Oscar #Worldpeace - Never Know (Single)
Tottenham-born rapper/producer Oscar #Worldpeace makes his return, energised and focused on new single ‘Never Know’ - available to stream now.
‘Never Know’ wastes no time in introducing itself as an infectious and striking track. Its instrumental elements are hypnotic, with repeated piano melodies and string riffs articulating a feeling of contemplation and curiosity. The song’s 808s add a hefty musculature to the otherwise spacious beat, rooting the tracks ethereal elements firmly in reality; creating an undeniable groove, irresistible to any rap music aficionado.
This contrast is further expanded on in Oscar’s verses, as he explains: “’Never Know' is a song open to interpretation. Personally it’s about the duality of love. Positive and negative. Fear and happiness, but ultimately keeping safe during the process."
Lyrically, Oscar is dexterous as ever, serving the song’s various vignettes with poise, the takeaway message being that some paranoia can be a necessity in keeping oneself and family safe.
On ‘Never Know’ we find Oscar #Worldpeace returning to the forefront as a solo artist, after a productive few years of expanding his repertoire as an all around creative. He’s released stellar collaborations with artists such as Bawo, Oscar Jerome, Tropics and El Londo, as well as being part of the celebrated MINI KINGZ collective who released their debut album ICONICY last summer. Not limited to being a gifted rapper, Oscar has also provided production for the aforementioned Bawo and MINI KINGZ, amongst others, and this year achieved a personal highlight of composing an original score for Dancing Before The Moon, a film produced by the British Pavilion which premiered at the Venice Biennale.
Since his introduction to the scene, Oscar #Worldpeace has always been an artist that evades strict categorization, existing at the intersection of various sounds and influences. A cosign from the enigmatic Mike Skinner following the release of his first single Mook in 2014 foreshadowed Oscar’s capability to inhabit a similar ecosystem as The Streets frontman; evading the often rigid conformity of the music industry and playing the game on his own terms. Releasing his first official project Recluse in 2017, Oscar introduced us to who he was, exploring topics including mental health, the banality of the everyday rat race and exhibiting his aspirations for a better future. The project was well received and gained acclaim across various esteemed media platforms such as i-D, Complex, Vice, and Clash. IC3,released in 2018, highlighted his ability to speak thoughtfully on serious topics such as police brutality and the various complexities of being a young black man in modern day London; songs like No White God showcasing an unflinching approach to speaking his truth. His most recent full length project Sporadic centred around the latest chapter in Oscar’s life and his entrance into fatherhood, as well as examining various facets of everyday life, further illustrating his strong wit and relatable songwriting.
‘Never Know’ is the latest addition to a catalogue of songs that have cemented Oscar as a unique voice that cannot be denied, and signifies the beginning of a new chapter in his story. It is clear that Oscar #Worldpeace still has plenty left to tell.