Omen

As I said yesterday, I had to push back Afraid of Heights to...

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:27:08 -0500

As I said yesterday, I had to push back Afraid of Heights to this friday, November 4th. But, I still wanted to deliver something today. So here’s the cover, tracklist and one of the songs from the tape that features grammy nominated soul singer Eric Roberson. A few weeks ago, you may have seen a video of me playing this song on my fender rhodes piano (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzlmCM_UxM0). Now you can hear the complete production. Hope to see you this Friday for the entire experience. Peace and love. - Omen

Omen - Numb ft. Eric Robserson download

http://hulkshare.com/b93az1qacqlu

First official release from Afraid of Heights. Produced by me,...

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:07:00 -0500

First official release from Afraid of Heights. Produced by me, as is every song on the tape. More details coming soon. Hope y’all enjoy.

- O

Blue Sky Freestyle download link...

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:43:00 -0500

Blue Sky Freestyle

download link - http://hulkshare.com/gnjatk35av17

photo by Jason Dorsey

Fresh off performing at H.O.B. this Sunday in Chicago with Cole, I was excited to finally perform in my city. Decided to record this today, just because I love this beat and song. Single for Afraid of Heights is coming next week as well. Project is coming together, sounding great and I can’t wait for ya’ll to hear it. Until then, hope ya’ll enjoy. Peace and love.

starstruck.

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:42:07 -0500

I don’t say much outside of my songs. Just quiet by nature, I speak when I have something to say. Every once in awhile, even my own family will find out something that I just forgot to tell them or figured I already did. I mention this because I was speaking with my cousin the other day about people I’ve met on the road and he was looking at me crazy like why hadn’t I told him anything, lol. So, I thought I’d share the rare moments when I got starstruck with you all. The first time was in LA. Cole was working with Dre, so I’m in the lounge of his crazy studio facility with the rest of the Dreamville team. There are pictures of all type of great artist and people on the walls wearing Dre headphones. I’m working on a beat on my computer and Dre comes out and says whats up to me and asks me if i’m working on a beat. I just look up in shock, mumbling something like a lame and say “ye…yea…its an honor to meet you man…” He says he appreciates it and looks at my Beats by Dre headphones and says nice headphones.

The second time was also in LA. We were in NO ID’s studio while Cole was working on something for the album. Again I’m busy working on a beat in the lounge and Cole comes out and says to me, Omen I wanna introduce you to somebody. Common walks out and though I’m from Chicago and I’ve seen Common perform dozens of times, and my mother even used to do his mother’s hair, I was starstruck again lol. Outside of Nas, he was easily was my biggest influence. I related more to the things he said because of being from Chicago and the details of what he was saying were true to my surroundings. I tell him its an honor and how much he’s inspired me, but I keep it short so I don’t come off looking crazy. Cole tells him I’m from Chicago and about the song Enchanted. He says he’s gonna check it out and that was that.

Not often, do I get rattled or starstruck but these were some moments for me. I’m sure they won’t be the last.

Change.

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:45:49 -0500

Today last year, was my last day working as a telemarketer. I then went on a college tour and BET Music Matters tour with Cole, then a European tour with Cole/Drake, then another US tour with Cole and Rihanna. A lot can happen in a year. Keep believing in what you want to happen.

shot by Jason Dorsey

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:37:41 -0500

shot by Jason Dorsey

Never been so bad at a sport in my life.

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 03:48:46 -0500

Never been so bad at a sport in my life.

Photo

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:25:25 -0500

Not an expert on Jazz at all, but its probably my favorite genre...

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:40:19 -0500

Not an expert on Jazz at all, but its probably my favorite genre of music outside of Hip-Hop and R&B. For those in the mood.

"A happy life is just a string of happy moments. But most people don’t allow the happy moment,..."

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:25:53 -0500

“A happy life is just a string of happy moments. But most people don’t allow the happy moment, because they’re so busy trying to get a happy life.”

This is a song from Afraid of Heights called Numb that I was...

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:10:07 -0500

This is a song from Afraid of Heights called Numb that I was recorded playing on my Fender Rhodes. Living in Chicago, you always see tons of homeless people everywhere, and one day I just wondered what it would be like to write from their perspective.

Photo

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 10:41:04 -0500

This is inspiring and definitely true. Can’t count how...

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 10:41:00 -0500

This is inspiring and definitely true. Can’t count how many times I’ve forgotten to eat. Success is an obsession.

"Do the hard stuff _________________ Do the hard stuff, because it is the fulfilling stuff. Do the..."

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:15:24 -0500

“

Do the hard stuff
_________________

Do the hard stuff, because it is the fulfilling stuff. Do the hard stuff, because it brings out your best.

Yes, it’s a lot of work and a lot of trouble, frustrating and inconvenient. So spend a few minutes complaining about it if that will make you feel better.

Then, get over your reluctance, get past your resistance, and get to work on getting it done. Ramp up your determination, make the commitment, and dive in.

Soon you’ll be feeling how good it feels when you’re creating value that never existed before. Soon you’ll find yourself being carried along by the momentum of achievement.

Don’t merely embrace the challenges. Go out and look for the most meaningful and valuable ones.

Choose to do the hard stuff, finding delight in the efforts you’re able to make. And you’ll enjoy the richest, longest-lasting, most fulfilling rewards.

— Ralph Marston

”

Voli - Look Up (prod. by Voli & Omen) Incredible song by...

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 09:44:13 -0500

Voli - Look Up (prod. by Voli & Omen)

Incredible song by Voli that I had the pleasure of helping produce. Also, make sure to check out his new mixtape, In The Meanwhile here — http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/voli-in-the-meanwhile/

"Reality is something you rise above. | Liza Minnelli"

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:49:07 -0500

“Reality is something you rise above. | Liza Minnelli”

Voli & Elite interview + concert footage

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:34:57 -0500

BrilliantlyBlunt.com recently caught up with Voli & Elite at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York City. The first clip is an interview with both them discussing music, how they met me, how they met J. Cole, and how all those relationships work. Below is footage from the concert as well. Dope.

Voli & Elite concert footage

I wrote this yesterday over one of my favorite beats ever....

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:56:59 -0500

I wrote this yesterday over one of my favorite beats ever. Decided to release it for the holiday. Hoping it connects with you. Oh, also…don’t forget Afraid of Heights drops 10/31/11 Halloween. Peace and love.

artwork by Impakt Studio

photography by Jason Dorsey

Omen - Labor Day Love

http://hulkshare.com/isopt4db188t Listen/Download

——————————————————————-

lyrics

I wish it was love…again.

She want to apologize

Cause she say I never compromise

I’m telling her to stop the lies

But I know she tell the truth…

And now I’m hearing opera cries

I swear I saw her soul pouring out her eyes

Love ain’t something you itemize

And there I saw the proof…

What type of man am I becoming?

Cold hearted, closed off

Don’t even call unless you planning on taking yo clothes off

A nice guy, a gentleman

yea thats what they used to say

till I finished last too many times and I was too betrayed

thought I wish I was in love

deep in love

like we all do

All I see is negatives

my life is like a dark room but,

who took these images?

All I have is these photographs

of past loves

a pile of feelings next to a matchbook

the one I fired

but still secretly desire

well, maybe not so secretly

but lately I’ve acquired

the realization that she’s been playing me

what a liar

Got damnmit, I been slippin, falling

thought I was flier, see

we were such a good movie

where’s the sequel?

Ya turned into a bird hunter

shooting down my ego

I lay my future plans all in God’s hands

but man this shit hurting God, damn

Wish it was love

I’m looking for love

I wish it was love

Cause I been all around the globe

touring, doing shows

looking for some ladies

but all I find is hoes

Love

Where is the love?

And all this time, I could’ve sworn I was a thug

But you got me all emotional

But its time to move along

Don’t matter if I’m over you

This is the story of a man

turning canine

Single life is everything and nothing

at the same time

Been on the road, doing shows

hitting hoes, in 20º below

outside in the cold

real wild shit

yeah she was still wet

that should let you ladies know

I definitely can drill that

was kinda ill…

A nice little thrill

But that don’t fill the void

when you’re used to something real

I need a lot more

need someone I can feel

mentally, spiritually

playing in the field

that I know I don’t belong in

It’s like having the freshest car

with the wrong rims

A couple nice ingredients

but the wrong blend

Tonight I’ll probably find a groupie in the club

But honestly, I’d really rather find love

I wish it was love, again

They told if you love something let it go

Whoever said that was dumb as hell

They told me if you love something let it go

Whoever said that was dumb as hell

Cause if you love something

Let it show

I wish it was love

I’m looking for love

I wish it was love

Cause I been all around the globe

Touring, doing shows

looking for some ladies

but all I find is hoes

Love

I’m looking for love

Cause I been all around the globe

Touring, doing shows

looking for some ladies

but all I find is hoes

Love

Where is the love?

I wish it was love…again.

I wish it was love

Where is the prototype?

Labor Day Love coming later today.

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:22:49 -0500

Labor Day Love coming later today.

2003 Footage of Kanye in one of his classic rants. But, notice...

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 02:27:00 -0500

2003 Footage of Kanye in one of his classic rants. But, notice how everything he says came true.

“It is done unto you as you believe - Jesus “