Deep-rooted institutional racism and a family tragedy, in which his older brother died as a result of police brutality in New Jersey, provided the fuel for the engine of then 12-year-old Juwan Elcock’s creative, musical expression. Consequently, his debut as songwriter and producer BLK ODYSSY was a fiery pamphlet about what it’s like to grow up as a black man in today’s United States. The album, BLK VINTAGE (2022), on which George Clinton and others collaborated, was streamed millions of times. It was soon followed up with DIAMONDS & FREAKS (2023), on which he explores love, lust and addiction – with none other than Bootsy Collins as the musical tour guide. BLK ODYSSY, who currently resides in Austin, has forged his sound out of Kendrick Lamar’s pointed raps, D’Angelo’s neo-soul and Outkast’s funk. This show is an absolute must for fans of soulful hip-hop with a focus on social awareness and engagement.
