omari shakir Archives - RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture

According to Omari Shakir, This Is ‘The Darkest Summer’

Haleema Khan — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 04:31:06 +0000

Toronto’s Omari Shakir releases his second full length body of work this year titled The Darkest Summer, his most personal yet. With no features and production from FKI 1st Down, BareEBandz, Batmanonthebeatz, Mmac Beats, Ashley Scott, Hurricane Jamal, Dub tha Prodigy, Cookz Tha God, and Kwace God, this tape is a perfect blend of Atlanta and Toronto as we embark on The Darkest Summer.

Omari Shakir is not new to this. The OPB (Outta Pocket Boyz) crew member and years ahead of their time Black Boot Gang representer was one of the original members of the XO crew. Omari remains one of the most consistent artists in Hip-Hop releasing music at a steady pace, keeping his fans very much locked into his one of a kind aesthetic that includes a unique flow and singing style. At the heart of his message is a brutal honesty and a capable verbiage to express it: a potent mix. His “I Can’t Make My Mind Up” record featuring crew mate and Atlanta mainstay, Key! is nearing half a million plays on Soundcloud and is still in steady rotation.

We got to ask him a few questions about his latest offering.

RESPECT.: What was the process that went behind this project?
The process behind this project was to contrast ‘The Necessary Evil’….. Delivering bars that incite the new-found resurgence of lyricism while still current and exciting. 80% freestyle. The real freestyles not the phone freestyles.

RESPECT.: How would you compare Toronto to Atlanta’s hip hop scene?
The two scenes are incomparable and similar all in one sentence. Both scenes are overwhelmed with unforeseen politics. However, the support system in Atlanta is extremely stronger than the one in Toronto. Many tastemakers in this city get overlooked, and stealers of their styles get chosen because of their complacency. However, Toronto has the chance to shatter the glass ceiling that has been placed over the city’s talent.

RESPECT.: What advantages you feel you have because of being from Atlanta and Toronto?
I understand and showcase the emotions and darkness of Torontonians, while embodying the southern swagger that the world seeks to emulate so badly.

RESPECT.: What influences your music? What influenced this project in particular?
My musical influences from humans are David Ruffin, Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, Larry Levan. Real Time events is what affects and influences my music. This project was specifically influenced by showing Toronto and the world that my talent is a service, and i’m not going anywhere.

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OPB Presents “????” Feat. Omari Shakir & JAM

Haleema Khan — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 20:25:14 +0000

Outta Pocket Boyz are back. Shortly after dropping OPB Vol. 1, Omari Shakir headlines ???? along with JAM (Junkies and Money) to lay down a gritty 4 track EP that showcases Toronto’s influence on the group that contains Key!, ManManSavage and TrapMoneyBenny. Production by JuJu Jabari, Kwace God and Ashley Scott keep the vibe dark and brooding with Shakir moving effortlessly through the tracks highlighting extraordinary wit, clever wordplay and a signature flow that leaves room for JAM to slide in and provide a raw, youthful trap vibe that works well on all the tracks. Listen below:

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Stream Omari Shakir’s “Ode To Thy Boots” EP

Haleema Khan — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 23:34:34 +0000

Hear all about Omari Shakir‘s boots on his latest EP titled “Ode To Thy Boots”. The project consists of 4 tracks and features production from Myles Guenin and ChanksDaddy. Omari’s clothing is by Outclass and he is styled by Ninah El-Kogali. Expect more music from Omari in April. The Toronto/Atlanta native is getting ready to drop his highly anticipated project The Necessary Evil but for now, learn all about his black boots below.

Catch Omari in Toronto on Thursday at Sneaky Dees alongside Key!, TRIPSIXX , Dillan Ponders, Fki (Post Malone’s producer for “White Iverson”) and Sonny Digital. Check out the poster below for more details.

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New Music: XO’s Omari Shakir – “Different”

RESPECT. Staff — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:18:10 +0000

Before embarking on a late-fall vacation to Costa Rica, Omari Shakir of XO drops “Different”, tinged with Asian strings, African percussion, and metropolitan-esque lyrics – a testament to the extreme multiculturalism of Toronto. That ‘north, north’, as Drake refers to it, is gradually becoming a melting pot for infectious late-night jams.

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