We Speak Hip-Hop
Ivory Osidan is an Artiste You Shouldn’t Be Sleeping on Right Now
The wait is finally over as fast-rising Ghanaian artiste, Ivory Osidan, has today officially dropped her first project, “It’s Okay To Try,” on all digital platforms worldwide.
On her masterful five-track EP “It’s Okay To Try,” Ivory Osidan skilfully blends Afropop and Rap to touch on the five “C” themes of connection, confusion, curiosity, courage, and creativity. The song speaks to these themes deeply.
Ivory Osidan sings a tuneful song about closeness, chemistry, and connection between two lovers in the opening track, which is the ideal celebration of quality time.
The song “Body,” which showcases the connection theme, was produced by the gifted Paa Bright. It draws attention to the unique bond that forms between intimate partners. It’s about those moments when being close seems vital and significant.
This “Feeling” becomes more intense, exploring the state of ambiguity that exists between friendship and the need for something more, and eventually leads to the second theme of bewilderment. The challenge of having a crush and questioning if the other person is genuinely attracted to you or is just being kind is well-expressed. Ivory Osidan captivates the audience with her rap verse by skilfully capturing the wonder and uncertainties that come with dealing with difficult emotions.
The curiosity theme appears with vocals that have afro-fusion influences about halfway through the EP. On “What If,” Ivory Osidan demonstrates her versatility as the level of uncertainty increases.
Rising singer, Sofie features on the song “Better Days,” produced by Carl Donkor. The song’s focus shifts to courage, and upbeat, exuberant vibes take over. Sofie’s moving hook serves as a reminder that there is hope for recovery and a new beginning even in the wake of loss. Track 5 concludes with an emphasis on personal growth, titled “Just Myself.” It centres on the process of evolving into the greatest version of oneself. The entire record is like to a letter to oneself, encouraging you to stick to your objectives and goals.
“It’s Okay To Try,” Ivory Osidan’s debut body of work, is proof that her two years of hard work have polished her skill into a brilliant diamond.
She delights the listener with pleasant flowing melodies throughout the entire EP, showcasing her ingenuity.
With this premiere project, Ivory Osidan says she wants her listeners to try new things, whether it’s completing a creative project, acquiring a new skill, or finally reaching out to a crush.
“It’s Okay To Try” is more than just a try from her, it’s a statement and a welcome to her world.
All the songs were mixed by Ivan Molho, with the exception of track five, mixed by TwistedWavex.
All five songs were mastered by Matias Parisi.
Don’t forget to try, keep trying and streaming here.
Follow Ivory Osidan on Instagram
ABOUT IVORY OSIDAN
Ivory Osidan is a Ghanaian Rap artiste who grew up with Hiplife music as a constant backdrop, albeit it didn’t directly affect her style. In her early school years, she was particularly skilled at playing the Atenteben (bamboo flute) and local drums. Exposure to global music through MTV and Trace TV inspired Ivory to teach herself rap, writing and memorizing lyrics from her favorite artistes. She recorded her first-ever song in the university using a simple built-in microphone and a laptop.
Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.
MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.
Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.
MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.
Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.
MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?
Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.
MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?
Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.
MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”
Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.
MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?
Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.
MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.
Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.
MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.
Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.
Stream “Gritty” on preferred platforms – Gritty
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