Oddisee is a 39 year old MC/producer from Washington D.C. whom I got introduced to through his incredible 7th album & Mello Music Group debut The Good Fight almost a decade ago weeks before my high school graduation. I also happen to enjoy his work with Diamond District, the Odd Seasons mixtape series, his 4th EP Alwasta & The Good Fight’s successor The Iceberg. He just returned last summer by releasing his 9th LP To What End & only 16 months later, Oddisee is taking no time to slow down whatsoever by officially releasing his 6th EP as we near the end of 2024’s halfway point.
“Had to Improve” officially begins the EP with a hypnotizing self-produced instrumental talking about taking some time off in order to step up his craft using a drill flow whereas “Live from the DMV” throws it back to the mid 90’s with the 2 stepping, house party vibes. “Words on Fire” mixes crooning background vocals with kicks & snares talking about the world being out of rhythm this day in age while “Thankful For” merges a 4/6 Moroccan inspired rhythm with jazz rap & a promising message. “Give Way” fuses soulful rock, hip hop & spoken word to tackle themes of acceptance, but then the title track mellowly ends the EP talking about nothing being certain.
To help get the summer started, Oddisee presents a modern hip hop EP inspired by myriad of genres & musical styles with each song revolving around a different understanding of the fact that we have to wake up & make a living no matter what’s going on. His love to all genres really culminates within the production during the 19 minute offering, displaying his range artistically without any guest appearances whatsoever. If this is to hold us off until a potential 10th full-length sooner than later, it’s surely an eclectic one.
Score: 8/10