BLK ODYSSY Flex Musical Prowess In Latest Record “1-800-FANTASY”
1-800-FANTASY by BLK ODYSSY is the album that comes just in time for the summer. It’s a thrill through its 13-song run, switching from swooning lyrics to alternative upbeat numbers. The record comes with notable features from artists like Wiz Khalifa and Joey Bada$$. For the unfamiliar, BLK ODYSSY is not just a group — but a collective of musicians including frontman Juwan Elcock, vocalist LARA, guitarist Alejandro Rios, and other artists like Harry Edhoukwa. Of course, we can’t talk about BLK ODYSSY without discussing the impressive run they have had in 2024. With a COLORSXSTUDIO’s performance and Tiny Desk performance under their belt, they have become rising stars in the alternative music scene.
A Listening Session in New York City
Just days ahead of the album release, a small group of fans piled up outside Flux Studios in the Lower East Side for an intimate listening event hosted by BLK ODYSSY themselves. Fans spent their time engaged in passionate conversation about the music, citing their love for the older music – but also how they are intrigued by the new.
Slowly, fans were let into the venue with eyes wandering around the studio in wonder. Somehow the cozy, yet older, decor felt fitting for the night’s event. By 7:40 p.m., BLK ODYSSY made their way into the studio. Frontman Juwan Elcock donned a head-turning outfit consisting of a leather bomber paired with colorful quilted pants. He was also joined by Alejandro Rios, who sported a more lowkey outfit paired with a beanie.
Thanking the fans for their attendance, Elcock dove right into the record, giving lucky fans the first taste of 1-800-FANTASY. Engrossed in the music, the 35-minute album flew by. However, Elcock wasn’t ready to say goodbye to fans just yet. He spent the better of fifteen minutes delving into the history behind BLK ODYSSY’s career and entry into music. “Before you guys get out of here, I want to meet each and everyone of you guys because…I can’t stress enough how you guys mean to us, the people that are really behind BLK ODYSSY.” He then went on to express gratitude to his label EMPIRE, the band’s managers, TIDAL, and his band member Rico (Alejandro Rios).
Alternative Music? Alternative Music.
Discussing themes of lust and desire, 1-800-FANTASY reminds listeners of the vulnerabilities of love. Told from the perspective of a teenage boy, each song is raw from start to finish. The record showcases the best of BLK ODYSSY’s singing and rap capabilities, creating a breathtaking experience. For this album, EnVi recommends listening to it with the best pair of earbuds or headsets you have on hand.
BLK ODYSSY first introduce the record through the song “HELLO,” a dreamy almost psychedelic track. Here, they transport listeners to a fictional world. A woman’s voice carries through the song as sound moves between the left and right ears. Tracks like “XXX” hasten the pace with infectious percussion and melodies. It’s also hard not to get whisked away to BLK ODYSSY’s world while listening to tracks like “GEMINI,” “PHASE,” “WANT YOU,” and “DELILAH.”
Juwan Elcock shines throughout the album, engaging in a sort of voice acting as he tells the exhilarating yet somber story of 1-800-FANTASY. However, the narrative of the album begins to go awry as a soft voice eerily sings, “Poor baby, you can’t figure out why she doesn’t like you? Do you know why you don’t like yourself?” From its first note, “BLEACH” is somber, haunting yet undeniably effective. A standout song, it sets the tone thematically for the second half of the album. However, do not be fooled — BLK ODYSSY is bound by no singular genre as they move through jazz to rock and alternative production.
EnVi’s Pick: BLK ODYSSY, Harry Edohoukwa – “CREEP”
This is only the beginning, however, as BLK ODYSSY are slated to start “The Fantasy House Tour” on August 31. For this tour, they will bring Asha Imuno, Benji, and BINA on the road as they make their way through North America and Europe. Fans can purchase their tickets through BLK ODYSSY’s website with general admission ranging from $25 USD to $45 USD. VIP Packages are also on sale, giving fans the opportunity to receive signed memorabilia.
Want to read more coverage of emerging Black artists making waves? Read our recap of ScarLip’s New York City headline show here!
