We Speak Indie Artist
O.D.D.I.T.Y Returns With Incredible Album Love is___.
O.D.D.I.T.Y, the genre-blurring musical sensation, has once again pushed boundaries with his latest album, Love is___., produced by Punchboi and Sensei Wu. Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, but now making waves globally, O.D.D.I.T.Y has captured the essence of life’s most profound emotion and packaged it into a rich, multifaceted album.
Relocating to Florida during the challenging days of the Covid-19 pandemic, O.D.D.I.T.Y seized the opportunity to refine his craft, emerging not just as a lyricist but also as a gifted songwriter. This evolution is beautifully evident on his latest album.
In a world where music genres often conform to cliches, O.D.D.I.T.Y defies convention. Rooted in hip-hop with a strong lyrical foundation, he seamlessly weaves a tapestry of musical influences into his artistry. Love is___. is a testament to his ability to blend disparate styles into a coherent and compelling body of work.
Love is___. is not just an album; it’s a profound artistic statement. O.D.D.I.T.Y’s music has always been about authenticity and connection. As he puts it, “Make music for yourself, and somebody will connect.” This mantra has resonated with listeners across the globe, from Zürich, Switzerland, where he performed in 2019, to his collaborations with renowned artists like Mick Jenkins and the duo Lily & Madeleine.
Love is___. is a reloaded version of his 2019 album of the same name and features the hit single “Cloud N9ne”, which has already garnered significant acclaim since its release earlier this year. Speaking about the album, O.D.D.I.T.Y shares, “A massive portion of our lives revolves around either searching for love or working to maintain it. Love is___. was me wanting to relay the ebb and flow that happens during the quest for love, while challenging myself artistically. My hope is that no matter what stage in this journey you find yourself on, a piece of this story is relatable. All I’ve ever wanted was to share a piece of me so that someone doesn’t feel alone.”
With Love is___., O.D.D.I.T.Y not only redefines musical boundaries but also brings a message of love and hope to a world in need. This album is more than just music; it’s a journey of self-discovery and connection. Love is___. is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.
Keep up to date with the latest from O.D.D.I.T.Y:
We Speak Hip-Hop
NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)
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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