. I love the energy over there. I’d like to do a world tour and perform everywhere that wants to see me.

You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.

I’m bringing the show home to Long Beach with performances by Sade, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, me, and I’ll let the homies rock out the opening slot.

What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?

Probably working a 9-5 job trying to figure out how to get into music.

If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?

Future… I already saw what happened 5 years ago.

What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give your 18-year-old self?

No advice really, maybe just a few money moves to be aware of. Cause everything’s happening how it was supposed to.

It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?

The smoothest & coolest.

Standing On Giant Shoulders is out now via Drink Sum Wtr. Find out more information here.