From the recording O.D.A.M. (Vol 1)
This is the introduction to an "Experience" on the "O.D.A.M." project. A few words from our sponsor, Hood Rawlz.
lyrics
I am attempting to draw attention to and carve out a lane for Gen X hip-hop artist. Yes, we have bars too! We have accepted the challenge put out to black male rappers to do something different. This has been repeated by some of the greats like T-Pain, 50 Cent and others.
"DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!" T-Pain
I want to figure out a new way to showcase our brand of Hip-Hop and/or music in general for use in film, television and ad placements. A lane and/or brand of music that we can be proud of. We can be positive without being Christen or religious based and gritty without being overly crass and corny. Can we have a song where a brotha doesn't have to die or somebody suckin' on somethin'? Don't get me wrong, I like my thug music for working out and getting pumped or excited. But all of it? All of today's rap/hip-hop sounds the same (I know the difference between the two but that's another debate/thread.)
"Take your time and make a classic." 50 Cent
What better way to explain this concept other than showing examples. Sometimes you have to build it to show that it can work. Exhibit A: Hood Rawlz with the upcoming O.D.A.M. project. If you are a fan of the late 90's to the early 2000's, look no further. The marketplace is screaming for different and why re-invent the wheel? Hood Rawlz is not new to the game but fresh off the failure train in other areas of life. Now onto the next love which is music. There are a ton of us who yearn for that nostalgic sound in some of today's music. Music with substance. Music we can have fun with. Music that provokes thought and conversation. Music that challenges us. Perfectly curated and created music matched with the right vocal presence can be magic. That's all I will say about Hood Rawlz. I will let the voice and the music speak for itself.
No, I'm not talking about old people trying to be young and runnin' the streets drippin' on dubs and trippin' on lean while makin' it rain for all the honey's. For some reason we relate old age with being out of touch. Out of touch with who? Who is my audience? The people around my age who still enjoy the nice banger here and there and like the story telling we use to have in the music. Those are my people and that is who I am here to find. We can do better and not be corny and still appeal to the masses if that is what you're looking for.
This album was made during a rough period in my career. Making history and then crashing and burning a year later was a huge blow to my ego and self esteem. The negative energy I held within for all of those months was unhealthy for me so I decided to redirect my energy into one of my other passions which is music. and the rest is history.
I let the music move the pen on this project. The first Volume is just that. Getting back into the groove of making music after it not being the focus for a bit. The second and third volumes will go deeper under the HOOD. I decided to do something that I have never done and that is purchased beats from other producers and free up Mista Woosaa's workload. So between what Mista Woosaa has created along with Temper and others, the future of what I love isn't lost at all.
No one dies on the record. It is an experience that I hope is nostalgic, fun and fresh at the same time. We asked for this type of music. Are we going to support it?
WARNING! This album will definitely test your sound system!
from O.D.A.M. (VOL 1), track released March 28, 2023
Song Produced by: Mista Woosaa
Artist: Hood Rawlz
Written by: Omar D. "Amaru" Lewis, Sr.