Oddisee

Born in Washington, D.C., Amir Mohamed, known professionally as Oddisee, is a producer and emcee whose music reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Raised in the U.S. capital, he spent summers in Khartoum, Sudan, immersing himself in Arabic language and culture. His upbringing was a vibrant mix of sounds, from the hip-hop of New York and the Go-Go rhythms of D.C. to his father's oud melodies and gospel music. Oddisee's early musical journey began in the basement studio of his neighbor, Garry Shider of Parliament-Funkadelic, where he first explored production and emceeing.

Oddisee's career gained significant momentum after producing and performing on the track "Musik Lounge" for DJ Jazzy Jeff's "Magnificent" LP. Working at A Touch of Jazz studios, he incorporated the neo-soul sound of Philadelphia into his diverse musical output. His dual heritage—half Sudanese, half African American—profoundly shaped his artistry. He drew inspiration from accomplished singers, guitarists, and poets on his Sudanese side, and from gospel singers, bluegrass guitarists, and older cousins who introduced him to hip-hop on his American side. Ironically, it was his father who provided the vinyl records that ignited his passion for hip-hop production.