Since producing and performing the hit track "Musik Lounge" for DJ Jazzy Jeff's "Magnificent" LP, Amir "Oddisee" Mohamed has pushed his involvement in the music industry into fifth gear. Taking advantage of working at A Touch of Jazz studios, Oddisee has incorporated the neo soul vibe of Philly into his eclectic and well decorated resume. Coming from a diverse background, the half Sudanese half African American was blessed with musical talent from both sides of his family. Oddisee was influenced by the accomplished singers, guitarists, and poets on his Sudanese side, and on his American side, by the gospel singers, blue grass guitar players, and older cousins who gave him his first taste of hip-hop. Ironically, it was his Sudanese father that gave Oddisee the vinyl that fueled his passion for producing hip-hop music.
Since turning his focus towards hip-hop in 1999, Oddisee has worked with the likes of Gary Shider of Parliament and Funkadelic, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Talib Kweli, J-Live, Asheru, Little Brother, and many other respected recording artists. Now signed with Halftooth Records, Oddisee will soon be invading air waves and record stores near you with a unique sound that's impossible to ignore. With his incredibly distinctive and mesmerizing style, Oddisee covers just about every sect of hip-hop music, creating a sound that is appealing to all music lovers. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Maryland, Oddisee and his "Low Budget Crew," including such hip hop artists and producers as Cy Young, Kevin Brown, Kenn Starr, have already managed to leave their mark within the hip-hop community of the D.C. metropolitan area.
In 2008 Oddisee signed with Mello Music Group and released a string of critically acclaimed projects that he either produced or rhymed on: 101, Mental Liberation, Everything Changed Nothing, Odd Seasons, and Traveling Man. He also created the break out DMV group Diamond District, which released In the Ruff in 2009, along with Uptown XO and yU. Oddisee has recently seen his music featured on ESPN during the NBA Finals, and in commercials for companies such as Quiksilver and Burton Snowboards, among others. Oddisee’s debut solo album People Hear What They See, was released on June 5, 2012 via Mello Music Group, and is a culmination of the duality of his life experiences, from DC internal politics to third world struggles, the line between love and selfishness, and the personal conflict between self-sabotage and progress, set to a backdrop of intricate drums, lush instrumentation, and soul-stirring harmonies.
Today, Oddisee splits his time between his Brooklyn, New York apartment, his DC stomping grounds, and his London base, while continuing to tour, develop new artists, consult for MMG, and create new music. Oddisee is ready to introduce his remarkable sounds to the world and influence the entire music community. This producer/emcee extraordinaire is poised to be your favorite beat maker and lyricist in one. Watch out world!
After Thoughts
Oddisee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Putting a positive spin on a world of riffraff
But we are all equals
Underneath the evil is good
So you shouldn't criticize me trying to uplift that
My presence today with mix match
Of population caught in the fantasy who'd rather sit back
Effervescence shining with ways to bring the bliss back
The city wasn't being gentrified
Another generation of gentrification leads to the next high rise
When politician's in the limelight they open their eyes
Shutting the venues and night life to their corporate demise
So ask yourself what are your priorities?
To whine and moan and hide alone behind your computer screens?
Or can we rise over these disguises of leaves?
Cause society's still falling and crawling and stalling and trying to breathe
Equality's necessary for race and gender
They're trying to get married and sexuality is still praying to blend in
Is the media still deceiving or bridging the gap?
Are we reading for any reason or just living to chat?
Are we eating all our feelings with guilt after the fact?
Are we bleeding or healing to get our fill of the glass?
Empty or full it's time fill up my gas
Then see me pull my weight accelerate and kill every task
Then steal every mask separate hate from the blast
Ground zero built upon with patience and class
Ground below still the one that's shaping this man
Now we know we're beyond all the pain in these hands
No more waiting for the sadness to vacate this land
So yo I'm waking up to have this day to command
Saving all this vastness with ways to have grandkids
Educating elevating putting faith in this plan
The opening lyrics of Oddisee's song "After Thoughts" suggest that the artist is often viewed as a positive influence in a world that can be quite negative. However, Oddisee suggests that this positivity comes from a belief that everyone is inherently equal and that, despite the evil that exists in the world, there is good to be found in everyone. He even suggests that his efforts to uplift people should not be criticized because they come from a genuine place of belief in equality and goodness.
As the song continues, Oddisee turns his attention to societal issues such as gentrification and political corruption. He questions the priorities of individuals who spend their time complaining on social media rather than taking action to address these problems. He also examines issues of race, gender, sexuality, and media deception, suggesting that all of these issues contribute to a society that is "still falling and crawling and stalling and trying to breathe."
Overall, "After Thoughts" is a reflection on the challenges facing society, but it is also a call to action. Oddisee suggests that, in order to make meaningful change, individuals must be willing to move beyond their own concerns and engage with the world around them. His message is clear: a better future is possible, but only if we are willing to work for it.
Line by Line Meaning
You might think my words are gift wrapped
You may view my words as overly positive or insincere
Putting a positive spin on a world of riffraff
I am choosing to see the good in a world full of negativity and chaos
But we are all equals
Regardless of our differences, we are all human beings of equal worth
Underneath the evil is good
Even those who do bad things still have potential for good within them
So you shouldn't criticize me trying to uplift that
Please do not judge me for trying to find the positive in difficult situations
My presence today with mix match
I am surrounded by a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and experiences
Of population caught in the fantasy who'd rather sit back
Many people are content to remain in their comfort zones and not take action
Effervescence shining with ways to bring the bliss back
I am radiating positive energy and trying to spread joy
In fact the ages shall be courageous I wish that
I hope that future generations will have the courage to face the challenges of the world
The city wasn't being gentrified
The city was not being taken over by wealthy newcomers at the expense of long-time residents
Another generation of gentrification leads to the next high rise
Each wave of gentrification leads to further displacement and construction of luxury buildings
When politician's in the limelight they open their eyes
Politicians pay attention to public opinion when they are in the public eye
Shutting the venues and night life to their corporate demise
Politicians sometimes make decisions that hurt small businesses and independent artists
So ask yourself what are your priorities?
Challenge yourself to evaluate your values and goals
To whine and moan and hide alone behind your computer screens?
Are you simply complaining online instead of taking action or interacting with the real world?
Or can we rise over these disguises of leaves?
Can we see past surface-level appearances and address deeper issues?
Cause society's still falling and crawling and stalling and trying to breathe
We must acknowledge that society is still facing many problems and struggling to make progress
Equality's necessary for race and gender
Fair treatment and equal opportunities are crucial for all races and genders
They're trying to get married and sexuality is still praying to blend in
People in the LGBTQ+ community still face discrimination and hope for acceptance
Is the media still deceiving or bridging the gap?
Is the media perpetuating falsehoods and stereotypes or helping to create understanding and empathy?
Are we reading for any reason or just living to chat?
Do we consume information for personal growth and understanding or simply to pass the time?
Are we eating all our feelings with guilt after the fact?
Do we use food to cope with our emotions and then feel guilty about it later?
Are we bleeding or healing to get our fill of the glass?
Are we causing harm and pain or trying to heal and find peace?
Empty or full it's time fill up my gas
Regardless of whether we feel depleted or fulfilled, we must keep moving forward and taking action
Then see me pull my weight accelerate and kill every task
I am focused and driven to complete all of my responsibilities effectively
Then steal every mask separate hate from the blast
I seek to reveal truth and authenticity, separating harmful intentions from positive energy
Ground zero built upon with patience and class
Even when starting from scratch, we can create something great with dignity and perseverance
Ground below still the one that's shaping this man
Our past and experiences continue to shape who we are today
Now we know we're beyond all the pain in these hands
We have moved past the struggles and hardships of the past and are stronger for it
No more waiting for the sadness to vacate this land
We are taking active steps to help ourselves and our communities overcome sadness and pain
So yo I'm waking up to have this day to command
I am determined to take control of my life and make the most of each day
Saving all this vastness with ways to have grandkids
I am working to preserve the beauty and resources of our planet for future generations to enjoy
Educating elevating putting faith in this plan
I believe in the power of education and personal growth to create positive change
Contributed by Anna J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
tenda oxtails
This mans music is so chill you honestly don't need to be high to feel that sense of calm. He's know what the ears wants to hear. Love this!
Cristian Reyes
word, more than anything he knows what the soul wants to hear
l'homme Vivant
..... he's juste an artiste juste say u like it
Cristian Reyes
i like it
Left Lyric
Dee Taylor ur pretty face brings a sense of calm
Liv
This was the first entire album I'd spent money on in around eight years. I bought it the night before I went hiking in New Mexico for a week. It was the only thing I listened to. I didn't even want to listen to anything else, nothing could compare. Now whenever, wherever I listen to this album (even in washington DC rush hour traffic) it takes me back to New Mexico. That was the first time I'd been off the east coast and I am inexplicably grateful to have some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard, remind me of one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. As a DC local, I'd already felt a connection to this artist and his music.....but new mexico was one of the most spiritual, unique, and unforgettable experiences I've ever had, and I love that this music takes me back there.
Psilocyb
+Olivia Curry Beautiful. I love how powerful sound and words can be
JayDee Liges
+Olivia Curry I'm born and raised in New Mexico and this is the most inspiring thing i've heard about my state. I knw we have some beautiful scenery and sunsets, but our desert can be a crazy place. I love New Mexico though. Thank you for the shout out.
Joel Lopez
Too bad it doesn't mean anything!
Tomer Malka
+Olivia Curry cool story sis