What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My name is Mike Osei, and I’m from Bronx, NY.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
Haha, there is none. That’s my real name. I use it because my music represents my authentic self and nothing else.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
My pops was a pastor, and my mom was a singer, so music was always around me through church. At some point when I started school at Harvard University, I started freestyling for fun, and that turned into making real songs. A few years later, here I am, committed to the music instead of trying to take a straightforward path, building a buzz in New York, and trying to make a career out of it.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
When I was making Ryer Ave, I was trying to put out a sound that captured where I grew up. Ryer Ave is literally the avenue I was raised on. So when I went out there to shoot the music video with some homies, it was crazy to see that so many people from my hood that knew me when I was just a jit decided to pop out and show love. It really felt like a moment, and it happened on Ryer Ave.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I want to represent the story and emotions of people like me and people who relate to the things I’ve been through: struggle, overcoming, dreaming big, complicated relationships, and working hard as possible to make things happen. And I want to be an inspiration to people who might be afraid to take that leap and commit to something that can be as daunting as music.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
When I wrote Ryer Ave, I was cycling through a lotta different beats and trying to figure out what sound I could touch on that would feel like the east coast hip hop shit I grew up on, but could have a little bit of a modern touch. We chopped up a sample, threw some clean drums on it, but with just that, it sounded like a song that was just nostalgic, straight old hip hop. To make it something new, I decided to add an extra section with some fresh sounding synths, and a breakdown to the drums–the “no music” section. Making that section, using the “no music” part which literally everybody that’s really from New York has heard before, made it do exactly what I wanted it to do.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
2010 Kanye, or 2011 Drake. Haha. Nah, but for real, if I had to pick, I’d probably say Sheff G & Sleepy Hallow. Hitmakers, lyricists, New York ni**as, all rolled in one. Got a lotta respect for those guys.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
I feel like things are looking amazing. I’m refining the craft, building my body of work, getting the marketing right–I see myself in a totally position a year from now. I just gotta put the work in.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
I want to put out an EP or two. It would be fire to have a new project representing where I’m at musically.
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
Any and all opportunities, I’m open to. Features, playlists, shows, network connections, anything.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
My recent stuff is out on all platforms. I’d recommend Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube mostly.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Hit me on the gram – @mikeosei_. Peace.
