Sækyi’s “Lost in America” Is a Testament to Growth, Courage, and the Power.
Sækyi is one of those rare artists whose presence you can feel long before he reaches the spotlight. For years, he has been a cornerstone of Virginia’s underground scene, quietly shaping a sound that blends sharp lyricism with deeply personal storytelling. The Ghanaian born Hip-Hop artist creates music that feels alive, honest, and powerful. At a time when people question where the heart of Rap truly lies, Sækyi stands as proof that the genre’s soul is still in tact. His debut album Lost in America cements that truth and serves as one of the most compelling listens you will hear this year.
Lost in America, is more than just another release. It is a powerful and personal reflection on what it means to come to America, to search for belonging, and to realize that you have the power to be revolutionary in your own right. The project feels like a conversation between who he is, where he’s from, and who he is becoming.
What makes this album stand out is how intimate it feels. Sækyi opens up about his life, his family, and the journey of finding himself in a world that does not always make room for you. There is warmth in his storytelling, but also honesty. He invites listeners into moments that feel both personal and familiar, turning his experiences into something universal.
The production across the album is just as dynamic as the stories being told. Each song moves with intention, blending soulful tones with experimental layers that give the project a unique pulse. Collaborations with Eric Penn, nanawho, McKinley Dixon, and SMYTH add even more depth, each feature complementing Sækyi’s vision and elevating the emotional weight of the record.
Adding to what already feels like a breakthrough moment, Sækyi recently signed a distribution deal with Genius. It is a well-deserved milestone for an artist who has built his foundation independently and earned every step of his rise through authenticity and consistency.
Lost in America is an incredible body of work that captures growth, courage, and self-discovery. It is honest, heartfelt, and worth every listen.
Novice Principles had the unique privilege to chat with the budding star to discuss his upbringings within his Ghanian culture, the power of storytelling and what this project has meant to his evolution. It was a candid conversation that gave us the ability to learn the importance of the Virginia native’s journey.
You can read the full conversation between Sækyi and Alex Cherry now below.
In Conversation w/ Sækyi
Cherry: This is special because I remember a few years ago when we first talked about the EP, Sunset’s Demo dropped. We’ve seen the evolution all the way up to your debut album, Lost In America. It’s good to have you back to talk.
Sækyi: Yessir. I’m glad to be here. I’ve been taking it a day at a time. How’ve you been?
Cherry: I have been great, but this has been a trying year for all of us; Especially us who create. So, how’s your mental been?
Sækyi: It’s the best it’s ever been. Since my last record, I was doing a ton of mental work to get back into a space of creating music for fun. Even with as trying as this rollercoaster of a year has been, I’m grateful to have been around my family. God has blessed us with time, and I feel supported.
Cherry: One thing that people will pick up on as they listen to Lost In America is the emphasis you put on family. What does Lost In America mean to you? How about the symbolism of Ghana for this album and the great representation you show?
[Lost In America] is the current state of the young, up and coming, immigrant child. Trying to find your way while making sense of the chaos we’re experiencing in this world.
Sækyi: I’ve been Ghanaian my entire life. At home, I’m engaged in my culture, but once I step outside, I’m just Black to the world. That was always relevant to my life, which adds to the feeling of being lost. There are many Ghana babies around the world trying to adapt to a place that isn’t home. The album is a safe space for the chaos and confusion.
Cherry: How was the trip to Ghana? I feel going home was an integral part of your journey leading up to the project.
Sækyi: It’s so interesting how this process went. I actually finished the project in February before we went. We were supposed to go later in the year, but my father passed around this time, so it sped up the time of us going. We ended up pushing back the timeframe of releasing the record, but it worked out.
Sækyi: God is a comedian in the way God aligns things because it was my first time truly going to Ghana to experience my culture—visiting where my father grew up as well as my girl’s family. It was beautiful to receive more education on my roots.
Cherry: From Angels Don’t Call Me up till now, there’s a three-year gap between releases. What have you learned about yourself, and why such a long span between projects?
Sækyi: I lost my way musically for a second and didn’t know what I was in it for. I was caught up in making Angels Don’t Call Me “the thing.” The past two years, I had been figuring out if I wanted to even make music anymore. After so many conversations with my girl, she guided me back to my family and the core of my “why,” and I was able to find my voice again.
Cherry: How has it been handling the new recognition you’re receiving?
Sækyi: I am living in answered prayers from when we were younger. The restructured focus has allowed me to see this is just a part of the process. Things will keep connecting as long as we stay intentional and faithful. Never get too high and never too low on myself.
Cherry: How did you decide on structuring the collaborators for the album?
Sækyi: You’re always going to hear Eric Penn on my projects. The SMYTH record happened because I heard his tone. I love his tone in his music and just knew. McKinley [Dixon] has music that’s helped my progression, along with his rapping ability.
Sækyi: nana has been the person who has pushed me the most. I’m trying to help her find that star-facing energy again, and it’s beautiful to see her getting back there. She’s always helped me make decisions in my music. nana is my forever co-writer.
Cherry: The emphasis you’ve put on visuals has helped tell your story. Talk to us a little about that importance you’ve showcased.
Sækyi: Josh [Reina]’s eye is amazing. We talked in early 2024 about focusing on the intentionality of the visual element, even if it’s in short form. I never want to put something out just because that’s what is being told to artists. Connecting with people through the visual stories we tell is what’s important to me.
Cherry: With all the family matters happening, did you have any other difficulties during this process?
Sækyi: Logistics. There was a period of time where I had to organize everything myself before my executive producer, [Elie Bashkow], came into the picture. He saw the vision, and the doors opened having someone be a part of the process.
Cherry: Now that we’re in post-release, what are you looking forward to as we finish 2025?
Sækyi: I’m just excited to keep going. We’re in a fight against so many things, and it may feel like we should give up on this world. My goal is trying because if we don’t, the things we’ve created will no longer exist. If not for myself, then for my dad.
Whenever I get to the place of losing sight [of the vision], I turn back to my “Why?” As long as my compass can find that true north, we’ll be good.
