The Rise of a Dallas Style Icon
The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists. osoic has so much swag he wants to share it with the world. The Dallas rapper first popped up on The FADER’s feeds last winter with his perfectly coiffed singles “demure” and “Giuseppe Martine Rose,” showing off his breezily melodic cadences and sartorial excesses with a wide grin.
The Naija artist’s auteurist videos certainly helped get his style across, but even with both eyes closed, osoic is eager to describe the heavyweight fabrics in his closet. As you might expect, the peacocking is mostly in service of the rapper’s sex appeal, though his relationship raps are pretty mindful, avoiding baseline misogyny in favor of uplifting his other half.
Defining the SWAGSCHOOL Sound
All these endearing strengths are on full display with osoic’s fall mixtape SWAGSCHOOL, which blends plugg, alté, and trap to woozier ends. A song like “GYM CLASS!” could fit neatly on a Cruel Santino record, and “A+” sounds primed for an untiljapan verse; meanwhile “SHARE SOME SWAG?” is like a super-energized counterpart to Lisha G’s silliest mantras, spreading the wealth one eagle-eyed tip at a time. And though their music feels quite distinct, I’d be remiss not to bring up fellow Tumblr aficionado Thirteendegrees, whose music is equally poised and well-dressed.
Still, even if style remains the biggest draw, SWAGSCHOOL is more than empty calories. osoic might be focused on enjoying himself, but having fun is pretty serious business, and his songs remain personal and specific. Take album intro “HYOMA JEANS,” where he rocks Dries Van Noten and brags that his Vietnamese girlfriend “came from overseas,” or the ASMR-esque rustle of “POP MY SHIT,” where his lyrics linger on Van Cleef bracelets and the mundanity of his morning routine.
A Creative Vision Beyond the Music
Beyond his sonic output, osoic is deeply invested in the visual and cultural aspects of his artistry. Whether he is curating his closet, organizing skits for his supporters, or reflecting on the influence of artists like Rema, he approaches his career with a holistic mindset. He views his independence as a badge of honor, noting that the most satisfying aspect of his journey in Dallas has been the ability to throw his own shows and manage his own merchandise.
His philosophy on fame is equally grounded. Rather than seeking untouchable stardom, he aspires to a level of connection where he can walk through his city and engage in genuine, respectful conversations with his supporters. This commitment to authenticity extends to his daily life, where he balances his creative pursuits with a dedication to family and personal growth, living by the motto: “Be The Change You Want To See in the World.”
