Big O drops ‘Blindfolded’ EP

Big O’s relationship with music began at thirteen, when he first started making beats, setting him on a creative path that would eventually cross cities, countries and musical disciplines. From Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta to Orlando, Miami, the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Germany, his journey ultimately brought him to London, where he’s continued developing a production style defined by soulful textures, experimentation and a sharp ear for carefully chosen samples, original keys and synth work.

That movement between places and influences has become part of what makes Big O’s work so versatile and by not being tethered to a single genre, his production exists at a crossroads, drawing from sample-based stylings while incorporating original instrumentation to create something that feels thoroughly his own. It’s a balance between familiarity and experimentation, where soulful textures and rugged rhythms can sit alongside carefully constructed melodic ideas.

Over the years, that approach has earned Big O attention from Underground Hip Hop Blog, Earmilk, The Word is Bond and Above Average Hip Hop, while a growing list of collaborations has further built his reputation within the underground. Working with artists including Fashawn, Skyzoo, L.O.U., P-Rawb and Dankery Harv of Frank N Dank, he’s demonstrated an ability to adapt his production to different artists while retaining his own recognisable creative identity.

His catalogue is ultimately a reflection of curiosity as much as technical ability and whether operating behind the boards for collaborators or pursuing his own projects, Big O approaches production as an opportunity to explore different sounds and possibilities. His collaborative spirit was particularly clear on Dichotomy, his third release with San Diego’s Tranzformer, which arrived last year and showcased the chemistry and shared vision between the pair. Since then, Big O has continued to build momentum through a run of releases and collaborations, including his solo full-length album When It’s Not Said, But Done.

This year has already seen multiple singles, as well as Water to Wine, a collaborative record with Cashus King and now comes Blindfolded, a brand new EP created with San Diego-based rapper Benny Canales. The project takes inspiration from sobriety, using that starting point to explore the experience of facing life without a clear sense of direction while maintaining a belief in hope. Eschewing uncertainty as an endpoint in favour of treating it as part of the journey itself, the release serves up a unique hip hop sound cut with meaningful lyricism.

Blindfolded is stacked with soulful samples, warm melodies and robust boom bap production, a combination that gives the project a strong sense of atmosphere, allowing its themes of nostalgia, isolation and conflict to play out against production that’s impactful and truly immersive. Opened by “Good Times,” Benny’s smooth vocals introduce the record with slick rapped delivery which rolls above intricate piano backing and the patter of shuffling percussion, resulting in a grooving hip hop jam that’s memorable and highly original.

“Day Room” pairs woozy keys with the crisp snap of percussion, crafting a transportive backdrop as Benny’s expressive voice hovers above the laid back rhythmic drive. On “Lonely,” the pair are joined by Tranzformer and Johnny August for a soulful outing formed with rustling drums and bright vocals, presenting an epic collaborative moment on the record. “Heat is On” glides with subtly punchy drums, pulsing bass lines and jazz-inflected instrumental textures to lay down a moody soundscape that’s energising and mesmeric in equal measure.

The final track, “No Chains,” lands with the steady rattle of drums and warm bass notes before Benny’s commanding vocals take over while drifting textures and woodwind flickers create an engaging contrast between mellow instrumentation and powerful vocal flow. The release also features instrumental versions of all five tracks, which puts Big O’s creativity and production flair on full display.

With Benny Canales alongside him, Blindfolded turns uncertainty into its central creative force, finding warmth, rhythm and ultimately freedom in the act of moving forward without knowing exactly where the road leads. As Big O continues to go from strength to strength with each move, he once again offers a superb hip hop record that’s sure to win over new and existing fans around the world.

Listen to Blindfolded below