— BLK ODYSSY drops his latest project, BLK VINTAGE: THE REPRISE, equipped with features from George Clinton, Benny The Butcher, and more.
Just last week, Austin-based artist BLK ODYSSY released a compelling new visual for his album track, “SUICIDE DOORS,” receiving high praise. Now, the multi-talented act is back with the definitive expanded version of his 2021 debut album in BLK VINTAGE: THE REPRISE.
The new project includes “SUICIDE DOORS,” in addition to the previously released Baby Rose-assisted single “COMPLEX OF KILLING A MAN,“ and the project’s second offering “BENNY’S GOT A GUN,” featuring Benny The Butcher and one of BLK ODYSSY’s personal heroes, George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic.
BLK VINTAGE: THE REPRISE is a 6-song expansion of his debut album BLK VINTAGE released last year, and follows him being named one of NPR Slingshot’s 2022 Artists To Watch. The reprise edition of the project allows the artist formerly known as ‘Juwan Elcock’ to open up even further as a songwriter, coloring in the broad perspectives he touched on in his debut with intimate stories of Black experiences. The new songs also feature guest appearances from songstresses Mereba and Baby Rose.
On his first album under this new moniker, titled BLK VINTAGE, BLK ODYSSY dives into his personal history as a Black musician and the world he’s grown up around. It’s an album deeply informed by individual experiences but applied to the plight of Black Americans everywhere. Even when the album chooses smooth vibes and laid back lyrics in favor of overt activism, there’s a philosophical approach that inspires his work.
The original BLK VINTAGE project as well as the expanded version is inspired by a few key moments and artists including the death of BLK ODYSSY’s brother — killed at the hands of police officers while BLK ODYSSY was living in his home state of New Jersey. It’s the seminal moment of his life — the moment he was forced to become an adult and reckon with the harsh reality of being Black in America. It fuels everything he does, especially his activism.
Listen to BLK VINTAGE: THE REPRISE and watch the “SUICIDE DOORS” music video right here. Also, be sure to stay tuned for more from BLK ODYSSY soon.