Odeal on How Common Shaped the Way He Writes His Songs

Emerging artist Odeal has carved out a distinctive space in contemporary music by fusing elements from across the Black musical diaspora, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop into a sound that mirrors his multicultural upbringing. Born in Germany and raised between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Odeal's global perspective informs both his production style and songwriting.

In a recent feature with xxlmag.com, Odeal reflected on the pivotal hip-hop influences that have guided his artistic development. His early musical tastes were shaped by iconic figures such as 50 Cent, Ja Rule, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. These artists resonated with him not only for their lyrical content but for their authentic expression and innovative blending of rap and melody.

Odeal highlighted the narrative depth and wordplay of The Notorious B.I.G. as a major source of inspiration. He admires Biggie's ability to deliver stories that felt both genuine and rich in emotional texture. Similarly, Tupac’s raw honesty and impactful themes left a lasting impression on Odeal’s own lyricism. The integration of R&B with rap, as exemplified by Ja Rule, also influenced Odeal’s approach to blending genres fluidly.

On the production front, Odeal expressed a deep admiration for the late J Dilla, whose mastery of sampling and soulful beats remains unparalleled. This reverence motivated Odeal to explore music production tools, eventually opting for the Maschine over the MPC to emulate Dilla’s intricate sampling techniques in his own work.

When it comes to lyrical inspiration, Odeal points to Common as a defining influence. He values Common’s commitment to authenticity and his ability to articulate everyday truths that resonate broadly. This ethos of thought-provoking and relatable lyricism is mirrored in Odeal’s songwriting, which aims to connect with listeners through meaningful, memorable lines.

Despite his primary focus on singing and producing, Odeal approaches songwriting with the mindset of a rapper. This approach underscores his respect for hip-hop’s storytelling tradition and informs his method of crafting songs that blend vocal melody with lyrical precision.

Collaboration has played a significant role in Odeal’s career trajectory. Among the artists he has worked with, Odeal singles out 6lack as a favorite collaborator due to his versatile ability to seamlessly switch between rap and singing, along with his meticulous artistic vision.

Looking back at hip-hop legends who have passed, Odeal expressed a desire to collaborate with either The Notorious B.I.G. or MF DOOM. He praised DOOM’s unique synergy of complex lyricism and carefully curated beats, highlighting the immersive worlds DOOM created through his music.

Odeal’s growing discography, including projects like OVMBR: Maybe I’m Best Alone, Sunday At Zuri’s, and For A Good Time…, reflects his evolving sound and commitment to authenticity. His journey from uploading covers on YouTube to working alongside established artists such as Wale, Latto, and 6lack underscores his rising influence in the music industry.

While details about upcoming projects remain limited, Odeal’s reflections in the 2026 XXL Freshman issue provide valuable insight into the foundational artists and producers that continue to shape his creative direction. His story exemplifies how the legacy of hip-hop pioneers endures through a new generation of multifaceted musicians who honor tradition while pushing boundaries.