IBGM OBA Rowland photo by DBeltonjr x Mike Will

Rising Star Hip Hop (Solo Male): Oba Rowland

The Detroit music scene is buzzing hard right now and one of the reasons for it is Oba Rowland and his IBGM mates, SayItAint, Dej Loaf, and others. We chose Oba Rowland for DELUX Rising Star for his melodic rhyme ability, creativity, and lyricism. To put it plainly he’s better than most emcees.  Oba first gained widespread attention in Michigan and beyond with his Westside project, special shout out to SooDetroit.com  and has continued to drop hot music and great videos ever since with no apparent end in sight. One of my favorite songs is Lifestyle produced by RJ Lamont and favorite videos Owe Down and Put My Life On It feat. Key Wayne For more than decade the city of Detroit’s lyricism has been on display and Oba (Oba means King, by the way) continues that trend. We got a chance to ask Oba some questions so check them out below.

What do your people call you?

Oba Rowland.

Age: 29

Who or what do you represent?

Myself. My friends. My community.

My style and/or skills have been compared to?

Idk. Jokes I’ve heard was fat Drake. Or  looks like Ross and sounds like Wiz. Lmao.
It could be your own or anyone else’s but what bar/lyric/or line is your all-time favorite?

“Caught my chains in the corner, battling some Jitting Niggas” – Lifestyle

oba-lifestyle
Describe your fanbase?

All ages. I haven’t seen a particular race yet.

What has been your favorite city to party/perform in?

All Florida shows are extra hype and of course home. Michigan.

Who would you like to collaborate with most past or present?

All of my homies. Schedules be preventing a lot of work to get done. But imma make it happen.

Growing up what was your favorite struggle meal?

Nigga, we ain’t struggle! Lol. But I would say beans and dogs.OBA Rowland

You are always pretty chill but what pisses you off more than anything?

Unorganized things, situations, and people.

Do you have a personal motto or mantra?

Never complain. Champagne. (I don’t drink though)

Oba Rowland will be releasing a project which we will definitely cover here in DELUX and be sure to check out our May music issue for any updates. In the meanwhile follow Oba on Social Media below and be on the lookout for great music from him and the entire IBGM family, as they are on some pretty monumental things.

Follow Oba Rowland on Twitter: @ObaRowland

Follow Oba Rowland on Instagram: @ObaRowland

Check out Oba Rowland’s Soundcloud for his Life Style project and great music he may drop: Oba Rowland on SoundCloud

 

photos by DBeltonjr x Mike Will

DeWarren Smith