By: Todd “DG” Davis
Rapindustry.com

 

Oh No is a true product of the streets, carrying a legendary musical bloodline in his veins. As the younger brother of hip-hop icon Madlib, the son of soul singer Otis Jackson, and the nephew of jazz trumpet legend Jon Faddis, he’s been immersed in music since day one. But Oh No never relied on his family’s fame; instead, he’s built his reputation on raw, gritty beats that are born from late-night crate digging and street-level hustle. Initially signed to Los Angeles-based Stones Throw Records, he dropped his debut album, The Disrupt, in 2004, setting the tone for a career built on authenticity and hard-hitting sound. He’s also one-half of the duo Gangrene with The Alchemist, and has released music on varied labels. His latest project, Nodega [Nature Sounds], further solidifies his position as a master of underground hip-hop. We recently caught up with him. Enjoy!

 

Let’s hop into this Aloe Blacc & Ghostface Killah assisted single, “Rooftop Shottas,” featuring Tristate — how did this particular track come to fruition?

Salute to Nature Sounds, they linked up the Ghostface verse, then I had my bro Tristate lace it. As far as the chorus, I wanted a chant-like hook on it, and I was recently going over an unreleased project i have with Aloe Blacc. So I hit him for approval and chopped that in. I felt the contrast of the voices would be ill on the same song.

Of course “Rooftop Shottas” comes courtesy of your latest album, Nodega  — conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you? 

Nodega is my lab where I’m cooking and chopping up. Conceptually, it’s a storefront street drama with each artist solidifying their mark on the block.

How then does Nodega compare to or differ from your previous efforts?

This album had more of a cinematic direction, with everything taking place in this one location.

What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called hip-hop?  

Making beats in a spaceship, building live in front of a crowd. That was ill.

That said, what all else are your future plans and / or goals for the 2026 season?   

Getting ready for the next drops with my bro bros; new Gangrene with Alchemist, 2 Blu LPs, a Tristate and Midaz LP, and R.i.P. my bro Chino XL The Witches Hammer.

What exactly do you want people to get from your music?      

I want to evoke thoughts and emotions. This is audible art, so I want them to zone out, enjoy, have a laugh, get amped up, within the wild shit to realize the seriousness of situations and cool down.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I’d like to work with Nas. Pen game is at the highest level right now. Light-Years ahead.

Are you happy with the current state of hip-hop?   

Sure, there’s so many lanes in hip-hop, I ain’t got no reason to hate on anything. Everybody do ya thing.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?          

Just being creative and experimental. And if that don’t work, I’ll attempt a time machine.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?  

I enjoy VR, creating games, modding motion simulator chairs, game programming, making custom arcades; all of that! 

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?   

My fave: Meeting all the OGs I looked up to. They inspired my work. 

Least: Wasting any kind of BS time. Time is the real money when ya old and busy.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?   

On permanent work vacation, working on vacation.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

One love to all the heads staying in tune with the disrupt! New shit on the way! Big smoke! Salute!