Oddisee (Amir Mohamed el Khalifa) is a Washington, D.C.–based rapper, producer, and bandleader acclaimed for his thoughtful lyricism, rich musicality, and genre-blending approach to hip-hop. Born to a Sudanese father and an African-American mother, and raised
between the D.C./Maryland area and summers in Sudan, Oddisee brings a distinctly global perspective to his work—one that explores identity, belonging, social consciousness, and personal growth with clarity and emotional depth.
Musically, Oddisee operates at the intersection of hip-hop, jazz, soul, funk, and go-go, combining live instrumentation with sample-based production and incisive storytelling. His Sudanese heritage plays a subtle but vital role in shaping his worldview, informing a body of work that resonates across cultures while remaining grounded in lived experience. This crosscultural sensibility has helped establish Oddisee as a singular voice within contemporary
independent hip-hop.
A prolific and consistent artist, Oddisee has built a respected catalog defined by depth and longevity rather than trends. His recent album To What End (2023) marked a reflective and socially aware chapter in his career, followed by And Yet Still (EP, 2024) and En Route (EP,
2025)—projects that continue his exploration of purpose, movement, and artistic evolution. Throughout his career, Oddisee has collaborated with a wide range of respected artists across hip-hop, soul, and jazz, reflecting his versatility and cross-genre appeal. Notable collaborators include Bilal, Freeway, Phonte, Little Brother, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Talib Kweli, and Royce da 5’9″. These collaborations underscore Oddisee’s standing within the global hip-hop and soul community as both a peer and a creative partner.
Renowned for his compelling live performances, Oddisee regularly tours internationally, performing both solo and with his live band Good Compny. His shows are celebrated for their musical precision, dynamic arrangements, and strong audience connection—bridging hip-hop with jazz improvisation and soul-driven energy. Beyond music, Oddisee’s creative reach extends into broader cultural spaces. Most recently, he participated in the Doha Film Festival, highlighting his growing engagement with international arts platforms and cross-disciplinary storytelling. With a career defined by independence, integrity, and artistic longevity, Oddisee continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining a deep connection to community, culture, and craft.
