GRAMMY Nominated Rapper OMNISCIENT Talks Album “Grown Music,” Wanting To Collab NAS And More
OMNISCIENT is set to release his new album, “Grown Music,” on February 10th through DeLa Casa Studios/Good Tone Studios. This album follows in the footsteps of his critically acclaimed debut single, “Whoopty Miami Remix,” released in 2021. This marks his first solo release since “Own Breed,” his 2019 album. His music has since been featured in several films and movie soundtracks, such as “Reefa Cumbia” in the HBO Max Film, REEFA, and the collaboration “Plata O Plomo” in the Colombian blockbuster, Plata o Plomo.
Daniel Perez, better known as OMNISCIENT, is an independent American Grammy Nominated rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer born in Miami, Florida. His music style is an eclectic mix of hip-hop, alternative, Latin/alternative, tropical/Latin, and R&B. He is a leader in bringing awareness of Miami’s underground hip-hop music to a broader cultural audience. His career took off with the success of the collaboration “FEELING GOOD” with Locos por Juana, a Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated bilingual Latin jam band.
The song went viral, leading the album “Verdad” to be nominated for Best Latin/Alternative Album of the Year by the Recording Academy / Grammy Awards. It was released by Machete Music and even incorporated into the Zumba dance fitness program.
Catch the full interview with the multi-faceted rapper OMNISCIENT below.
What was the inspiration behind your new album Grown Music?
OM: “The inspiration behind my new album Grown Music can be summed up in one word – LIFE. The ups, downs, and everything in between. As a human being, if you’re alive and breathing, you’ll be able to relate to some or all of the songs on the album. The album covers a range of topics, including the beauty and challenges of relationships, addiction, and health. After experiencing the impact of Covid, I think we’ve all come to the realization that life can change in an instant. That’s why I believe this album is so important and why it’s called Grown Music. The name has nothing to do with age, but everything to do with it being a more mature hip hop album than the average.”
Who are some artists you’d love to collaborate with?
OM: “Collaborating with NAS has always been a dream of mine. I think our voices and flows would sound incredible together. Being from Miami, I also have to say that Trick Daddy and I would make a great collaboration. I’m a big fan of Anderson Paak and his super funky flow and style. I would also love to jump on a Major Lazer beat and destroy it, as much as I would love to do the same on a DJ Premier beat. I can’t forget about Damian Marley as well.”
What is the main message you want to convey through your music?
OM: “My music cannot be placed in just one box because I’m way too diverse. However, positivity, social righteousness, and a sense of never giving up seem to be recurring themes when I write.”
How has your music evolved since your start in the late 1990s?
OM: “I started in 2001/2002, and about 80% of my music was very social and politically driven, very revolutionary. Since then, I’ve learned that that’s not the only thing that drives me or my life, and I don’t think there’s a topic I haven’t touched. Also, my initial music was very boom bap oriented, but since then, I’ve explored diverse styles and rhythms.”
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
OM: “Besides being able to travel the world in the way I have, I think walking the red carpet after being nominated for an American Grammy alongside the largest and most influential artist in the world has to be the highlight of my career so far.”
How has Miami shaped your sound?
OM: “Miami is a melting pot of people from all over the world with diverse backgrounds and styles, and that’s exactly what my music is like. I’m like a chameleon, and I decide what to record not based on profits or label demands, but because I want to and like it.”
What message do you want to leave for your fans with your music?
OM: “I want my fans to know that every move I’ve made in the music industry has always been true and out of love. This industry is very judgmental, and most fans don’t understand how much of ourselves we expose. At the end of the day, stay true to yourself because, for many of us, we are all we have.”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
OM: “It’s important to remember that success in the music industry takes time and hard work, so be patient and persistent in pursuing your goals. Collaborate with other artists and network with industry professionals to help build your career. And most importantly, stay true to yourself and your unique sound, because authenticity is what sets great artists apart.”
The definition of Contrast is “to be strikingly different.” What makes you strikingly different?
OM: “What makes me strikingly different is that even though I’m known as a hip-hop artist, I’ve touched on so many genres, done it correctly, and still maintained my respect as an artist. That’s not an easy task, but I’m so different that I’ve been blessed to be able to accomplish it.”