The lyric “Steppin’ on your toes I’m a big brown man” is just one way in which Sam Sundos conveys his personality through his solo project, Sabri. That declaration comes from his latest release, “FUCK IT MAN,” which, notwithstanding the harsh title, is a smooth, dreamy soul track built on a plodding, stretched hip hop beat. But don’t try to put this man in a box: the Brooklyn-based singer has proven his versatility through his first single “Oh, Honey,” a poppier, piano driven tune with a George Michael feel to it, and “Hot Tub,” probably his most mature track, featuring a timeless soul melody, and an arrangement enriched by brass and funky guitar and electric piano licks reminiscent of the glorious Motown years. Sabri’s ever-changing sound serves as a reflection on his identity through his work; he has described his music as “a celebration of identity and an embrace of modern culture and technology.” You can catch him live at Elsewhere on May 25th. – Lily Crandall
