The rise of Ghana-born and Australian-bred artist Genesis Owusu is more akin to a meteor shower in more ways than one. The first is how rare it is to come across an artist like this, a hybrid of life experiences and musical influences boiled down to one consistently entertaining and ever-evolving sound, and the second is how quickly it was for his music to grab the hearts of just about every music fan under the sun. Born Kofi Owusu-Ansah, Genesis Owusu’s music feels futuristic while also being anchored in the artist’s reality. He first began to see his music get attention back in 2017 when his unique marriage of funk, hip-hop, and R&B first hit our ears via a string of successful singles. These singles culminated on his 2017 EP Cardrive, a quick yet exciting starting point for an artist whose potential seemed limitless even this early in their career.
The story goes that Genesis Owusu was worried about being perceived as another R&B act floating through the genre. To prevent this, he assembled a live band consisting of session musicians and EDM DJs in order to uncover the immense sonic palette he uses today. To say his vocals are versatile would be an understatement, Owusu is able to find deep pockets over hazy boom-bap-inspired hip-hop just as well as he can craft infectious melodies over bouncy, bright funk. In 2021, the artist gave us an opus of a debut album Smiling with No Teeth. The conceptual LP had Owusu’s diversity on full display while also showing how forward-thinking he is as an artist, crafting an album that finds consistency in a narrative rather than surface-level sonics. The fantastic outing got extended a few months later when the album’s deluxe edition, Missing Molars, added five new songs to the album. The discography Owusu has built since he entered the spotlight is nothing short of extraordinary and he looks to continue his hot streak this Friday (August 18) with STRUGGLER. The artist’s sophomore LP is already one of the most anticipated of the year and its singles, “Leaving The Light” and “Tied Up”, are already delivering on the promise of something special.
Before we all crack open STRUGGLER this Friday (Aug 11), Glide wants to make sure everyone is caught up on the magic of Genesis Owusu. Here are our picks for the ten essential Genesis Owusu tracks, in order of their release date, ahead of what is promising to be a fantastic sophomore LP.
Song: “Sideways”
Album: Single
Released: 2017
Going back to where it all started, “Sideways” was the world’s first time giving Genesis Owusu’s music the attention it deserves. Despite this being his first big single, the reason for it landing on our essentials list is deeper than that. His melodies are almost as off-kilter as the simple yet flexible instrumental and its repetitive lyrics only add to the deep grooves on display here. You can hear his signature vocals start to take shape as the harmonious outro is the first step to Owusu realizing his full range as a vocalist.
Song: “Void”
Album: Cardrive EP
Released: 2017
There is no stopping this freight train of a track. A jazzy bridge breaks up Owusu’s onslaught of high-level lyricism delivered with enough passion for any other song you’ve heard that lacked this kind of energy. This track is a standout from his early days due to its unconventional structure and the fiery delivery that is juxtaposed by his skeptical lyrics.
Song: “Blue Pill”
Album: Cardrive EP
Released: 2017
Juxtaposing our first pick, “Blue Pill” shows the origins of Owusu and how he has evolved over the years. One of the more sentimental tracks in his discography, the track shows a more introspective side of the artist without having Owusu over-explain himself. Featuring one of the better hooks we’ve heard from him so far, “Blue Pill” shows the early signs of the depth of Owusu’s artistry.
Song: “Don’t Need You”
Album: Smiling with No Teeth
Released: 2020
A lead single from his highly-acclaimed debut LP, “Don’t Need You” begins to sum up the diversity of Genesis Owusu. His falsettos transition into light-hearted flows delivered in a baritone voice, combining for a display of melodies and harmonies that are as vibrant as the first rainbow of spring. “Don’t Need You” also shows Owusu’s ability to pen damn-near-perfect pop hits that are tinged with his tireless need for innovative arrangements.
Song: “Back Seat” (Feat. Anna Lunoe)
Album: Single
Released: 2021
You can add raves to the list of places where Genesis Owusu’s vocals feel at home. Teaming up with the incomparable producer Anna Lunoe, Owusu slides all over a hyper-active dance track that keeps up with the deadpan yet entertaining delivery deployed by Owusu. “Back Seat” shows yet another side of the artist while also proving his thirst for new sonics and sounds.
Song: “Black Dogs!”
Album: Smiling with No Teeth
Released: 2021
Here, we can hear how working with an open-minded live band was the final piece to Owusu’s artistic puzzle. The exclamation point in “Black Dogs!” is more than necessary as the artist glides over a hectic beat with a cartoonish delivery, creating the feeling of punk while fitting right into his usual sound. The aggression of the track is soothed over by high-pitched backing vocals while Owusu delivers a lively set of rhymes that jump out as soon as you press play.
Song: “I Don’t See Colour”
Album: Smiling with No Teeth
Released: 2021
This socially-conscious cut explores Genesis Owusu’s experience as a Black man navigating a world out to hold his race back. “I Don’t See Colour” is a tongue-in-cheek title for a track filled with examples of how ignoring race is not the answer to racism. His storytelling is at an all-time high on this minimal instrumental that has the artist showcasing yet another side of his songwriting.
Song: “Fallen Branches”
Album: Missing Molars
Released: 2021
Easily one of Owusu’s finest displays of off-kilter hip-hop, “Fallen Branches” puts the artist’s passion before anything else. Falling in line with his love for bending and twisting instrumentals, Owusu allows his vocals to live separately from the beat and parade around the screeching synths and unconventional structure. Not taking anything away from this particular instrumental but “Fallen Branches” shows how quickly the artist can slide into incredible flows only to transition into heaven-sent vocalizations.
Song: “Same Thing”
Album: Missing Molars
Released: 2021
A highlight from the deluxe version of his immaculate debut, Owusu is in rare form on “Same Thing”. The funk-driven track features a jumping bassline that is greeted with more of his expertly crafted backing vocals that always seem to creep in at just the right moment. This track also features a spoken word section from Owusu himself, showing another selection from his ever-growing bag of vocal deliveries.
Song: “Hole Heart”
Album: Single
Released: 2023
A deep cut that might’ve gotten brushed over due to the excitement of his incoming sophomore LP, “Hole Heart” shows Owusu’s love for melodic jazz. Recorded for NME & Bose’s C23 mixtape that featured their selections for the future of music, this single is another example of Owusu’s gentle side. Easily one of his best hooks, the verses are filled with sleek rhyme schemes that glimmer against the sinfully sweet arrangement. Despite this being a B-side, “Hole Heart” is essential listening before the release of STRUGGLER due to the infectious hook and smooth melodies.
