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!
Belong To The World
Oddisee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All that what I see is where the flow from
There's a million faces in the place to be
Get it where I fit in trying slip in one space is me
Then to see am I unique or just another fish
To grow feet and walk a beach like most them
Evolvin' at a speed is hard to see I'm in the chill lane
I be in the lobby in a party where I feel strange
Never was suave guy
More like the eye guy
Want a women [?]
Never wanted to be the type that they were used to
Now I'm flying somewhere overlooking a dream
And being overlooked did wonders for my esteem
Now I get a lot of likes like I'm the one that they're glued to
Something I couldn't see when I belonged to the scheme
Separated from the cliques and I created a team
It was me and my army, Oddisee and the squad [?]
Much appreciation to 'em both of them gave me a job
Tried to tell 'em I ain't part of the [?]
They was like yeah you are, you're smart
I'm just trying to break out the mould
Tryin'g to do the opposite of everything that I'm told
Trying put me in a box, already in a globe
So I don't get offended by the thinking of the old
Where I'm at is where I go in the circle and the fame
So it seems there were two gangs
Not enough, but too much changed
Too [?] strings and we are caught in the middle
Forever lost in the process [?]
Somebody ask what do you claim
I belong to the world
Save a seat for the quiet one
I'm working hard to make my ones able
There ain't a place that I don't call home
Was dropping beats at the lunch table
Now you can buy one, gotta keep my funds stable
The Western world to me is all wrong
And Babylon becoming unstable, don't wanna die young
I'm making moves like the ice caps staying hot with a tight track
Never spoiled I don't want labels
If you can find one, take it that they all wrong
I'm feeling [?] to unchain you
And Liberate you from the Wall Streets you occupy
There's a lot of sky and underneath it a lot of pie
An' You don't need a bigger plate, just a smaller stomach
You Fed up on the feeling once now you convinced you want it
Well go and get it, be another statistic
Bit off more than you can chew and so you started to vomit
I don't go that route, I don't hang with them
I just go around the globe and not a turn for the stunting
Keep it all in house, the world is my backyard
I'm trying to break my fence, nah
I'm just trying to break out the mould
Tryin'g to do the opposite of everything that I'm told
Trying put me in a box, already in a globe
So I don't get offended by the thinking of the old
Where I'm at is where I go in the circle and the fame
So it seems there were two gangs
Not enough, but too much changed
Too [?] strings and we are caught in the middle
Forever lost in the process [?]
Somebody ask what do you claim
I belong to the world
Whats a clique, whats a crew, what's a gang to a brother who been doing this thing all along
I belong to my name, that's the only set I claim
I ain't bothered by the politics of fame
I perform, they put on, that's the norm, trying to get me on a song like baller this, shooter that
Then they got wrong mic
This the wrong platform, they about the wrong life
This is for the people I'm just trying to cut a path forward
Trying make some music for the future that will last long
Though the never ask for it
I'ma give it to 'em, I'ma give it to 'em
Pioneering tunes and forever I'ma live through em
Word to Bob Marley he put memories in melodies
It's relevant in the present though he made it in the 70s
That right there was telling me the classic [way to ?] better be
And if it ain't then it don't deserve to represent the pedigree
Part of the solution or part of the problem
All the moving parts in the process revolving
What are you involved in, answered my calling
I belong to the world
The song "Belong To The World" is a reflection of Oddisee's journey to finding his place in the world. He emphasizes his rejection of societal norms and pressure to fit in a specific group, clique or gang. The first verse exemplifies his feeling of being lost in a sea of faces while he tries to find his own identity. He claims that he was never the "cool dude" or "suave guy" and that he did not want to be the "type they are used to." However, he credits his sense of belonging to his team (Amir Muhammad and Oddisee) and being able to make music for the future that will last long. He expresses his desire to liberate people from Wall Street and the politics of fame while being part of the solution and not the problem.
Oddisee acknowledges his roots and how he started dropping beats at the lunch table, and now he can sell them. The idea of the world being his backyard is shaped by his experience around the globe, which makes him unapologetic for not fitting in a particular place or circle. He emphasizes his intent to pioneer new tunes and make music that will stand the test of time. He cites Bob Marley as an example of someone who created music that carries memories despite being created in the 70s. He concludes the song stating he belongs to the world and not to any crew, clique, or gang.
Line by Line Meaning
Walk around the city by my lonesome
I wander through the city alone
All that what I see is where the flow from
Everything I see is connected to the movement of life around me
There's a million faces in the place to be
The city is full of diverse people and opportunities
Get it where they fit in trying slip in which space is me
Finding my place in this world is a challenge but necessary
Then to see am I unique or just another fish
I question whether I am special or just another person trying to survive
To grow feet and walk a beach how most done
I aspire to find my path and walk it confidently
Evolvin' at a speed is hard to see I'm in the chill lane
My growth and progress may not be noticeable to others, but I am content with taking things slow
I be in the lobby in a party where I feel strange
I often find myself in social situations where I feel out of place
Never was the cool dude, never was a suave guy
I have never been the popular or charismatic person people gravitate to
More like the odd guy, want a woman to root to
I am unique and looking for a genuine connection with someone
Never wanted to be the type that they were used to
I do not want to conform to societal pressures and expectations
Now I'm flying somewhere overlooking a dream
I am achieving my aspirations and realizing my dreams
And being overlooked did wonders for my esteem
Being underestimated or overlooked by others has helped me become more confident in myself
Now I get a lot of likes like I'm the one that they grew to
People are now noticing and appreciating my talents and abilities
Something I couldn't see when I belonged to the scheme
When I used to conform to societal expectations, I did not realize my true potential
Separated from the cliques and I created a team
I broke away from the norm and formed my own group of like-minded individuals
It was me, Amir Muhammad , Oddisee is the squad
My team consists of Amir Muhammad and myself
Much appreciation to 'em both of them gave me a job
I am grateful to Amir Muhammad and Oddisee for providing me with work opportunities
Tried to tell 'em I ain't part of the commerce of art
I do not want to compromise my artistic integrity for commercial gain
They was "Like yeah you are, you smart"
Others recognize my intelligence and potential in the art industry
I'm just trying to break out the mould
I am trying to break away from societal expectations and stereotypes
Trying to do the opposite of everything that I'm told
I am not conforming to what others tell me to do
Try to put me in a box, already in a globe
I am not limited to one identity or stereotype
So I don't get offended by the thinking of the old
I am not bothered by outdated ways of thinking
Where I'm at is where I go, and a circle ain't my thang
I am content with where I am in life and do not need to conform to societal norms
So it seems there were two gangs
There are two sides to every issue or decision
Not enough, but too much changed
Things may change too slowly or too drastically
Too [?] strings and we are caught in the middle
We are stuck between two opposing forces or ideas
Forever lost in the process to choose between
It is difficult to make a choice that satisfies everyone
Somebody ask what do you claim
Someone is asking me what group or identity I belong to
I belong to the world
I do not limit myself to one group or identity, I belong to everyone and everything
Save a seat for the quiet one
Even though I am quiet, I still deserve a space at the table
I'm working hard to make my ones able
I am working hard to become successful and self-sufficient
There ain't a place that I don't call home
I feel at home wherever I am in the world
Was dropping beats at the lunch table
I started making music at a young age
Now you can buy one, gotta keep my funds stable
Now I sell my music, but I still need to manage my finances carefully
The Western world to me is all wrong
I do not agree with many aspects of Western culture
And Babylon becoming unstable, don't wanna die young
I fear for the future and want to live a long life
I'm making moves like the ice caps staying hot with a tight track
I am making moves quickly and efficiently, like the melting ice caps
Never spoiled I don't want labels
I do not want to be materialistic or labeled by my possessions
If you can find one, take it that they all wrong
If you find one label that fits me, it will still be incomplete
I'm feeling to unchain you
I want to free you from societal expectations and limitations
And liberate you from the Wall Streets you occupy
I want to liberate you from the capitalist system that oppresses you
There's a lot of sky and underneath it a lot of pie
There are many opportunities and possibilities in the world
And you don't need a bigger plate, just a smaller stomach
You do not need more, just less desire and greed
You fed up on the feeling once, and you convinced you want it
You were once satisfied without certain material possessions, but now you feel you need them
Well go and get it, be another statistic
If you want material possessions so badly, you will become just another consumer statistic
Bit off more than you can chew and so you started to vomit
You took on too much and were overwhelmed
I don't go that route, I don't hang with them
I do not follow the expectations or actions of others
I just go around the globe and not a turn for the stunting
I travel the world without showing off or seeking attention
And keep it all in house, the world is my backyard
I keep my relationships and affairs personal, and see the world as my home
Don't try and break my fence, nah
Do not attempt to meddle in my personal or professional life
Whats a clique, whats a crew
I do not conform or belong to any group or crew
what's a gang to a brother who been doing this thing all along
I do not need or rely on a gang, as I have been doing things myself for a long time
I belong to my name, that's the only set I claim
I only associate myself with my individual identity, not any particular group or culture
I ain't bothered by the politics of fame
I am not concerned with seeking fame or recognition
I perform, they put on, that's the norm
I focus on my performance, while others prioritize image and branding
trying to get me on a song like baller this, shooter that
Others try to collaborate with me in order to benefit from my talents and image
Then they got wrong mic
Others do not quite understand my artistic style and vision
This the wrong platform, they about the wrong life
Others' goals and values do not align with my own
This is for the people I'm just trying to cut a path forward
I make music for the people, and to create a positive impact in the world
Trying make some music for the future that will last long
I am creating music that is timeless and will have a lasting impact
Though the never ask for it
Others may not specifically request my music, but I still see its importance
I'ma give it to 'em, I'ma give it to 'em
I will still share my music with others, even if they do not seek it out
Pioneering tunes and forever I'ma live through 'em
I am creating music that is innovative and will have a lasting impact on the industry
Word to Bob Marley he put memories in melodies
Bob Marley created music that is not only enjoyable, but also has a deeper meaning and message
It's relevant in the present though he made it in the 70's
Bob Marley's music is still relevant and impactful in today's world, despite being created decades ago
That right there was telling me the classic where it better be
Bob Marley's music taught me the importance of creating timeless, classic music
And if it ain't then it don't deserve to represent the pedigree
If music is not of the highest quality and timelessness, it does not deserve to be recognized or celebrated
Part of the solution, or part of the problem
People can either contribute positively to the world or negatively
All the moving parts in the process revolving
The world and its systems are constantly changing and evolving
What are you involved in, answered my calling
I am involved in music and creating a positive impact, as it is my true purpose in life
I belong to the world
I am a part of the greater world community, with a responsibility to create positive change and contribute my talents and abilities
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jason T
[Verse 1]
Walk around the city by my lonesome
All that what I see is where the flow from
There's a million faces in the place to be
Get it where they fit in trying slip in which space is me
Within the sea, am I unique or just another fish
To grow feet and walk a beach how most done
Evolvin' at a speed is hard to see I'm in the chill lane
I be in the lobby in a party where I feel strange
Never was the cool dude, never was a suave guy
More like the odd guy, one that women are rude to
Never wanted to be the type that they were used to
Now I'm flying somewhere overlooking a dream
And being overlooked did wonders for my esteem
Now I get a lot of likes like I'm the one that they grew to
Something I couldn't see when I belonged to the scheme
Separated from the cliques and I created a team
It was me, Amir Mohamed, Oddisee is the squad
Much appreciation to 'em both of them gave me a job
Tried to tell 'em I ain't part of the commerce of art
They was "Like yeah you are, you smart"
[Chorus]
I'm just trying to break out the mould
Trying to do the opposite of everything that I'm told
Try to put me in a box, already in a globe
So I don't get offended by the thinking of the old
Where I'm at is where I go, and a circle ain't my thang
So it seems there were two gangs
Not enough, but too much changed
Two extremes and we are caught in the middle
Forever lost in the process to choose 'tween
Somebody ask what do you claim
I belong to the world
[Verse 2]
Save a seat for the quiet one
I'm working hard to make my ones able, there ain't a place
That I don't call home, was dropping beats at the lunch table
Now you can buy one, gotta keep my funds stable
The Western world to me is all wrong
And Babylon becoming unstable, don't wanna die young
I'm making moves like the ice caps staying hot
With a tight track, never spoiled I don't want labels
If you can find one, take it that they all wrong
I'm feeling to unchain you
And liberate you from the Wall Streets you occupy
There's a lot of sky and underneath it a lot of pie
And you don't need a bigger plate, just a smaller stomach
You fed up on the feeling once, and you convinced you want it
Well go and get it, be another statistic
Bit off more than you can chew and so you started to vomit
I don't go that route, I don't hang with them
I just go around the globe and not a turn for the stunting
And keep it all in house, the world is my backyard
Don't try and break my fence, nah
[Chorus]
I'm just trying to break out the mould
Trying to do the opposite of everything that I'm told
Try to put me in a box, already in a globe
So I don't get offended by the thinking of the old
Where I'm at is where I go, and a circle ain't my thang
So it seems there were two gangs
Not enough, but too much changed
Two extremes and we are caught in the middle
Forever lost in the process to choose 'tween
Somebody ask what do you claim
I belong to the world
[Verse 3]
What's a clique, what's a crew, what's a gang
To a brother who been doing this thing all along
I belong to my name, that's the only set I claim
I ain't bothered by the politics of fame. I perform, they
Put on, that's the norm, trying to get me on a song like
Baller this, shooter that, then they got wrong mic
This the wrong platform, they about the wrong life
This is for the people I'm just trying to cut a path forward
Trying make some music for the future that will last long
Though the never ask for it
I'ma give it to 'em, I'ma give it to 'em
Pioneering tunes and forever I'ma live through 'em
Word to Bob Marley he put memories in melodies
It's relevant in the present though he made it in the 70's
That right there was telling me the classic where it better be
And if it ain't then it don't deserve to represent the pedigree
Part of the solution, or part of the problem
All the moving parts in the process revolving
What are you involved in, answered my calling
I belong to the world
losingitrush
The best part of this song was cut out. (2nd verse)
Save a seat for the quiet one
I'm working hard to make my ones able
There ain't a place that I don't call home
Was dropping beats at the lunch table
Now you can buy one, gotta keep my funds stable
The Western world to me is all wrong
And Babylon becoming unstable, don't wanna die young
I'm making moves like the ice caps staying hot with a tight track
Never spoiled I don't want labels
If you can find one, take it that they all wrong
I'm feeling to unchain you
And liberate you from the Wall Streets you occupy
There's a lot of sky and underneath it a lot of pie
And you don't need a bigger plate, just a smaller stomach
You fed up on the feeling once, and you convinced you want it
Well go and get it, be another statistic
Bit off more than you can chew and so you started to vomit
I don't go that route, I don't hang with them
I just go around the globe and not a turn for the stunting
And keep it all in house, the world is my backyard
Don't try and break my fence, nah
ken
Man, I know this is old and I don't listen to dude a lot...BUT whenever there's a major shift in my life one of his tracks always finds me. This being one of them right now. So, thank you, All I wanted to say.
EnigmatcStatic 7
Hands down one of my fave producers and lyricists. Oddisee is tha man. Hip hop u dont have to turn off when your kids r around. This is a teaching ❤️⭐️
PenDizzy
I agree ☝️
MUSIC CREATORS
Teach what's been taught we need to educate the youth with this knowledge
james green
EnigmatcStatic 7 amen brother
Anthony
wordness to the turdness.
Josemaria Vr
word!!
Wesley Jean-Pierre
Yo I always seem to come back to this song whenever I have a certain spiritual inclination in me. I have never seen an artist truly be proud of their imperfections and struggle with fitting into the world so perfectly. A man I can respect for an eternity, Oddisee is truly a legend with his music and overall personality. Very influential and I couldn't relate more to his music; you'll be forever in my heart brother!
GoddamnManbat
I don’t believe in any religions, but after a DMT vacay I found myself seeing connections in the grand-scheme dependent upon each individual. A global consciousness that is unaware of how it works. That’s the closest thing I’ve got to a belief system and this song reminds me of that very concept. I belong to the world and I should do nothing but my best to be a good soul while I’m alive so that my influence may have a butterfly effect on others.
Juan Gamarra Pérez
Me alegro que algunos todavía hagan buenos sonidos por estos tiempos.