Meet OhSam | Artist, Producer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with OhSam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi OhSam, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would say the most important part of my success is perseverance. There’s been a lot of things that many would consider a setback, but I kept my vision on what I wanted to do, always. We are given limited time on earth, ya know? We won’t be here forever. I rather chase what I want than say I never tried. People get embarrassed by failure, or lack of support, but it’s really all in your head. It’s on you to love something so deeply, that your expression is undeniable. Do whatever it takes. Everyone got their own struggle. It’s about how you persevere to get to the next level of the game. You gotta become even better. You reflect on it every once in a while like man I got through that, I could get through anything. It’s like you’re more equipped for the next. It’s a blessing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always wanted to make music. I’ve been writing songs since I was a kid. I would take my parents’ phones and put them in a notes file, or I would start at the back of my journals in school. Over time it developed into an obsession that carried me into making my own songs. Once studios got shut down due to covid, I knew I needed to grow as an artist at any pace that I could. I got my brother KidKash to help me get fruity loops on my laptop, and I would make beats all day every day.I don’t think it was necessarily easy, but it was worth it for me. I like to remind myself that every day. Nothing is as easy as it looks, but talented people make things look easy. There’s a lot of struggle, hustle, and determination that isn’t seen behind the scenes. After I started my first business and began to succeed quickly in a field I knew little about, I realized one can do whatever they want, as long as they truly wanted to. I really wanted to make music. I would think about it obsessively, listening to my favorite artists over and over again taking the slightest notes on their voice, or delivery, rhyme scheme, etc. I built connections with engineers and wanted to become the best I could. I’m really excited about this project I’m working on right now. I know it’s gonna be the best music I’ve ever made. I’m really taking my time. I’ve learned quality can’t be rushed. The vibe is everything. I started producing barely a year ago. The lesson I learned from this year again, was that you can do whatever you want, if you truly want. I want to give a huge shoutout to my brother KidKash. Once quarantine hit, Kash and I would lock in everyday for hours at a time, working on producing and pushing each other to get better. We held each other accountable to working harder, constantly reminding each other of the bigger goal. A year later we got our own studio (BLACKBOX) with our team of engineers and producers. Shoutout Pariah, Titan, Big Ham. I’m really excited to show you all the contributions we made to artists projects this year. We want to help develop the sound in our city. There’s a wild amount of talent in the city. We want to help put the city that made us on everyone’s radar.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be completely honest, I can’t even think about anything other than going to the studio. I’ve been wanting to focus on my craft, and my loved ones can see that. If someone came to Houston to visit, I’d get food at Oishii or Chacho’s? Something cool. There’s the Al Hawi food truck. They make some crazy kabobs. A lowkey spot is the Jerusalem grocery store off Hillcroft. If you go to the back they make lamb chops by the pound. If I wanna have a real conversation and kick it with some people imma go there. When everyone is done with the food we could walk around Elanor Tinsley or Buffalo Bayou. To be honest I’m gonna be rushing everyone to get back in the studio. That all I want to have the time for.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would dedicate the shoutout to my little sister Haala. We have a 6 year age gap, but it’s like she’s my real-life twin. I feel like she gets me the most, going through a lot of the same experiences. Growing up I always wanted a little brother, but God blessed me with someone even better with a sister. She’s like an angel, we give each other advice based on what we need to hear, and it’s not what we want always. She’s young, but her wisdom is beyond her years. When I record a new song, or do a photoshoot, or make new beats for artists, I’ll show her first cause she understands how much this means to me. She got this light in her that’ll make you happy just being around her. I love her to death.

Instagram: @o_sam_i_am

Twitter: @oswaga15

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7vJ7rSPfgrgA4wxTIw3lii?si=petZxmzYQWyjOR3OVa11Rw

Image Credits
Tynaya Cossie, Javier Rodriguez, Ahsan Khan