Southside AP
Growing up on the south side of Gautier, Asa Purnell learned early in life that true success isn’t just about putting music on streaming services but also includes inspiring and lifting others as he reached to set those tracks.
“And that’s what ‘Thin Lines’ is mainly about,” said Purnell, who is professionally known as Southside AP. The new EP or album hit streaming services in late February and is available on your favorite streaming platforms. “I touch on just living life and enjoying life and I want to inspire everyone,” he added.
At only 27, Southside AP is one of the youngest artists in the Magnolia State with a notable career and said his music is not limited to one sound or a specific genre. He feels his catalog speaks to everyone.
And his song catalog is something he’s been thinking about for a long time. He first found his writing passion through poetry at only 12 years old. He was soon inspired by other artists such as Soulja Boy, Drake, Ace Hood, and Rae Sremmurd, and at 16 his poetry pivoted into lyrics, and a budding songwriter was born.
“Being a Mississippi baby, born and raised in the south of Gautier, the name Southside felt right, and AP are my initials,” he said.
At 18, Southside AP was searching for a studio when he met Hattiesburg artist Travon! The pair’s artistic chemistry clicked and Travon! mentored Southside AP, teaching him about different concepts and subject matters for songs.
Southside AP hit the streaming and YouTube waves in 2020 with songs and videos such as “Clout Baby” and “Designer Tings” which were quickly popularized by his fans and followers. As music enthusiasts were learning his name, Southside AP continued to release tracks like “Okay Okay,” “Trench Hero,” and “Diamond Roads.” His favorite track right now is “Life Amazing” which began streaming last August.
“It’s only a few months old and it’s just about enjoying your life, whatever life you have,” he said. “I know everybody has ups and downs but just getting through those and enjoying the life that you have is what it’s all about.”
As most Mississippians were, Southside AP was amazed at the thick blanket of snow the Gulf Coast received in January. His girlfriend Allison Keller, who is an Illinois native, said Southside AP was like a little kid. He could not wait to go outside to play around in the yard while singing his January 2 single “Long Days.” The song features the lyrics “long days and cold nights, shining on the shorelines, take control of your life” and is also one of Keller’s favorites.
“We are used to snow in Illinois,” Keller said. “And it was so much fun to watch everyone here kind of get lost in it.”
Keller followed her parents down south when they retired to Biloxi, and she met Southside AP online. The couple has been together for more than a year.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I first met him,” she said. “But I quickly learned how genuine he is and that shows in his music.”
For those eager to explore the depth and honesty of Southside AP’s music, catch his EPs and singles on streaming services such as Apple and Spotify and his videos on YouTube and TikTok. Follow him on Instagram to keep track of this Mississippi boy chasing his dream while impacting the industry with his unique style and passion for music.
