I was first drawn to the music of Oddisee through his uniquely focused album, Traveling Man.

This D.C. artist hopes to explain the world through his music, labeling the tracks in this album after different cites he visited while on the road. Oddisee describes his album: “Each track was produced while Oddisee stayed in the city it was titled after. The result is a 24-city sonic tour of the world. Oddisee sees the world, so that you can hear it.‰Û

This album is literally a trip around the world.

Oddisee, whose real name is Amir Mohamed el Khalifa, grew up in Prince George‰’s County in Maryland and moved to D.C. just after graduating from high school. He planned to attend the Art Institute of Philadelphia but his music career jumped off in 2002 when he produced “Musik Lounge.” His fame and popularity grew from there and he is now considered a leader in the DMV (D.C., Maryland and Virginia) hip hop scene.

Oddisee‰’s location based music continues in Rock Creek Park, his 2011 album, which seeks to provide a soundtrack to the city. This is evident from the start as Oddisee talks about how on “Pennsylvania Avenue, we rollin‰’ around.” He then goes on to describe the feeling of skipping rocks, walking around the park and being at the park after dark. This relaxed album brings back much of the same types of sounds as Traveling Man.

His latest release is probably my favorite, but it is the only one in which he did not produce the beats. In Odd Renditions, Oddisee borrows music from Bon Iver, Metronomy, Marvin Gaye and K-Os. However, he doesn‰’t merely cover these songs. He leaves most of the original vocals and music intact but adds some verses and musical elements to make these tracks his own.

Oddisee is a product of the DMV and a good one at that. However for me, there is not much that sets him apart from other rappers, which is probably why he has yet to really hit big.

By Nick Looney

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