Olami Still is an exciting rising Rap artist whose latest single ‘Flex Like Dat’ was premiered on GRM Daily & Capital Xtra with DJ Tiny, and has gone on to the Spotify Rap UK playlist and received support on the radio by Shortee Blitz & MK at Kiss, Radar, Westside and more.
Here we speak exclusively to Olami Still to discuss his new music, touring plans, musical inspirations and much, much more;
Growing up who inspired your love of Grime and Rap?
I was inspired by many rappers growing up rappers such as 2pac, Biggie, Jay Z, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Drake, Kendrick, T.I, Nines. With grime my personal favourites are Skepta, JME, Dizzee Rascal, Ghetts, Kano, Chip & Stormzy
Did you always know you would pursue music as a career?
Funny enough, I wanted to play in the NBA when I was younger but there isn’t a lane for that growing up in England. I liked football too but I knew I wasn’t going pro but with music I just feel like it’s in me naturally I don’t know what it is. So I guess I kind of knew but it wasn’t always the plan from day one.
2017 Was a big year for you, what would you say was your biggest highlight?
Crazy year most definitely. Erm, I would say getting to meet people I look up to. I met Tinie Tempah at his album launch party last April. That was kinda cool because I grew up seeing him on my TV and listening to his music. It gave me inspiration and made me feel like I’m going in the right direction.
Your new single ‘Flex Like Dat’ is out now, what was the inspiration behind the song?
Flexing is a term for like showboating or showing off. So it’s me asking myself questions in second person. How you flex like that? How you popping on the net like that? It looks like I’m asking the audience a question when really I’m asking myself what I hear people ask me. Ludacris has a similar track like this called “Roll Out”.
What do you hope the fans take from the track?
When Flex Like Dat comes on, I just hope the people can forget about whatever stress they’re dealing with, whatever exam they gotta revise for. It’s the type of song that makes you wanna bop your head and groove! The overall tone of the record is about having fun and letting loose. So if I can help make someone’s day with those 3 minutes then it’s fine by me.
How would you describe your sound to new listeners?
It’s infectious. You hear it and you’re like what’s this? I make rap music that you may be familiar with but I bring a style you’ve never heard before. Sometimes the beats include choppy piano keys like my tracks “Hater” or “Flex Like Dat” this makes people reminisce the 90s Hip Hop & R&B era. I like to flow and spit so sometimes I’m going crazy on the verses, other times I like to perform melodies in my songs. I’m 19 so I’ve lived through almost 2 decades of music and you can hear that in my sound; all the way from 98’ to 2018.
Can we expect an album from you soon?
Maybe not an album this year but I’m most definitely looking to drop a project in 2018. It’s almost been a year since my first EP so new music is due.
Do you have any touring plans lined up?
I’m not on tour at the moment but I wanna do a crazy headline show in London. I think the city’s ready for that.
What do you hope to achieve over the course of your career?
I mean we all want the good things, who doesn’t? The hits, the plaques, the shows. I want my music to travel the globe without a doubt and I’m ready to work for that. Other than that though, I want to be someone that young black boys and girls can look up to. I ain’t perfect but I get messages on Instagram and Snapchat from younger kids showing me love. They are watching me so I want to show them that they are valued no matter what they feel like and they can grow up to achieve all their dreams. I want to make progressive changes for my people as well as everyone in my community.
Make sure you follow Olami on Twitter @OlamiStill to keep up to date with all his latest music and tour news!
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