As a member of Lootpack, Wildchild helped define the sound of underground hip-hop in the late 90s and beyond. He’s continued to make music since, and this week sees the release of Wildchild’s new album, Omowale. Today we’re bringing you the premiere of the latest video from the album, produced by Nottz, which you watch below. Then read our Wildchild interview to hear him talk about Omowale’s concept, working with his son, his friendship with Madlib, and more.
Omowale is hard-hitting and emotional at times, in a way that a lot of hip-hop today refuses to be. Describe the concept of the album, and how it relates to what is happening in the world right now and in the past.
Omowale is a combination of my personal journey as well as other black men in America and how we are treated. The more important part of the journey is how I personally navigate living and progressing in a positive manner to overcome the stigma most black men feel who go through these things. In today’s society Black men in general still struggle with the same obstacles stemming from racism, injustice, and inequality as our ancestors have went through. The difference is that today, there is more evidence of these situations due to social media and exposure of the lack of accountability from the “bad apples” in law enforcement.
That said, there’s also happiness and positivity on the record, like on “G.O.A.T,” which also features your son, Miles Brown, best known to most as Jack Johnson in Black-ish. Having your son join you on the mic must have been a special moment?
Yes, having my son Miles collaborate with me was special. The best part was we kept it honest but without choking each other out lol! We ruin so many family gatherings the moment either of us bring up the G.O.A.T. dispute between LeBron & Michael Jordan. I love Miles’ passion about what he believes in. Since Miles was about six years old, he would drop stat after stat where LeBron surpassed MJ. I also have a better respect for LeBron even off the court, which led to me giving in to LeBron being considered as a G.O.A.T. amongst the Mt. Rushmore of G.O.A.T.s that came before him. Miles lost his mind when I did that! The dope outcome which is reflected on the song’s outro is we both agreed that Kobe deserved to be included in that G.O.A.T. conversation.
One obvious highlight from the album is “Fatherhood,” not only because of the message about the importance of fathers in the lives of Black children, but also in that it features both Big Daddy Kane and Posdnous. How did that song develop?
During Quarantine I reached out to both Pos and Kane and mentioned my personal stories of being with my son so many times and being told how people were surprised that I am present is an awkward compliment in their eyes. This resonated with them and being they have children themselves in the later part of their lives it made sense to speak on the celebration of black fathers which is rarely done because of the negative stereotypes in black households. We wanted to show the other side of that stereotype and also explain how a black father could guide their son or daughter away from racial injustice. Stacy Epps came on board last to speak from the mind of mothers who support black fathers. This support also needs more spotlight.
The last single, “Manifestin,” is produced by Madlib. I’m curious to know if you and Otis have remained close in the years since Lootpack, or was Omowale a chance for you to reconnect?
Yes, Otis (Madlib) will forever be my brother, DJ Romes as well. We came up together, traveled the world together, etc. and have always supported one another. The blessing to me is that our kids and wives are cool with one another. Omowale was definitely a chance to reconnect music wise with Madlib, but outside of music, we’ve always kept the bond tight which I’m thankful for.
I’m excited to see that Omowale also features a lot of production from Georgia Anne Muldrow, who’s production work is finally getting wider attention thanks to her recent project with Elzhi. I know she has long-time connections with Lootpack through Dudley Perkins/Declaime, but tell me about your relationship with her in the studio, and how you guys work.
Georgia Anne Muldrow I believe is ahead of her time. She reminds me of a hip-hop version of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’s long lost sister! We worked together for the first time on my T.G.I.F.(Thank God It’s funky) LP. This time around it was seamless with asking her for beats to choose from which I appreciated from her. I actually requested different tracks over a two year span during quarantine to make sure the selections matched the vibe of the overall energy of the album. Georgia is the definition of funk meets hip-hop.
The album ends with “Say Their Name,” which pays tribute to artists we’ve lost. It brings home just how many rappers have passed away over the years (and it isn’t even the full list!). Was it a difficult song to make?
“Say Their Name” was the last song added to the album. As the project was in its last phase of recording I felt like most in hip-hop, where we kept losing someone who we grew up with or idolized or respected. The common thing with each person was they left us too soon. It seemed like natural causes weren’t even involved as you first would think. The song was mixed, mastered and turned in even though week after week another name kept adding to the list of someone we lost. May they all Rest in Beats as we hopefully continue to Say Their Name.
Omowale is your first album in a while. Do you feel reinvigorated and inspired? Can we expect more new music?
With Omowale, I feel a sense of purpose to speak from a place where others like me don’t have a voice that’s heard. I feel a sense of urgency to speak on accountability for those lost to police injustice. I feel a sense of peace to teach my kids at the same time so they’re aware of the strength they need to shine in America. And most importantly I feel a sense of healing to release negative energy with a sense of positivity through music.
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Omowale is out Friday, March 24 and you can buy it here. Follow Wildchild on Twitter and Instagram. Interview by Grown Up Rap Editor Ben Pedroche.