We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Lufkin, Texas, and now living in Houston. Growing up in East Texas, I was surrounded by soul, gospel, blues, and Southern rap. That blend of sound and culture shaped my identity and became the foundation of my music. Artists like Johnnie Taylor, Luther Vandross, Big KRIT, and Lil Wayne inspired me early on, not just because of their sound but because of the way they told their stories with honesty and depth.

My upbringing taught me how powerful music can be when it’s rooted in real life. I come from a place where people work hard, love hard, and don’t sugarcoat the truth, and that’s exactly how I approach my artistry. Whether I’m writing about love, struggle, or celebration, my goal is always to make music that feels personal and authentic, something people can actually live with.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is the authenticity in my music and the way I blend genres that traditionally don’t share the same stage: Southern Soul, hip hop, and R&B. I don’t chase trends. I make music that reflects my reality, my roots, and my heart. I’m proud of the fact that listeners often say, “I feel that,” because to me, that’s what music is supposed to do — make people feel seen, heard, and understood.

One thing I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to take creative control of my journey. I write my own music, I direct the vision for my visuals, and I’ve learned how to engineer and structure my own releases. None of this came easy. I’ve had to juggle fatherhood, being a husband, real life responsibilities, and still find time to build my brand as an artist. There were seasons where I had to press pause, re center, and come back even sharper.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency beats perfection. You can be talented all day, but if you’re not consistent and intentional, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. I’ve also learned to trust my instincts. I used to wait for the “right moment” or perfect version of something. Now I understand that progress is louder than perfection, and my audience connects with what’s real, not what’s polished.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to Houston for a week, I’d make sure they got a real taste of the city. We’d hit Clutch City Cluckers for late night eats, grab lunch at Dona Leti’s for top tier Mexican food, and definitely stop by Triple J’s BBQ for that authentic Texas flavor.

During the day, we might hit Hermann Park or check out some local art, but when the sun goes down, that’s when Houston really shines. Whether you’re into live music, dancing, chill lounges, high energy clubs, or hole in the wall gems, Houston has something for every vibe. Whatever you’re on, you can find it here.

The food, the people, and the energy are unmatched. One trip is never enough.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely. First and foremost, I have to shout out my family, especially my wife, kids, and my mom. They keep me grounded and motivated, and they’re a constant reminder of why I do what I do. Their love and support mean everything.

I also want to dedicate this to my late father. His deep love for music exposed me to so many different genres growing up: soul, jazz, blues, country, gospel, and more. He had a record for every mood and moment, and that really shaped me. Because of him, I became a self-proclaimed connoisseur of music, and that influence is all over my sound today. He taught me how to listen, not just to the beat but to the message. That ability to pull inspiration from different genres and time periods is what gives my music its unique flavor and emotional depth.

Website: https://linktr.ee/IAmChrisAdams

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamchrisadams?igsh=MWVtamZjemRkOGd4Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15atdMi5sk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@i_am_chris_adams?si=iBkTSvvH0c6G2fJn

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.