Here’s a new project from a powerful producer and arranger out of D.C. named KOKAYI that deserves more attention. I first met KOKAYI at SXSW a couple of years ago and can remember being impressed with A) his hustle, and B) his follow through regarding keeping folks informed on his latest projects. He’s actually been nominated for a Grammy for his production work with Ethiopian-American singer Wayna.

He’s worked in collaboration with the Diamond District cats for awhile but doesn’t really make music that fits into the stereotypical D.M.V. sound. His production mixes in organic stylings and soulful electronica in a way that doesn’t feel forced or repetitive. As of today, he just released a brand new album called Robots and Dinosaurs that’s going to take some people by surprise. In addition to being able to purchase the album if you dig it, check out the first single from Robots and Dinosaurs called “Only.” It’s a misty, soulful, lovelorn track that’s piano driven with a hip-hop edge. Check it.

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Diamond District came through Seattle this past weekend.  They performed at Chop Suey on Sunday night and I had plans to go, but I ended up passing out around 10pm instead.  You’re probably saying to yourself, “Damn, Tang.  That’s whack.”  And I would agree with you, but some of us have to work in the morning and I was tired!  Plus, (this is the part of the story where I redeem myself) the reason I was so beat on Sunday is because I was fortunate enough to catch a late Saturday night performance from Oddisee, put on by the good folks at Members Only, that didn’t wrap up until after 4am.  Oddisee brought out yU and X.O. to do a little bit of their solo stuff too, and the gentlemen from DC did not disappoint.  Oddisee performed a choice selection from his repertoire, including at least one joint from Odd Spring.  YU showcased some songs from his well received first album, Before Taxes, and X.O. spit a couple tracks that I hope to hear on his yet- to-be-named upcoming album.

I had a chance to chat with the fellas real briefly and Oddisee told me to keep a look out for Odd Spring, his fourth and final installment of his seasonal free album series, scheduled to drop sometime this week.   Sure enough, it dropped yesterday.  (On sort of a side note, I gotta say, these Members Only parties are pretty dope.  It’s like something straight out of a high school kid’s underground hip hop fantasy:  rubbing elbows with rappers, hot girls, the homies, bluntsmoke, byob… shit, it’s kinda like my underground hip hop fantasy.)

I’m a big fan of the previous installments of the Odd [insert season here] series, and I would reccommend you check them out if you haven’t already.  They’re free and you can find them at Put Me On It, or you can follow the links on the player below to Oddisee’s Bandcamp page.  Not coincidentally, Oddisee is a blogger for PMOI.  Bet ya didn’t know the rapper/producer was also a blogger!  Ha!  Anyway, peep the Odd Spring below and don’t sleep on Diamond District when they come through your town.  That would be whack.  Trust me, I know.

Seeing as how I just got back from a little travel of my own, I figure why not post a lil something about this bangin new instrumental album from Amir “Oddisee” Mohamed, the producer/brains behind Diamond District, titled Traveling Man.  The album follows a simple concept:  each beat is inspired by a different city that Oddisee has traveled to or lived in.  Since he’s based out of Washington D.C. the album starts with a track called “Goodbye DC,”  is followed by 24 tracks that bear the names of different worldwide cities, and ends with a beat simply labeled “DC.”   As you follow Oddisee on his musical journey around the world, you will not be disappointed.  Every track is dope and has its  own unique flavor, which is spiced by the soul of each city that inspired it.

One of my favorite tracks on the album, “Khartoum,” stands out not just because it’s an ill beat, but because Khartoum is a special place for Oddisee.  His father is Sudanese and he spent many a  summers in Khartoum, where he found musical inspiration in the guitarists, poets and singers in his family.  Nowadays, Oddisee is a renowned musical artist in his own right, and he carries on the legacy of his family and people back in Sudan through his work in the world of hip hop.  That’s pretty cool if you ask me.

Stream five of the tracks below and follow the links in the player to purchase Traveling Man.

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