Video: A-1 – “Sunday Love”

The Eccentric Bay Area Rapper Enjoys Puerto Vallarta In GoPro-Filmed Visual, Premiered by Young California

06.11.2015

Critical Praise For A-1:

“A-1′s style has a similar kind of funny, free-for-all feel as post-Mac Dre rappers like [Roach] Gigz, but has a sly rap style that is distinctly his own.” – The FADER

“Easily one of the illest emcees I’ve heard over the last few years.” – OkayPlayer

“…something that sounds so vital and absolutely hyphy that it pretty much had to come from the Bay.” – Noisey

The Video:

Gearing up for summer, San Francisco’s A-1 ventures to Puerto Vallarta for his “Sunday Love” visual, which premiered via Young California. Recorded with a GoPro camera, the video shows the quirky MC vibing out along the beach and boardwalk, while Mexico’s bright, colorful scenery gels perfectly with the upbeat song. “This entire video is pretty much just me documenting my vacation,” A-1 said, adding that “we filmed it all in late December but it was so hot and sunny that you would never be able to tell.” A single from his Thurlian mixtape, which released in March, the track finds A-1 remixing Kaytranada‘s “Seeu Enni Way” beat.

“This was my first time ever directing a music video and using a GoPro made the video seem professional when really we were just goofing around on vacation in Mexico,” A-1 explained. “Sunday Love” is the latest from a string of captivating visuals from the rapper. Last month, Noisey debuted “Invisible Man,” which showed harsh, contrasting views of 80s drug culture. Prior to that, The FADER premiered “Unpredictable (The Repo Man),” a take on the cult classic film that found A-1 soaring in a neon-lit flying car, and earlier this year FACT Mag hosted the rapper’s video for “Good People,” which was shot at an incredible 1400fps.

Thurlian released earlier this year with the MC remixing beats by genre-bending producers Sango, Mr. Carmack, Ryan Hemsworth, Stwo, and BEAR//FACE, while working original cuts by Mikos Da Gawd and Woostar. “Thurlian is a compilation of songs I’ve been recording over the past two years that all symbolize different aspects of what it means to be ‘Thurl,’ which is to Think (for oneself), Hustle (for one another), Understand (each other), and Really Live (one’s life to the fullest),” A-1 explained. “This project was inspired by my experiences while traveling, seeing different parts of the world and realizing that human suffering is a constant struggle everywhere. As someone with a voice and a following, I feel I have the power to influence those who are willing to listen, and therefore I think I’m somewhat obligated to use that voice for good.”

Watch “Sunday Love”: https://youtu.be/7_7MU6apAgw

Check out the Young California premiere: http://www.youngcalifornia.com/2015/06/a-1-sunday-love-video/

Listen to Thurlian: https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/sets/thurlian

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with A-1.

A-1 Background:

Born Adam Traore, a first generation US citizen to West African and Italian parents, A-1‘s music is constructed around vivid stories of growing up in The City while searching for happiness and self awareness. After the release of After School Special, a mixtape based on 90s television shows, he gained a fan base through internet buzz while still living on his friend’s couch. Soon after, he released his follow-up The Book Of Adam which was received so well, he quit his day job the day after the listening party. With 2012’s The Thurl Tape, A-1 has been acknowledged by publications such as the FADER and Complex. Equipped with a heart filled with passion, an insatiable desire for creativity, discerning eyes and ears for quality, and a plan to spread his music to as many people as possible, A-1 is poised to be the first name in music lover’s iPods in the very near future. A-1’s Thurlian mixtape released March 5, 2015.