After taking a break from rap to go on hiatus, Courtice up-and-comer Oseko returns with the release of a brand new Flamongo and Swxxtz-produced track titled “Wrist.”
“Wrist” marks a much darker turning point for Oseko. When he chose to go on hiatus, Oseko was doubting his craft and his abilities. He didn’t think he was good enough and he wasn’t getting enough love so he left. Thankfully (it seems) he’s come to the realization that the industry is not going to pat you on the back and tell you you’re the greatest rapper in the world. That’s a belief you need to have for yourself. Before anyone else starts to believe you’re dope, you have to have that belief already deeply instilled within yourself.
For those who aren’t familiar, I actually had the pleasure of linking with Oseko and his camp a few years ago at Sled Island 2015 in Calgary when Oseko was selected to open up for De La Soul at Flames Central. That was after he had dropped the single “Stain” which melted my face off.
I’m really feeling the new direction of Oseko’s sound, though. I think there’s a lot of growth and maturation that can be seen on this track. There’s also more willingness to be vulnerable. This track gives us a glimpse into the darker corners within Oseko’s mind. Check the track, and scope our Q&A with Oseko below.
Q&A: Oseko
HipHopCanada: Talk to me about the significance of this track to you on a personal level.
Oseko: I think this song is so important because it’s me finally getting over the hurdle. It’s been long as hell since I put out my music and I feel this was me finally coming out of the shell. I was in the studio I been going to for the past couple years, [and it] is where a lot of things happen. I doubted a lot I was ever gonna be apart of the magic until I said “F**k it!” and just did the first thing that came in my mind.
HipHopCanada: Tell me how the collaboration with Flamongo and Swxxtz came about for this one.
Oseko: I heard a snippet on Snapchat so I called Adam and he told me he didn’t send out the beat yet. The first time I heard the beat I knew where I wanted to take it so when we [went] in the studio I just let it all out.
HipHopCanada: This track is significantly darker than your previous work. Talk to me about that, and where that darkness is coming from.
Oseko: Its how I was feeling. I think seeing my mother work hard is starting to f**k with me so this is go-time. This is all I got. This is what I’m here for. Every verse comes from this state of confusion that goes between overly confident and confused, so the hook is supposed to be me being confused and me tryna put the candy in the medicine for the listeners.
HipHopCanada: You’ve been away for a minute. What prompted your hiatus and what caused you to return to the music?
Oseko: I thought I sucked at rapping for a long time because I was searching for some certain type of validation people don’t give when you come from where I come from. It’s a lot of people who shitted on me these past couple years and didn’t wanna see me win. If people knew the type of losses I took, I dont know if they would be fans of me. But I just came to a moment where I said, “I need to find a way, regardless!” Real kings are never bitter. I just kept my faith in God and knew it was time. I owe this to my family and to everybody who supported me. I think our time is now.
Interview conducted by Sarah Jay for HipHopCanada
