Music  

Odumodublvck Unveils Highly Anticipated Mixtape, Eziokwu

By Daniel Anazia

28 October 2023   |   4:07 am

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Rapper Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, better known as Odumodublvck, has released his long-awaited mixtape, Eziokwu, and the music video for the lead single, Blood on the Dancefloor, directed by Joshua Valle and Blank Square Productions.

Rapper Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, better known as Odumodublvck, has released his long-awaited mixtape, Eziokwu, and the music video for the lead single, Blood on the Dancefloor, directed by Joshua Valle and Blank Square Productions.

The video features the 2023 Headies Best Rap Single winner, Bloody Civilian, and Wale, returning to the sleek and stylised underground world previously seen in the visuals of Firegun, characterised by its vivid red and blue hues, stunning women, and more.

Eziokwu in Igbo translates to ‘Truth’. The mixtape marks the first project released through Odumodublvck’s Native Records/Def Jam Recordings. It is a compilation that captures the rapper’s recent success in the mainstream.

The 14-track record combines heartfelt lyricism with a fusion of Afrobeats, future R&B, and grime, which he refers to as ‘okporoko rhythms’. For each song, Odumodublvck draws from different events in his life which he brilliantly brings to life through excellent writing and braggadocious delivery.

Indeed a raw and honest expression of his artistry, it features collaborations with notable names in Nigeria music space and in the diaspora, such as Amaarae, TeeZee, Cruel Santino, Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, Wale, Replay, and more.

The opening track Commend is driven by horn-laden beats and infectious melodies. It is followed by Kubolor, a track featuring melodic guitar over a head-nodding drum beat. Shoot and Go Home showcases Odumodublvck’s commanding presence over a drill beat, while Blood on the Dance Floor (featuring Bloody Civilian & Wale) delivers a lyrical masterpiece that transcends musical boundaries and styles.

As a lyricist, Odumodublvck has emerged as a prominent voice in Nigeria’s capital over the past decade. His distinctive blend of a larger-than-life personality and a powerful, barking flow has drawn comparisons to the late DMX, earning him commendations from artistes like Wizkid, Skepta, Omah Lay, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team, Declan Rice who he honoured with his hit track Declan Rice.

Born in Lagos and raised in Abuja, he is known for his stage performances and genre-blend. He is a member of the hip-hop collective Anti World Gangstars. His emergence in the Nigerian mainstream music is said to be right, especially when hip-hop culture desperately needed someone who could add some excitement and much-needed complexity to the scene.

Odumodublvck emergence in the hip-hop scene was further affirmed with a style that blends the culture with Nigerian indigenous groovy music, and at a time when the existence of hip-hop in the commercial scene was being subjected to thorough scrutiny and cynicism.

With lyrics largely conveyed in pidgin mixed with street slang and a delivery style that combines hard bars, highlife melodic maneuvers, and a bit of aggression, many hip-hop culture followers averred that his entrance added excitement to the scene, particularly when the genre is missing a personality who is capable of sparking varying emotions from consumers.

Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and former Chocolate City CEO, Jude Lemfani Abaga well known by the stage name M.I Abaga, had 14 years ago, described himself as Nigeria’s rap messiah in his breakout single Safe.

A careful look at the mixtape cover art, created by British-Nigerian artist and designer, Slawn, showcased the Abuja base rapper in a moment of introspection, symbolizing self-validation. It portrays Odumodublvck as an artiste looking inward for affirmation, highlighting the truth that approval must come from within.

Multiple facets of his persona co-exist harmoniously in the artwork, emphasizing that he is a true embodiment of the essence of rap star as the bearer of the ‘truth’. Since his Zlatan-assisted mainstream debut hit titled Picanto, no rapper has charted more on the Top 10 of TurnTable Charts than Odumodublvck. This earned him the ‘Rookie of the Year’ and the ‘Best Rap Single’ awards at this year’s Headies Awards, which was held in Altanta, United States of America.