BLK ODYSSY ft: Joey Bada$$ - Stank Rose (Official Video)
Photo Credit: Bethany Reed
Trailblazing artist and producer BLK ODYSSY unveils his powerful new single and video, ‘Stank Rose’, featuring acclaimed rapper Joey Bada$$. This record offers a glimpse into the intricate narrative of his highly anticipated third studio album, 1-800-FANTASY, set to drop on 19th July via EARTHCHILD/EMPIRE. ‘Stank Rose’ delivers a richly layered listening experience with its melodic drums and hypnotic guitar riffs, paired effortlessly with BLK ODYSSY and Joey Bada$$ trading bars about unrequited love.
BLK ODYSSY's video release for ‘Stank Rose’ transforms the typical music video, unfolding into that of a short film. Set in a high school, the narrative follows BLK ODYSSY, alongside Joey Bada$$, as he navigates the intricate webs of high school romance, portrayed through a series of dream-like sequences. The video captures the essence of youthful infatuation, blending tender moments with humorous and embarrassing encounters. As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a visually stunning journey through the corridors of a high school, culminating in a surprising twist—revealing that it was all a dream.
Following his recent performance of ‘Phase’ on COLORS, BLK ODYSSY announced the release of his forthcoming album, 1-800-FANTASY, on 19th July via EARTHCHILD/EMPIRE. This 13-track album marks a bold new creative direction, merging indie pop-rock with his signature blend of funk, R&B, and hip-hop. 1-800-FANTASY is a groundbreaking concept album that narrates the intense story of a teenage boy's obsession with an unattainable woman, conveyed through flirtatious hotline conversations. As the story unfolds, the protagonist's longing transforms into impatience and madness, leading to a profound realization of his solitude. This album, juxtaposing brighter melodies with dark, passionate lyrics, showcases BLK ODYSSY's raw and visual storytelling, guiding listeners through an emotional and thought-provoking journey. Following his recent collaboration with Wiz Khalifa on the single ‘XXX’, BLK ODYSSY continues to venture into new musical territory, solidifying his reputation as an innovative artist while retaining the essence of his diverse musical influences.
Featuring collaborations with artists such as Harry Edohoukwa, Joey Bada$$, and Wiz Khalifa 1-800-FANTASY highlights BLK ODYSSY’s unparalleled ability to blend genres and push creative boundaries. Each track is meticulously crafted to contribute to the overarching story, making it essential to experience the album in its entirety to fully grasp its narrative depth.
This year has seen BLK ODYSSY making significant waves in the music industry. He performed a funk rendition of his single ‘WANT YOU’ during his NPR Tiny Desk Concert earlier this year, before its official release, and was named one of Complex’s ‘15 R&B Artists to Watch in 2024’.
BLK ODYSSY stands at the forefront of a new wave of Black indie and alternative artists, creating space for Black musicians in rock and indie genres. His fearless experimentation with sounds, while still incorporating elements of rock, positions him as a visionary and trailblazer in the music industry. In addition to his own groundbreaking work, BLK ODYSSY executive produced Rapsody's latest album, Please Don't Cry.
Alongside the album release, BLK ODYSSY will embark on a North American and European tour, starting in Austin on 31st August, with the European leg kicking off in Manchester on 20th October. Known for their electrifying performances, BLK ODYSSY has recently shared the stage with legends like Erykah Badu, The Alchemist, and Puma. Their last tour involved an electrifying sold out show at Hoxton Hall in London which showcased their musicianship as a band.
BLK ODYSSY’s discography reflects his relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and genre-defying innovation. His debut album, BLK VINTAGE, received critical acclaim for its fusion of R&B, rap, jazz, and rock, delving into deep personal and sociopolitical themes. Following this, his sophomore album, DIAMONDS & FREAKS, produced with The Alchemist and featuring artists like Rapsody and Bootsy Collins, was lauded by major publications including The New York Times, Billboard, and VIBE, and was featured on NPR’s Best Albums of 2023.
BLK ODYSSY’s journey as an artist has seen exponential growth, making him a significant figure to watch in the contemporary music scene. With 1-800-FANTASY, he continues to challenge and redefine musical boundaries, delivering an album that is both a personal and universal exploration of love, obsession, and loneliness.