“Okporoko” the self-defined genre by ODUMODUBLVCK, which he describes as a form of Hip-Hop influenced by Grime, Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat and Progressive R&B takes another form as the rapper drops his latest single, “Isálẹ́ Èkó,” a title that references a district in Lagos.
Before the release of “Isálẹ́ Èkó,” Odumodu took to X to clarify some of the lyrics in the song. He explained that he was referring to a period in his childhood when, based on his own understanding and stubbornness, he did not believe in Jesus. He stressed that the lyrics were not meant to be blasphemous and asked listeners to approach the song with a good mind.
The song carries the usual bold and forceful elements of an Odumodu track. His low-pitched delivery sits against background choral-like chants, giving the song a sound that feels familiar and distinct.
The cover of the song is a picture of Odumodu as a child, alongside what appears to be a sibling. He keeps mentioning “Na for Isale them born them,” bringing the song back to his roots and his connection to Lagos.
“Isálẹ́ Èkó” feels like another look into Odumodu’s world, where his upbringing, identity and the city that shaped him all come together through his music.
