Sudanese-American Rapper Oddisee Blows Denver Away for the First Time

posted on: May 1, 2015

Cervantes’ Other Side made history on Monday night by hosting, for the first time ever, DMV area rapper Oddisee. A Sudanese-American emcee/producer, Oddisee brought to Denver his D.C. flavor. He came with supporting acts FO Chief and Kontrast, AG Flux, and Toine Jameson. The tour date in Denver happened to fall on the day Oddisee dropped his newest album, The Good Fight.

Photo from Oddisee’s Facebook
The night started off with FO Chief and Kontrast from Denver’s Fresh Breath Committee and, as usual, Denver fans came out to support their local hip-hop scene. The night then moved on to the styling of AG Flux. Mr. Flux came out and greeted the crowd with a casual, “Wassup Cervantes?” After boasting about his residence in Colorado, he introduced his DJ, Styles Davis on the “1’s and 2’s.”

After a few songs, he brought out FO Chief for a few tracks; the two co-directing the stage through a taste of the new project the two are working on. Once FO Chief left the stage, Flux called the crowd to come to the front and listen as he belted out a few more.

During the intermission between acts, Oddisee’s friend, photographer and fellow emcee came out to do a small introduction. Wearing a Steve Francis jersey, he rapped a few tracks and introduced the man who is–“just a tall ass rapper to me”–Oddisee.

By the time the man of the hour greeted the stage, the venue had filled and eager voices cheer on his opening lines, including him admitting he has never been to Denver. However, he also admitted that no other place stalks his social media quite like the Mile High City, which the audience eagerly accepted as a compliment.

He opened with “Ready to Rock” and a solid background echos him throughout the room as he calls for the “Yep! We’re ready to roll!” from the viewers.

Photo from Oddisee’s Facebook
He made a point to dedicate a moment to Balitmore, first stating that part of him was disheartened upon hearing the news on the day his album was released, however after much thought decided he was happy about it since he thought it might help heal some of the victims, a powerful sentiment that resounded with the spectators.

He enthusiastically performed “Killing Time,” which speaks to any hip-hop fan with the lyrics, “Grew up on that rap-a-lot/grew up on that Native Tongues/beats be like I trap allot, rhymes like all I say son.” From there the show got into “Yeah & Nah,” which, much like the tracks before it, had the audience rapping in unison with the operator on stage. As devoted as the fan base of the night was, Oddisee eventually had to give a taste of his new material, blowing everyone away, only to take it back again with 2013’s “Own Appeal.”

After bringing Toine back on stage for a few songs, the night was coming to an end. After a quick break, he ran back on stage for a much-demanded “Tangible Dream,” but then the show was over. For a first timer, Oddisee sure seemed at ease with the Denver atmosphere. Here’s to hoping he makes himself a regular, and to his delivering one great show.

Source: 303magazine.com