osoic.
all photos via the artist.
The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.
osoic has so much swag he wants to share it with the world. The Dallas rapper first popped up on The FADER’s feeds last winter with his perfectly coiffed singles “demure” and “Giuseppe Martine Rose,” showing off his breezily melodic cadences and sartorial excesses with a wide grin.
The Naija artist’s auteurist videos certainly helped get his style across, but even with both eyes closed, osoic is eager to describe the heavyweight fabrics in his closet. As you might expect, the peacocking is mostly in service of the rapper’s sex appeal, though his relationship raps are pretty mindful, avoiding baseline misogyny in favor of uplifting his other half.
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All these endearing strengths are on full display with osoic’s fall mixtape SWAGSCHOOL, which blends plugg, alté, and trap to woozier ends. A song like “GYM CLASS!” could fit neatly on a Cruel Santino record, and “A+” sounds primed for an untiljapan verse; meanwhile “SHARE SOME SWAG?” is like a super-energized counterpart to Lisha G’s silliest mantras, spreading the wealth one eagle-eyed tip at a time (dieworkwear can retire whenever). And though their music feels quite distinct, I’d be remiss not to bring up fellow Tumblr aficionado Thirteendegrees, whose music is equally poised and well-dressed.
Still, even if style remains the biggest draw, SWAGSCHOOL is more than empty calories. osoic might be focused on enjoying himself, but having fun is pretty serious business, and his songs remain personal and specific. Take album intro “HYOMA JEANS,” where he rocks Dries Van Noten and brags that his Vietnamese girlfriend “came from overseas,” or the ASMR-esque rustle of “POP MY SHIT,” where his lyrics linger on Van Cleef bracelets and the mundanity of his morning routine. And if you need a soundtrack for a fit check with your partner, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better song than “Chemistry:” “She say I’m special, special / So, so, so special.”
The FADER caught up with osoic on email to chat about seeing a “lowkey” influential concert at SXSW last year, how he’d exercise on his “perfect afternoon,” and a footwear recommendation he says will leave you “amazed.”
What’s the coolest thing to do in your hometown?
The coolest thing to do in my hometown is definitely throwing your own shows and selling merch all independently. It feels so satisfying to be your own boss and genuinely make people joyful doing the things that you love.
Tell us about the first album you bought.
The first album i’ve bought was TLC’s Crazy Sexy Cool when i was in elementary. It was installed on my old Xbox (the first one lol) and it played nonstop in the background when i was playing games like NBA Ballers and Fable haha.
What was the last movie you watched?
The last movie that i’ve watched was Lost In Translation on the airplane on my way back from Japan. The message of the movie was dope bc it taught me that if you don’t have everything figured out it’s okay.
What’s the ideal level of fame and why?
My ideal of fame is to step outside to the city and get bombarded by my supporters, taking pics, and having real conversations. I say that because i know my supporters won’t go too crazy or act weird towards me. They be cool like that!
What’s a song you want to remix and why?
I’d really want a remix on my song “Blue Diamond Jewels,” someone who can match my groove and energy. I’ve gotten comments before that me and Len from the UK would sound nice together.
Tell us about your favorite accessory.
Favorite accessory has to be my swagbands i literally wear that daily! My Jesus piece and my Burberry butterfly glasses been my essentials too.
When you’re not making music, how do you spend your free time?
When i’m not making music, i hop online and curate my closet haha. I’m a family man so I hang with my OG back in the city and hang with my other half when i have the time. We usually splurge on boba drinks and test out hella restaurants on our Keith Lee shit lol.
What’s a motto you think everyone should live by?
Biggest motto i live by is “Be The Change You Want To See in the World,” by Gandhi. It speaks to me because the world is so fucked, & we know a lot of things have to change, and my mission is to be the one that starts the movement.
Explain a lyric of yours that people misunderstand.
“Stain a N**** for the (sup)Preme then i dry cleaned it,” off of “2013 MARY J ZANOTTI.” I swear people don’t get that line lol. Basically stain means to steal (i was grimey back in the day lol) , so when i said that it’s really an underrated double entendre.
Show us the last meme you saved to your phone.
The last meme i have saved is this Young Thug meme that’s hilarious to me. it’s so stupid but funny as hell.
Describe the best concert you’ve attended.
Best concert has to be Rema during SXSW last year. The live theatrics, no backtrack performance, and steez was top ten. It was the first concert where i saw the majority of the crowd were women. It lowkey influenced me about how much swag is important in our day to day life.
What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
The last thing i wrote in my notes is some music i been writing and this script that me and my boy Syrus been cooking up. He helps me organize my skits i post from time to time for my supporters.
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
The best thing i bought that was $100 or less has to be my Z-Coils. They’re literally my favorite shoes to wear and probably my most unique shoe, if you don’t know what they are please search them up you’ll be amazed [Editor’s note: I was.].
Describe your perfect afternoon.
Waking up (early lol) , getting some sunlight, going for a 10k run, make money everyday, talk to my ol lady, and finish a short visual for the project.
Worst advice you’ve gotten.
Be humble.
Best advice you’ve gotten?
Talk my shit!
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
I look forward to just waking up healthy, having supporters that anticipate my next move, and keeping real swag alive.
