OG The Story is perhaps more popularly known in Dublin as one one of the founding members of Millaz, the hip hop and afrobeats collective that rose to prominence in Ireland a decade ago amassing a cult following among the black diaspora across the country.
After having stepped away from Millaz and the music scene altogether a few years ago in a move that took him across the world to settle in the Middle East and Africa, he is now back home in Dublin with new insights, renewed passion, a sharper edge and this new project.
We had an exclusive opportunity to interview the artist:
Raptology: How did you come up with your stage name OG The Story?
OG The Story: OG are the initials of my name Olusegun Gbadebo, which means “God’s victory, bring the crown” in Yoruba. It was important for me to embrace my native name as a matured re-emerging artist considering its meaning and essence. I started out as an artist about 15 years ago and took a long break to focus on growth, so the popular understanding of an OG in regards to experience also applies. My life is a story unfolding which I express through my music therefore OG the Story.
Raptology: Why did you first start making music?
OG The Story: I started because it was fun and it felt natural as a means to express myself.
Raptology: Who would you say inspired you the most, as an artist?
OG The Story: Big L
Raptology: Tell us about your latest project ‘Evolution By Any Means’
OG The Story: This project is about self-expression and striving to be the best version of myself which leads me to explore key themes including identity, consciousness, and self-love. I tell the story of my journey to achieve my highest potential delving into a variety of life experiences with the insights and lessons gained from them. The relationship between the individual and community is touched on in parallel to the key themes of the project. I touch on these subjects as I have experienced them with the hope to inspire the audience to be their best selves. I crafted the words, cadence, and delivery with the highest regard for artistic standards and picked inspirational instrumentals that are attention grabbing and soothing at the same time.
Raptology: Talk me through the creative process behind the project.
OG The Story: The message I wanted to deliver was clear from the beginning. The task was to find the most effective way to deliver the message. It involved exploring different sounds to find the suitable feeling that would inspire engaging lyrics and cadence. I carried out a lot of crate digging online and found a group called So Special that got the juices flowing. I would listen to the instrumentals and let the bars come then build from there. Once I got in the rhythm, I went to the studio and laid a track down per week. My engineer Slick Bullet played a key role in the process by giving great guidance for recording and a guy called New Machine mastered the project ensuring the overall sound was smooth and captivating.
Raptology: What’s the best advice you ever received?
OG The Story: Don’t take things too serious
Raptology: What is still your biggest challenge?
OG The Story: Maintaining self-discipline
Raptology: Do you have a mantra you live by?
OG The Story: Keep the vibe positive.
Raptology: What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
OG The Story: Invest in loving and accepting myself.
Raptology: What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
OG The Story: If it does not kill you, it makes you stronger…you just need to understand how.
Raptology: What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?
OG The Story: The things that annoy me about people show me where I need to grow within myself.
Raptology: How do you currently feel about the state of Hip Hop in general?
OG The Story: It is still a powerful medium to influence and affect change.
Raptology: If you could only listen to 3 albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?
OG The Story: Nothing comes to mind. I am currently really enjoying a Juju Rogers track called God.
Raptology: Do you have a bucket list? If so, what’s on it?
OG The Story: I have ticked all the boxes on my bucket list. I live each day to the fullest towards the achievement of my mission.
Raptology: What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
OG The Story: A man that inspired others to discover themselves.
Artist`s EP can be purchased here https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ogthestory/evolution-by-any-means
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