The guy from little known Orlando, Florida who still stays true to his roots and affection with Pakistan. He recently did a remix, that went viral, of MGK & Waka Flockas “Wild Boy” which was simply titled “Pakistani”. This song hit hard and sent a clear message to everyone, Pakistani or not, by saying "Naw b*tch I‘m not a desi / Naw b*tch I‘m not a Paki / I‘m a Pakistani". Seriously this is one remix that raised and empowered Pakistanis living abroad. Not only did his remix garner an amazing audience response (including the top spot on the North American channel ’Jadoo TV’) but his other songs like “The Balance”, “I’m Zoning”, “Barack Osama” and of course “Desi Thumka“ got great responses as well. Literally there’s no such rapper like him in Pakistan. The way he remixes mainstream songs (Munni, Chor Bazaari, Rack City) and makes them his own are simply dope. Thumbs up for OCL!
Here are a few words I had with Osama:
Name: Osama Karamat (if I feel like getting fancy I'll say Syed Osama Karamat Ali Shah, and no I'm not Shia)
Nickname: O, OCL, Superman
D.O.B: October 26th, 1987
Favorite dish: A close tie between my mothers cooking, chicken alfredo & high quality beef steaks
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Rapping? Tell us what is it to you?
Rapping to me is my way of
expressing each and every emotion I feel in that moment in time. I went with my words whatever it is I wanna say. It was also my
way of conquering a very shy childhood. I was always a creative person in and out but was too shy to do anything about it but rapping help me suppress my shyness to some extent and unleash the beast within.
Why did you choose rapping there are many genres as well?
Although I've listened to all kinds of genres growing up, except country music, rap/hip-hop was the one kind of genre which really widened my eyes the first time I listened to it. It was the one genre which I could probably relate myself to the most. To hear these guys talk about their lives and all the tough times some of them face or even good positive things through intricate rhyme schemes and powerful wordplay backed up by amazing beats was just pure magic to my ears. It showed me an outlet I could turn to when I wanted to vent my emotions & experiences.
What are your lyrics about?
Most of my lyrics are very positive & about having a good time. Hip-hop is heavily braggadocio so my style is a tad similar to that. I seldom get into my personal life & experiences but when I do I make sure my words & rhymes have true depth & meaning behind them.
Who are your inspirations?
My biggest inspirations in hip-hop are Eminem & Nelly.
What are the major performances you have performed till now?
Well I've opened for Imran Khan and recently Edward Maya. I've also opened & performed on stage with Ali Zafar (we did a remix version of 'Sajania'). Also I opened for T-Pain before coming to Pakistan in 2006 at a university concert.
What do you prefer working with a band or a solo artist?
Its definitely working with a solo artist cause for me personally that's just more feasible. Two people can stay in touch 1 on 1 all the time and never have any kinda misconceptions or drama.
Any upcoming videos/surprise for your fans?
Although I'm currently pressed for time on my trip back home to Orlando, I'm supposed to be getting some videos done, definitely not leaving till I get a good one.
What are your plans for future? A rapper or some other work?
Right now I just released the first single off my upcoming EP this past Eid. Now the plan is to hopefully release another single + video and then following that the entire EP. After that I have some more exciting ventures I'll be going on that I can't say just yet.
“Pakistani” was a great video by you. How did you came up with such a great idea?
Well the idea has been instilled within me since I was a kid. My father is ex-Pakistani army so he's always raised me and siblings to love our country and cherish the culture. So then one time I was listening to the original "Wild Boy" and in my mind I'm already putting 2 and 2 together. The idea for the hook came to me shortly after and I was like wow I gotta record this remix. What I'm saying on the chorus of the song is honestly how I personally feel that no I'm not a paki, desi or brown person, I'm a Pakistani. That's just something I've grown up on and accepted as a part of my everyday philosophy.
Now you are almost a known personality of Isloo/Pakistan, how does it feels when you don’t know people and they know you?
Its unreal to be perfectly honest. I've been at this music thing for a while in a group first with 2 of my best friends. So when I decided to come to PK to study none of us were sure if we'd pursue solo path. And just I've been lucky & blessed enough to get opportunity after opportunity that I've capitalized on.
Compare OCL and Adil Omar.
We're not comparable at all. He's got his own style and I've got my own. According to our mutual friends, "Osama has that smooth slick style whereas Adil is more hardcore and gritty. Great kid, good friend of mine and honestly if you REALLY wanna compare us then you might as well measure our heights.
Where do you see yourself in next few years?
Done with med school, working in a good health program for my residency, and to be a solid good artist with a solid good fan base.
Any message for your fans?
I love you guys, I wish I could meet every single one. Keep supporting my music & keep telling your moms friends grandmother. Follow me on Twitter
http://twitter.com/OsamaComLaude
Views about Islo Times?
Honestly I still haven't read much about you guys so I'm looking forward to following your updates now.
Labels: Interviews, Youth
