Dubai-based Michigan-raised rapper/producer Omar Awbu f/k/a bigOmuziq returns with his new project Project 001, a 17-track body of work released under his new moniker. The project title is a reference to the latest phase Omar is going through as he reintroduces himself to the world. The tracks are a blend of retrospective, heartfelt and relatable tunes that help bring audiences closer to his life as an artist and a young man.

“GettUp” is the first track on the project and it sets the tone perfectly with its sombre and reflective aesthetic. The dusty jazzy piano samples and dusty drum groove form the backdrop for Omar’s poignant lyrics about resilience and how having a never-say-die attitude goes a long way. The next track is “DPWM”, which starts with a muffled vocal sample and a steady drum groove. Here, Omar pours adulations on that special someone and asks them not to play with his feelings. We then go to “FutureMemories”, a storytelling piece that takes audiences into a what-if situation where Omar meets a handful of his rap idols and the different memories he has stuck in his head. The production here is dynamic and experimental, as the track moves from one section to another with a plethora of sounds and samples.  Tracks like the bright “Splendid” and the motivational “Candid” showcase Omar’s versatility as a songwriter. The former sees him appreciating the small mercies, from being healthy to being able to see his family while the latter is a poignant look at what true freedom is.

The project continues with hard-hitting tracks that explore a host of topics like the self-revolutionary themes of “MYndState” and the nostalgia-inducing “ReClaimed” where Omar displays his pen game as he dips into his diary to share some interesting thoughts with a touch of stream of consciousness. The soulful guitar licks on “Wings” set the tone for Omar’s poetic raps ripe with wordplay and engaging themes that audiences can relate to. The next track “Schmoove” is a slick soulful tune that showcases Omar’s stylish flow and cheerful lyrics about shaking off the haters and detractors. Omar continues to balance introspection with a playful demeanour as seen on tracks like the heartfelt “Really I’m” and “4Momma” where he pays tribute to his mother and appreciates all the lessons she taught him.

The aptly titled “Grateful” sees Omar being grateful for everything he has and how coming from a poor background helped him develop his sense of appreciation. Over the soulful backdrop, he shares a heartfelt story with lines like “How you gonna know rich if you don’t know broke/Now you know you gotta know shit to know what’s gold”. In “SoulsOrbit”, Omar leads us into the never-ending journey of life and the ups and downs that come with it. The final track “OneChild” is a piano-driven introspective piece that anchors on self-determination, family values and growth. Other notable tracks include “DPWM- PM Version”, and the solemn “Made Of Light” which uses a familiar sample and sees Omar sharing his deepest thoughts on love, life and how connected humans are. The bright pop sounds of “SunShine” are prevalent and are anchored on catchy melodies and uplifting themes that remind us of our inner light.

Overall Project 001 helps Omar set the stage for what’s next as he gives audiences a deep dive into his life and the things that make him tick. He is currently working on the follow-up Project 002 and an instrumental album entitled ADHD Tape.