Los Angeles-based rapper-slash-songwriter Suni MF has been carving a distinct path in the music realm through consistent quality music drops, a unique fashion style based around the color yellow, and unwavering persistence. In her early years, Suni MF kickstarted her musical journey in Atlanta, refining her craft through engagements in open mics and talent shows, significantly shaping her foundation.
“I just definitely continued it and then I really got into songwriting,” explained Suni MF, who cites Lil Wayne, Queen Latifah, Jeezy, TLC, Aaliyah and more as influences. “That’s honestly what helped me be the artist I am today as far as my flow, how I write music for myself and others now.”
Despite releasing music, Suni MF would catch her big break in 2020 by attempting to submit songs for a writing camp led by Tasha Catour for Keke Palmer. Despite waiting for a response after submitting their songs, she offered to create video content for the camp. This initiative led to an opportunity to attend the camp, where they collaborated on the song, which eventually became “Sticky”(alongside the Coi Leray-assisted remix) from Palmer’s Virgo Tendances, Pt. 1 project.
The moment allowed Suni MF to build the confidence to further her network and set up shop in Los Angeles. This is where she acquainted herself with various producers to lay the groundwork for herself. Even if songs created during camps didn’t make the cut, building relationships with various people involved was crucial for networking and staying in the loop for future opportunities.
“Producers keep you looped in when they hear about other things because I’m still not signed,” said Suni MF. “It’s not like a label sending me my schedule for where I need to be. I’m essentially navigating this journey independently, freestyling as I go, alongside my nephew, close friends, and my manager. This path allows me to explore and engage with different opportunities that come my way.”
That type of enthusiasm has been a part of her since birth. She got her name (full name Suni Solomon) from her older sister, who was inspired by the mid-80s Disney cartoon Adventures of the Gummi Bears. “The show had a bear called Sunni Gummi and she could do everything,” explained Suni MF. “She was a boss.” Ironically, Sunni Gummi was known for her bright yellow fur, which became Suni MF’s favorite color.
Spilling uniqueness on all corners of her being, she eventually began to build a fanbase for her solo work thanks to tracks like “Detox,” “Turned Back,” and “D.W.A. (Dykes With Auto Tune).” Suni MF raps with a carefree vigor that also offers sincere vulnerability. According to her, that attitude derives from the confidence she’s built over the years in herself and her creative abilities.
“There are people that don’t even agree with how I present myself as a female rapper so you can’t please everybody,” said Suni MF. “Everybody going to have something to say; telling me I shouldn’t be doing this or that. As long as nobody hurting nobody alongside just making music that everybody fucking turning up to and having a good time to just forgetting everything else that the world, what’s wrong with that?”
The past two years have seen Suni MF balance her appeal as a solo artist and songwriter in a unique way. Outside of her appearance on the first season of Issa Rae’s female rap odyssey Rap Sh!t, she co-wrote the season two soundtrack single “No Panties” by another controversial female rapper, Sexyy Red, before its November 9 premiere on HBO Max. Suni MF had a hilarious anecdote about the track’s creation.
“I was creating it and was just thinking about the wildest shit I can say in the first couple of seconds,” she said. “What’s the wildest shit I can say that would catch everybody’s attention? I ain’t got no panties on.”
In early November, she even re-teamed with Tasha Catour for a collaborative project titled Hollywood. The moment was perfect for Suni MF, who feels comfortable collaborating with producers and people who add value to the creation process.
“Everybody always would tell us that y’all got really good chemistry,” said Suni MF. “I appreciate her melodies, what she feels songs should be about. She let me do what I want to do and it just always come together. Tasha is a woman in hip hop music so that definitely makes it more special.”
Suni MF worked her way to these big looks, including performing during the WNBA Halftime tour, signing a distribution deal with United Masters, and partnering with SnapChat for their 523 Black Creators program. She’s worked out those early career kinks while becoming the artist she wants to be.
“I try to make sure I find out every which-a-way I can go as an independent artist,” Suni MF said. “I used to feel like when you meet somebody, then it’s supposed to happen right then and there but things take time. I always just try to think smart and put myself in places that I see I could be a service to.”
