In all honesty, Virginia might not be the first place you think of in terms of a musically dominant state, but that makes it even more interesting, in my opinion. I like to look off the beaten path and listen to artists who are making a name for themselves regardless of the resources or easy access they have to buzz, and when someone starts to make waves without riding the coattails of another emcee from their area that is receiving notoriety, that’s how I know they truly mean business.

I’ve said it before, but just because a location isn’t known as a musical hub doesn’t mean that there aren’t immense talents that call that place home, and it’s these emcees who seriously pique my interest much more than the artists who start to gain some traction in a city that everyone is already clued into. Sækyi is someone who I have listened to a few times over the last year or two, and while I need to tap in with much more of his music, I realize with each additional listen that he is here to make a statement, and I hear that loud and clear.

His latest release is called “Angels Don’t Call Me”, and it does a wonderful job of highlighting his aptitudes and showcasing the fact that he is never going to release something that is one-dimensional. Brandon Jhon produced this track with some unique synths and all-around interesting composition, giving us a foundation that is very reminiscent of some of the sounds we’ve heard on Tyler, the Creator’s album Igor, which goes hand in hand with a style that was popularized by the legendary duo The Neptunes.

As Sækyi spits, his voice is even resonant with the stylings that Tyler has boasted at times, but it’s Sækyi’s range that can’t be overlooked. Some moments he sings imperfectly perfect notes before getting much more assertive and commanding as the beat breaks down, showing off another side of his skill set that never fails to impress me and the rest of his fans. There is just so much dynamism and changeability in this record that really does a fantastic job of showing Sækyi’s capabilities, so it’s definitely a song you’re going to want to check out as soon as you get the opportunity.