Born and raised in North Carolina, sosocamo’s journey to success might not fit the standard narrative often found in hip-hop. Following his father's path as a producer, the rapper built his own studio at just 14 years old and has continued to pursue his passion ever since.
A self-described reclusive character, camo primarily collaborates with his girlfriend Grayto, who crafts the ethereal soundscapes that complement his melodic, reflective lyrics.
CLASH spoke with sosocamo about his rural upbringing, musical influences, his ‘Big Country’ subgenre, and the contrasting elements that shape his debut album, ‘No Service’.
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What was your experience like growing up in North Carolina? The American South has a rich musical heritage…
I wouldn’t necessarily say the area inspired me. This album is certainly a tribute to my roots, but I would attribute my musical inspiration to the kinds of music I listened to while growing up and over the last few years.
What specific music did you listen to?
I enjoyed a lot of Future and Thugger, but I also listened to more lyrical rap like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Additionally, I dabble in other genres like gospel and country. I’ve absorbed a bit of everything.
Your father was a producer as well. Did his musical background influence you?
My dad was indeed a producer, but when I was younger, he was a bit protective of his studio, so I eventually decided to build my own studio at 14. From that point onward, things took off for me. He definitely inspired my musical journey, working mainly in R&B and gospel, but I fell in love with hip-hop early on.
Establishing your own studio at 14 must have significantly impacted your artistic growth.
Absolutely. That was the time I got really into Uzi and Travis Scott, and I was also a huge fan of Future. It was when I began to explore the more grungy sounds as well.
And your name, sosocamo, what’s the story behind it?
My real name is Cameron, hence the "camo" part. I also live in a rural area, which connects to "camo." It's a play on words representing my background. The "soso" prefix expresses that I’m genuinely myself. I'm very much myself.
Your style has been labeled as ‘big country’. What does that signify?
It’s more of a movement than a specific sound. ‘Big country’ pays tribute to my North Carolina roots and signifies that success can come from anywhere. Living in a quiet, open space definitely helps me focus. Big country means we’re really making things happen!
You’ve only been making music for around two years. How do you feel you have changed during that time?
I’ve evolved tremendously because I’m very hands-on with my work. Making music feels like a video game; I sense improvement with every song. My flow, melodic style, and overall aesthetic differentiate me from other artists.
Let’s explore that aspect further. What makes you unique?
My world—big country—and this album ‘No Service’ are quite dynamic. It has a smooth quality while also being a bit chaotic. My musical journey resembles an emotional roller coaster; one moment I’m excited, and the next I’m feeling a bit down, yet still vibrant. I believe listeners can relate to the music at any given time, whether they’re looking to celebrate or just unwind after a long day.
One of your prominent singles, ‘Keep Steady’, has gained traction and opened new opportunities for you. What do you think resonates with listeners about that track?
I was releasing a lot of music, and ‘Keep Steady’ just clicked with people. It’s incredible to see how many people connected with it. I think listeners appreciate my flow, delivery, and the high notes I hit. I can’t pinpoint why exactly, but I’m thankful for its success.
What impact has that song had on your ambitions and opportunities?
When I released ‘Keep Steady’, I was entirely independent and managing everything myself. With my girlfriend [Grayto] as my producer, I eventually teamed up with a label, allowing me to secure a budget for my music. This has led to exciting opportunities like traveling to New York and LA. That’s the kind of energy I’ve had—just moving around and creating great music.
Now, let’s discuss your debut album, ‘No Service’. What should new listeners anticipate from it?
I want ‘No Service’ to serve as a space for those who need to relax, have fun, or just vibe out. It’s all about disconnecting. The album is filled with good vibes that flow seamlessly together.
Throughout the project, I noticed the variation in production and how confident you sound. How involved are you in that aspect?
My girlfriend is the executive producer of the album, so we’re constantly collaborating. I’m very hands-on with most of the songs.
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Having grown up in North Carolina, sosocamo’s ascent might not follow the usual narrative often seen in hip-hop. Following the path of