BIO
The shackles that were once there for millions of people to reach your music are so far gone in today’s society, we don’t even think about it anymore. We are able to freely listen to music from arists all over the world with ease and no complications. Instead of who’s hot in your city, the conversation has shifted to, “Oh you don’t know (insert name here) from (insert country here)? You’re missing out. This phenomenon has been so instrumental in being able to let artist reach people from anywhere in the world. Add this to the ability to record anywhere, with the advancement of technology, along with audio equipment, and we have a recipe for unlimited access. I said that to say that I learned about Ojikae online as most people do now, but it was through an important medium in the R&B space right now called Escapetracks. So by way of EscapeTracks a company based in Canada, created by Kyle Sassi, who recently celebrated the company’s 7th anniversary, I learned about Ojikae. This young and talented artist is based all the way on the other side of the world in Australia. To me, the ability to have everything at my fingertips does not and will never go unnoticed, that feat alone is incredible. Almost as incredible as the music that comes from this very talented artist. I’ve long been anticipating more music from him and awaited this release. Although COVID slowed down how much I have written, it will not be able to do so this time around. Here is everything you need to know about Ojikae and his amazing singing ability!
With a father who is also a musician, it makes sense that Ojikae is cut from the same cloth. He is creating his own path in the music world and is able to stand out as soon as you press play. The name alone stands out so much and of course raises the question, What does “Ojikae” stand for? In an interview with “Acclaim Magazine”, Ojikae states, “Well, Oji in Japanese means Prince, and my favourite show of all time is the The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. When I was 16 my name was just Kae so I put Oji and Kae together. Coincidentally one of my favourite artists of all time is Prince, so it fits nicely”. This explains his originality and his uniqueness from other artists because his music shares that same allure. The 90’s influences don’t stop there as his whole aesthetic in his photos and visuals scream 90’s. Ojikae’s whole look is tied together so strongly and presents a valid argument that he is more advanced than many other artists his age. Ojikae is an anomaly, with only one EP and a recent single in 2019, he has garnered so much attention with his work. His music is being celebrated not just nationally but globally as well with huge talents, corporations, producers and more working with and talking about him.
PREVIOUS WORKS
Before releasing the “3033 -EP” Ojikae released two singles for us to consume. “EX” is the major single that got him noticed by everyone and was the first song I heard. It was released in 2019 and has been in my rotation consistently. I have used it in my mixes when I DJ because it’s just that damn good. “Overdue”, is another solid single that just puts you in a good mood and has been played many times as well. Both songs are super smooth and bring out the amazing vocals we all love to hear from Ojikae. For those who truly follow Ojikae, you know there is another song called “Padme” that he released in 2020 however, it is not on the album. It is different sonically from “EX” and “Overdue”, but not from the rest of the album. It has a futuristic sound which makes for a surprise as it strays away from the popular bass heavy sound that has captivated R&B currently. One good sign is that it is still a demo on his SoundCloud. “EX” was placed on SoundCloud as a demo as well before being released, which could signify that Ojikae is simply working on it and will be released as well. Either way, it is safe to say that even with a catalog that is growing, and a brand that is on the rise, what this young man has been able to do, and the attention he has garnered is astounding.
ALBUM REVIEW
TRACK 1 “BYO” Writer(s): Jordan Panasewych, Matthew Cicero, Nic Martin
Ojikae wastes no time on this track and plunges in with a light yet powerful acoustic guitar for about 4 bars. After that, it’s taken over by soft sounding vocals, which are then almost immediately followed by drums that lead into the chorus. When we listen to the lines of the chorus we understand the meaning he is trying to convey. “BYO” stands for “Be Your Own” . Ojikae is is speaking to a girl who is not being up front and honest about their feelings with him. It’s a strenuous relationship that many people can relate to, and have been in similar situations. It is clear that Ojikae wants more than this woman does, and he is taking a stand against her actions. This leads into a dope mini guitar solo that I wish went on forever cause it was just that good. It’s not often we get a beautiful guitar solo nowadays, so whenever I hear one I can listen to it for eternity. We then bounce back to Ojikae attempting to profess his love to this girl and all he’ll do for her. This song is giving her an ultimatum that she must acknowledge and truly value him. They can no longer continue the path they are headed towards, because it leads to destruction. All the while Ojikae is straining his voice for her, she is putting a strain on their relationship, or lack there of. This song is amazing, and a great way to start the project and paints a picture to the listeners.
TRACK 2 “DIFFERENT PLACES” Writer(s): Matthew Cicero
This track from the start has a completely different feel. I instantly fell in love with the dark tone that it brought to the project. It reflects the emotions that Ojikae has been singing about this whole time. *This is a sidetone. No shade to The Weeknd, but this song is exactly what I wanted from him last project. It’s a gloomy beat for a gloomy occasion and fits the narrative very well. The drums hit first, this time followed by an intimidating synth bass that keeps the tempo for the track. We are immediately thrust into a conflict within the first verse, a kin to the previous song. The woman Ojikae is with, whether the same as track 1 or not is not on the same accord with him. Ojikae is mesmerized by everything she is and embodies by saying, “You control the things I do”. This is a powerful line for someone so enchanted by beauty and the aura of a person. Ojikae the entire time is trying to get to know the girl and express his euphoric feelings towards her. It seems as though the girl may be flattered by his words of affirmation. However, she bypasses all of his advances towards her and is strictly keen on having sex with Ojikae in the car. The best way to sum up the situation is to say. Just because they’re not on one accord does not mean that they’re not in an accord. Similarly to “BYO” there’s a break/solo piece to the song. The synth solo is very light but gives a different atmosphere to the song. During this segment we can come up with our own conclusions as to what is going on between the two. Maybe it’s not what we believe at all but it leaves the mind racing and wondering what is happening. At the end of the song we have another breakdown after the chorus. The beat switches and sounds like nothing else on the song. This could signify that just as the music has changed so has Ojikae’s mind. He could have fallen prey and given in to her seductive nature and given her exactly what she wants. The title of the track is perfect has the pairing are at odds and are in “Different Places”. Although not physically, they are in alternate places in their minds and how they percieve each other.
TRACK 3“EX” Writer(s): Matt cicero, Nic martin
We then get into “EX”. I don’t even know what to say about this record, it is simply incredible. The whole production is flawless, and one of the best things sonically that I’ve heard not only in the past decade but my whole life to be honest. This may sound like I’m exaggerating but this song blows me away every single time I listen to it. It’s so subtle the way Ojikae releases his words, but it hits you in the face when you add all the instruments along with his voice to reach that crescendo. I could listen to 30 more verses to the song and never get tired of it. This record and records like this are the reason why I love music so much and why I want to produce music and become an A&R. Music, entertainment, and art in general but so underrated and under appreciated and that to me is crazy.
The song in its essence is so simple but it’s sung so beautifully and it charms anyone who comes across it. I’ve asked multiple people what they thought of this song and they all love it. Once again Ojikae is with a woman and this whole EP is beginning to sound like a story. Each songs picks up after the last one, and by the end it creates a chapter in Ojikae’s life. This story of this record sounds like Ojikae gave in to her demands and temptation. He and the girl proceeded to go in the house after they left the car. Her “Inclination” to go inside the house both excites and infuriates him. Ojikae is struggling as he can’t escape the pleasure he receives from being with her. He wants pure love and romance yet she is just there for the physical and nothing more. This mystery girl is causing our protagonist immense bliss and anger at the same time. The song is cleverly titled “EX” because there is no longer a relationship past her hips. She has become nothing more to him than a just a body in this instance. He is being so descriptive this time about what is occurring and leaves nothing to the imagination to he audience. This situation is a lose lose because she is getting what she desires from Ojikae but it won’t last. As for Ojikae, he is going along with it to make her happy while hiding is true emotions as often men do.
Shout-out to the producer who helped with this amazing track, there are a couple of tracks that are sleepers to me in the fact that not many people may know about them but they are amazing!!!!!
TRACK 4“GO 2” Writer(s): Matthew Cicero
Already the problem persists at the start of the track which seems to be a trend on this EP. It is a story and there is repetition in it as well, which can be used to describe the montonous relationship that occurs ona dail basis. “Go 2” begins with “You don’t act like you’re seeing someone”. Those lines immediately hurt if you’ve ever been in a situation like that and can relate to it. It seems as if Ojikae has taken matters into his own hands. He sees the manipulation that his ex has put on him and that she has no regard for him or his well being. She continues to use him for her own selfish reasons and her own benefit as she loves the attention and what he is able to give to her. She lies to Ojikae and others that she says she loves as well. All of this is overwhelming Ojikae to the point where he says enough is enough. He is at a crossroads with her, and it’s tearing him apart. On one side he wants to show is passion and on the other he knows how detrimental that is not only to him but his mental. Realizing that the person you desire no longer wants you, wants you in only a physical manner, or treats you like crap is a hard pill to swallow. Ojikae even has a poem for her that he recites near the end of the song which actively goes against the chorus and the beginning song. The old age battle between the what the heart wants vs what the brain tells you to do persists. My interpretation of the situation is that he continues to fight internally as he knows that she is no good and this relationship is hurting him. However, he is simply to infatuated with her presence to let her go.
TRACK 5“OVERDUE” Matt Cicero, Nic Martin, Rudy Sandapa
This song represents the stages of the relationship where there is this false sense of everything being alright and you made the right decision. That is until, you start to look back and think about all the memories you have made with the person you were dealing with. People love avoiding processing their emotions, or they attempt to make someone jealous while they’re fighting with themselves on the inside. After Ojikae contemplated leaving the girl in the last song it seems as if he did just that. He left the toxic situation, but the situation has not left him yet. He has not gone through the necessary process that one needs to fully go through to fully get rid of the person they love out of their mind. Just in the next few lines located in the chorus he states that he is clearly not over and cannot stop thinking of her. This leaves Ojikae even more confused now than he was at the beginning of the relationship, and for us at the start of the EP. He is constantly comparing this new person he is using to replace the old girl and hide his feelings into his previous relationship. Those lingering feelings that he didn’t process properly and take his time with are still there. Ojikae doesn’t want his ex with anyone else either and home saying that them getting back together is “Overdue” is enough to let us know how he truly feels. That’s where we leave off with this project, a story of life that is all too real for many. This is an unfinished story, that has many layers to it and can go many ways in the future. He leaves us with a dope cliffhanger.
ALBUM SCORE & RATING
OFFICIAL RATING: 9/10
STANDOUT TRACKS
- ★“EX”
- “‘DIFFERENT PLACES”
- “OVERDUE”
This whole album is an amazing experience to listen to from start to finish. This is the sign of a true musician and artistry that so many people miss. A sound like this is one that can attract so many who love R&B and want a sound that is raw and undefined in this era. Congratulations to Ojikae and his team on creating a great body of work, I am looking to more for sure!!!!!
