Oddisee + DJ Unown and Sleep's Cousin

Prolific hip-hop artist Oddisee first became known as an underground producer before gaining respect as a rapper. His literate, relatable lyrics tackle personal issues and political themes, and his productions encompass retro-soul, go-go, and gospel influences. His 2008 album, 101, was the first full-length released by Mello Music Group, and featured collaborations with Flying Lotus, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Phonte, and others. He continued releasing vocal and instrumental recordings at a rapid pace, with soul-influenced albums like 2015's The Good Fight, incorporating live instrumentation. 2017 live album Beneath the Surface was co-credited to backing band Good Compny, and Oddisee's first studio album in six years, To What End, appeared in 2023.

Born in Washington, D.C. to a Sudanese father and an African-American mother, Amir Mohamed grew up in Maryland, influenced by soul and rap as well as myriad musicians on both sides of his family. He was set to attend the Art Institute of Philadelphia to pursue visual arts when a friend introduced him to hip-hop production. He was so enamored of it that he changed his plans and concentrated on making beats, ending up with the track "Musik Lounge" on DJ Jazzy Jeff's 2002 record, Magnificent.