Today, the rising Nigerian artist and rapper ODUMODUBLVCK (pronounced “O-doo-moh-doo-black”) – who’s ode to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice went viral earlier this summer and just last week took home ‘Best Rap Single’ honors at The 2023 Headies – returns with his latest single “MC OLUOMO” produced by Cross YDC. The fifth track taken from his highly anticipated EZIOKWUmixtape slated for release October 6th via NATIVE Records/Def Jam Recordings, this latest release showcases the breadth and depth of this exciting artist’s sonic footprint, pushing African music’s boundaries in the rap space with a Flamenco-esque syncopated guitar over a skippy percussion.Notably, EZIOKWU will be the first official release from Native Records and Def Jam Recordings newly-minted partnership, announced earlier this year.
Speaking on the single, ODUMODUBLVCK shares: “MC OLUOMO IS NEXT. HIP HOP IS IN SAFE HANDS.”
Leaning into his own self-defined genre – okporoko rhythms (a form of Hip-Hop that takes influences from Grime, Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat, and Progressive R&B), the forthcoming mixtape meaning “The Truth” in his native language Igbo is all about quiet rebellion and shows ODUMODUBLVCK presenting himself as the truth in the Nigerian music industry.
Revealed earlier this month, the artwork painted by British-Nigerian designer and artist,Slawn is an original piece painted on canvas depicting ODUMODU in introspection, encapsulating a profound moment of self-validation. The image captures ODUMODU’s gaze turned inward, seeking affirmation from within, a realisation that the wellspring of approval must come from himself alone. Multiple iterations of his persona coexist harmoniously in the portrayal, emphasising that every facet is authentically him. This convergence serves as an embodiment of truth – the undeniable reality that regardless of the various facets, they all comprise the essence of ODUMODU.
Fresh off starring in the most recent NOCTA x Nike collaboration, the Nigerian drill scene’s most exciting and pioneering voice returned this Spring with the record breaking single “DECLAN RICE” (37.7M+ streams globally, Nigeria’s biggest all time week 1) which debuted at #27 Billboard U.S Afrobeats Songs chart and was used as the official announcement audio in the Arsenal Declan Rice announcement. His deep, intentional lyricism on earlier singles including “Picanto” and “DOG EAT DOG II” have garnered a swell of support from titles including Dazed, Crack, The Line of Best Fit, Wonderland, GUAP, Dotty and Remi Burgz on BBC 1xtra.
As visually thrilling as he is sonically, on most recent single “Firegun” featuring Fireboy DML (16M+ streams), ODUMODU brought us into his world and his love of crime noir. Depicting a dark and supernatural world referencing The Matrix and Bladerunner set in a grungy city occupied by beautiful vampires and other strange characters, ODUMODU plays an operative on a mission to kill the bad B’s whereas Fireboy is the supervillain tasked with the objective of keeping the blood flowing.