Getting together over eight years back in 2014, Reading-based brotherhood OSP – comprised of Esa Kwame (rapper, beat maker), J Blackz (rapper, singer-songwriter, beat maker), Silqe (rapper, beat maker), and Subject (producer, engineer) has consistently been out to try and create hip-hop and grime that spins a positive influence into the scene. The acronym in the title itself only refers to the three words ‘Only Speak Positive’. A while back I had the pleasure to cover the infectious flow and fire spitting chorus that was ‘Fill it Up’. Now, hearing the record in full, it’s great to hear OSP deliver the same level of dexterity in both the lyricism and flow of their self titled debut EP.
On the more mellow piano driven instrumentation on Breathe alongside its soothing chorus, you’re drawn into OSP with a track that’s kind of soothing and makes you start introspecting. Fill it Up comes right after, with its high energy and head bang worthy chorus that has you moving with the beat uncontrollably. The newest release, ‘When?’ sees the piano really taking a leading role on the piece. It serves as a guiding point, a north star, and also a bedrock upon which the rest of the piece is able to find a road to walk on. The verse that starts around the second minute is one of the most impressive set of bars I’ve come across all year.
Matching impressive skill with a unique stylistic take on predominant hip-hop melodies, OSP’s positive and uplifting message and melody is bound to get any hip-hop fan on their side. It feels liberating, but it’s far from corny. Punchy and poignant at the same time, it’s a record to reckon with.