3 min read

From Bedroom Beats to Bold Dreams: The Rise of Antonio Cirami

From Bedroom Beats to Bold Dreams: The Rise of Antonio Cirami

In the outskirts of St. Louis, where the city's rich musical heritage blends with new-school innovation, a 23-year-old artist named Antonio Cirami is crafting his own lane in hip-hop. With a sound that draws from boom bap's golden era while carving out something distinctly his own, Antonio represents a new generation of artists who aren't afraid to buck trending sounds in favor of authentic expression.

"I really do love this shit," Antonio says with the kind of raw honesty that characterizes both his music and his approach to life. It's a love that runs deep enough that he dropped out of college to pursue his art full-time – a decision that might seem rash to some, but makes perfect sense to anyone who's heard his music or spent time understanding his vision.

His musical DNA reads like a who's who of hip-hop innovation and artistic authenticity: Mac Miller's versatility, Kendrick's storytelling, MF DOOM's technical mastery, and The Pharcyde's playful creativity. Add Amy Winehouse's soul and N.W.A's raw energy to the mix, and you start to understand the unique sonic palette Antonio draws from.

What sets Antonio apart isn't just his influences – it's his complete immersion in the craft. He's not just a rapper; he's an engineer who mixes his own tracks and a producer who crafts beats, though he admits with a laugh that using his own productions comes with its own challenges. "It's difficult for me to get on my own beats, no matter how hot they are. Two different parts of the brain working, I guess."

His journey began at age 11, making songs in his bedroom. Now, over a decade later, he's evolved into an artist who can tap into what he calls "flow state" – a creative zone he first discovered while writing over the "Watch the Party Die" instrumental, a moment he considers one of his greatest accomplishments.

His latest release, "All My Life" featuring J44p, available on all major streaming platforms, showcases his evolution as an artist. The track, along with his extensive SoundCloud catalog, demonstrates the kind of versatility and growth that comes from years of dedicated craft-honing.

Looking ahead (though he'd probably hate that phrase), Antonio's goals are as ambitious as they are specific. "I want to have a collab album with the Alchemist," he states, naming one of hip-hop's most revered producers. He's planned out a steady release schedule – new music every two months, with annual tapes featuring fresh material. It's the kind of calculated consistency that builds careers.

But beyond the music, there's a deeper drive. "The way I see it, what's my life if I'm not chasing what I truly want?" It's this philosophy that pushes him past the common hurdles of the modern music industry – the scammers in the DMs, the grind of self-promotion, the challenge of standing out in an overcrowded digital landscape.

In an era where many artists chase trends, Antonio's commitment to his artistic vision feels refreshing. He's building something sustainable, something real. And while he admits to "thriving in my delusion," there's nothing delusional about his work ethic or his approach to the craft.

For those looking to dive into Antonio's world, his music is available across all major platforms through United Masters, with an especially rich catalog on SoundCloud. You can follow his journey on Instagram (@aaannttonio) and Twitter/X, where he regularly connects with fans and shares new releases.

The kid who started making songs at 11 would indeed be proud of where Antonio is today. But something suggests this is just the beginning of a much longer story – one that's being written one carefully crafted bar at a time.