BLK ODYSSY (@blkodyssy) is an Austin-based singer-songwriter and producer from Houston, Texas. Wiz Khalifa is a popular rapper from Minot, North Dakota. Not too long ago, they released an alternative pop single, “XXX,” via EARTHCHILD/EMPIRE. The Luis De Péna-directed song is accompanied by a surreal music video that leans into the ‘90s house party aesthetic.
BLK ODYSSY & Wiz Khalifa – “XXX” feat. Wiz Khalifa
Continuing to elude strict categorization, “XXX” is the second offering from the latest incarnation of BLK ODYSSY which sees them leaning into a more uptempo sound, driven by frenetic live drums and dynamic guitars. This new instrumental direction combined with the frontman Juwan Elcock’s heartfelt croon summons all the feelings of yearning and excitement found in a cult Midwest Emo banger. Wiz Khalifa’s appearance on the track not only builds on the song’s narrative of hedonistic romance but is an indication of the heights of stardom that BLK ODYSSY is destined to arrive at.
Speaking on the track BLK ODYSSY had this to say, “‘XXX’ is such an exciting track to me because it’s reminiscent of a really cool time in culture. It reminds me of early 2000s blink 182, but also weirdly early 2000s era OutKast. We love to bridge genre gaps, so having Wiz on the track to bring modern-day hip-hop to this world feels special.”
Refusing to be pigeonholed into the “slept-on” category and with a coordinated effort to explore all corners of Black music’s influence, the release of “XXX” speaks to BLK ODYSSY’s continued desire to push their artistry in new and exciting directions.
BLK ODYSSY
In what feels like a meteoric rise to critical acclaim, BLK ODYSSY first caught the world’s attention with the mystifying “BLK VINTAGE” in 2021. The sprawling LP which fused funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop delved into topics of grief, desire, and a holistic accounting of what it means to be Black in America. “BLK VINTAGE: THE REPRISE” was released the following year, with added songs featuring the likes of George Clinton, Mereba, Benny The Butcher, and Baby Rose.
Sophomore release “DIAMONDS & FREAKS” saw BLK’s storytelling taken to the next level, with the concept album being presented as an erotic novel split into four chapters. Again, the project featured a cast of stellar collaborators including Bootsy Collins, Keisha Plum, Rapsody, Kirby, and The Alchemist.
The subsequent DIAMONDS & FREAKS tour was an extensive run of dates that saw the whole band play across North America and Europe and included a sold-out debut show in London at Hoxton Hall. The live show brought to life the concepts explored across their two albums, inviting fans along on a dizzying, psychedelic journey. Buy tickets from Ticketmaster.com to see BLK ODYSSY perform LIVE.
We recommend adding BLK ODYSSY & Wiz Khalifa’s “XXX” single to your favorite alternative pop playlist. Let us know how you feel in the comment section below. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment – the hot spot for new music and positive entertainment news. Always remember that (P) Positive, (E) Energy, (A) Always, (C) Creates, (E) Elevation (P.E.A.C.E). Contact us on social media via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, and let us know what’s going on. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, support our merchandise, and become a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment. Disclaimer: This post contains Apple Music affiliate links. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. That little compensation will be used towards keeping this website up and running.