Today we’d like to introduce you to OK88.
OK88, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Originally from Queens, NY, I moved to Atlanta as a boy. In the 8th grade my best friend and /current producer “@beatsbynatural1” began experimenting with music by way of beatbox, lunchroom table beats, and freestyle ciphers. Before rap, I wanted to be a manga/comic book artist, but as a huge hip-hop fan already, I couldn’t help but make the transition. Natural and I had dreams of taking over an era of sound the way artist we grew up on did. Ushering in a new golden era for a new Generation. After high school, I began the journey of a hip hop artist, things were super rough, so I sacrificed college to work full time and devote myself to the craft. I wasn’t very good at first, freestyling all day didn’t mean good songs or music. I had a weird style, so it was suggested that I use a live band when creating music, and boom! The Emcee I’ve always wanted to be was born. Live music with Natural’s help composing brought the sound and flow i needed, giving birth to “Okinawa Eighty Eight” (OK88) 3 musicians plus an emcee. In addition to Natural also as our executive producer, they are also some of my best friends and creative advisors. Our first demo “Flame ep” and second studio project “SADE” helped us get booked locally with @Speakeasypromo and most recently a deal with @varamusicgroup (a subsidiary of Universal).
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a hip-hop/funk artist. I serve both genres equally. I also rely on heavy influence from Afrobeat and synthwave styles. The goal is simple. “Make music that moves people, and makes them move” . . . My genre can be a bit repetitive with content so instead of rapping about the same diamond chains, cars, money and hoes, I choose to make it about you the listener rather than me. I choose to empower and uplift people, your boss being disrespectful? Play OK88 to get yourself in the zone to check him/her Monday morning. Or for that ride to the house of that girl you’ve been daydreaming about at work. I make music for people who need it. All of the Artwork for the music has many meanings and symbols personal to myself and the creatives I work with, from the colors to the shapes and images. This too, will evolve with our success.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
An industry that doesn’t want real talent, passion or creativity. Unfortunately. In my opinion, I think there is a lot of room for artists who don’t have to be good at all or even have a passion for it. Yet not enough space for those who are extremely passionate unique and non conforming. Talent inspires talent. Not dumbing ourselves down.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Find me at @longlivethe88 on IG
There will be a YouTube Vevo channel coming very soon. For now follow me on soundcloud.com/theok88
And for Booking email:
Okinawaeightyeight@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: Soundcloud.com/theok88
- Email: okinawaeightyeight@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photos:
Cody Alexander/ IG: @codyatlexander
Graphics: OK88
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