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!
You Know Who You Are
Oddisee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You were there from the start
Taught me to be aware of the sharks & prepare for the dark
You kept a secret you practiced what you were preaching against
Your inner demons were praying I'd tear apart
You won't admit but you competed just a little bit
I could tell, you'd be heated over little shit
Telling me to quit trying & get real
I was pursuing dreams, steady doin' my thing
You wasn't doin' the same, you wasn't doin' a thing
From my truest to a Brutus to a Judas
To who knew that this could happen
But the fracture was brewing it seems
I should have seen, mistaking smoke for a little steam
It turned to fire you burned me tryin' to ruin me
I won't even mention your name in my bars
It's too close to the scars
I ain't gotta name names
(You know who you are)
I ain't gotta name names
(You know who you are)
I ain't gotta name names
(You know who you are)
[Verse 2: Oddisee]
You were there from the start
You told me what ever I'm doing to do it from the heart
I was pursuing a dream that was cloaked in the cloth of the uncertain
Making money, music, and art, and it wasn't perfect
You told me whatever's worth it was worth hurting
Double edge seemingly sharp, rather unnerving
Still, you believed in a brother
I was starving as an artist, you was feeding a brother
You could see in a brother what I couldn't see myself
When I couldn't see myself needing help
One reason or other I was trying through it all
Lot of ways to fail, that's the fastest way to fall
And through it and after all, you was with me not against
Cheered me from the bench, now you're with me as I ball
And that meant, I ain't even mention your name in my bars
You know you're close to my heart
[Verse 3: Oddisee]
You were there from the start
Before you were even aware of the plan you were part
Of the scheme grand, as it could seem at the top
Man can only go so high before he reaches where he can't breath
But you know your limitations, you walk patient
While everybody start running for their plan B
Like a fire escape, but you stay in the kitchen
Let them sleep on they dreams, you stay lying awake
You stay eyeing the cake, they say you getting greedy
And then they turn their side against you like they getting sleepy
Try to convince you but you ain't into what they about
Get in your mental prevent you to take the way out
Please, let 'em try, let 'em fail
Let 'em tell lies on you, let 'em be
Let 'em see you prevail
Let 'em bail on they attempt to stunt a star
In any event be sure that
Oddisee's song "You Know Who You Are" speaks of the evolution of relationships and how they can take a negative turn. The song is structured around 3 verses which describe the progression of the relationship from the beginning, moving to a point of disillusionment and ultimately returning to a place of gratitude. The first verse touches upon the idea of being cautious of those who may have a hidden agenda or motive. Oddisee's mentor, someone who was integral to his career growth, ultimately became jealous of his success and tried to sabotage him. The second verse focuses on the importance of having someone who believes in you, and how vital it can be to have a support system in place when pursuing one's dreams. The third verse sends a message of staying true to oneself and not allowing others to influence or dictate one's decisions.
The use of repetition in the chorus, "I ain't gotta name names, you know who you are," emphasizes the idea that certain relationships and experiences have a significant impact on us and we don't need to directly call them out as they already know the role they played. This approach to conveying his message shows maturity and wisdom.
The song's use of a jazz-infused beat and sound echoes the ideas of growth and experimentation. The song samples Nina Simone's "Feeling Good," adding elements of jazz and soul into this thought-provoking song.
Line by Line Meaning
You were there from the start
You have been present since the beginning.
Taught me to be aware of the sharks & prepare for the dark
You educated me on being aware of dangers and preparing for difficult situations.
You kept a secret you practiced what you were preaching against
You had a secret that contradicted what you were teaching me.
Your inner demons were praying I'd tear apart
Your personal struggles were hoping that I would fail.
You won't admit but you competed just a little bit
You refused to acknowledge that you had a competitive nature.
I could tell, you'd be heated over little shit
I could sense that you were easily angered by minor things.
Telling me to quit trying & get real
You advised me to give up on my dreams and face reality.
I got a little shine you was like big deal
You were unimpressed when I achieved a little bit of success.
You wasn't doin' the same, you wasn't doin' a thing
You were not pursuing any aspirations of your own.
From my truest to a Brutus to a Judas
You went from being my loyal friend to betraying me.
To who knew that this could happen
Nobody expected that our relationship would deteriorate to this extent.
But the fracture was brewing it seems
A major conflict between us was slowly developing.
I should have seen, mistaking smoke for a little steam
I should have realized that the minor issues between us were pointing to a larger problem.
It turned to fire you burned me tryin' to ruin me
The situation escalated quickly and you attempted to destroy my career.
I won't even mention your name in my bars
I won't publicly call you out or acknowledge you in my music.
It's too close to the scars
The pain and hurt caused by your actions is still too fresh and raw.
You told me whatever's worth it was worth hurting
You informed me that any worthwhile endeavor comes with pain and struggle.
Still, you believed in a brother
Despite the challenges, you continued to support and have faith in me.
And through it and after all, you was with me not against
Despite the hardships, you remained on my side and supported me.
You know you're close to my heart
You are an important and cherished person in my life.
You were there from the start
You have been present since the beginning.
While everybody start running for their plan B
While others were seeking backup options, you remained patient and stayed with your plan A.
Let 'em see you prevail
Allow others to witness you achieve success despite their doubts and negativity.
Let 'em bail on they attempt to stunt a star
Let them give up on their attempts to hold back someone destined for greatness.
In any event be sure that you know who you are
Regardless of what others may say or do, it is important to remain true to oneself.
Contributed by Madelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ben Froehle
You were there from the start
Taught me to be aware of the sharks and prepare for the dark
You kept a secret you practiced what you were preaching against
Your inner demons were praying I'd tear apart
You won't admit but you competed just a little bit
I could tell, you'd be heated over little shit
Telling me to quit trying and get real
I got a little shine you was like big deal
I was pursuing dreams, steady doing my thing
You wasn't doing the same, you wasn't doing a thing
From my truest to a Brutus to a Judas
To who knew that this could happen
But the fracture was brewing it seems
I should have seen, mistaking smoke for a little steam
It turned to fire you burned me, trying to ruin me
I won't even mention your name in my bars
It's too close to the scars, but I'm sure that
[Hook: Oddisee]
You know who you are
You know who you are
I ain't gotta name names
You know who you are
I ain't gotta name names
You know who you are
I ain't gotta name names
You know who you are
You know who you are
Ivan Cardenas
Honestly, this shit is a fucking masterpiece. I don’t throw that around loosely either. This is a fucking masterpiece bro.
TokenSB
Totally forget about this version..8 years later still gives me goosebumps..
Louie Loud
Ive played this about 20 times in a row and the more i listen the doper it gets i prefer to this the version with the beat . His rhymes come out clearer and more powerful . I make music myself and its really refreshing hearing this joint. I love his diction and phrasing pure talent and dopeness. singer kills it on the guitar as well
TheWillTom42
I always love when rappers do acoustic shit. Not many people can pull it off and I don't think that it should happen too often but every time I hear it happen it's some magic.
vernon daley
William Lodge quality over quantity
Hendrik Vanbriel
Atmosphere - Guarantees
Ruined Craft
The acoustic version was great. Smooth like butter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdoZMurKQJA
Alen Mustlovski
No words can really describe how much i respect artists such as these guys.
Thank you.
Delyric Oracle
Oddisee is one of the best live performers I've seen. I saw him opening up for KRS-One and Public Enemy and those are two of my favorites but I spent most of my camera space on him and I don't regret it. He's engaging and charismatic on stage, thats all you need, you don't need million dollar effects etc.
TariqAmazin
FUCKING TRUTH !