OMB Peezy on "Hood Essentials", Working with King Von & New Music

Today, OMB Peezy comes through for an exclusive Hype Off Life interview. Originally from Mobile, Alabama Peezy moved to the Bay area when he was young allowing him to draw on a wide range of musical influences. After catching E-40’s attention, he was signed to the Bay Area legend’s Sick Wid It Records/300 Entertainment.

From then on the sky has been the limit for OMB Peezy, as he lets his dynamic personality shine in everything he does.  Since his debut project, ‘Preacher 2 The Streets’, Peezy has collaborated with the likes of Lil Boosie, Lil Durk, T.I., Sada Baby, G-Eazy, NBA Youngboy and more. In addition to dropping his “In The Meantime” mixtape, this year found OMB Peezy releasing a hella funny YouTube series, “Hood Essentials”, where he explored food and other real life topics.

Most recently, Peezy released the remix of his viral single “Big Homie” with Jackboy and King Von (RIP). Already running up the digits with over 2 Million views, the remix is poised to follow in the original’s footsteps (29 million views) with Jackboy and King Von’s added perspective. “Big Homie” will be featured on OMB Peezy's upcoming project “Too Deep For Tears”. With guest appearances from some of today’s realest rappers, like Blacc Youngsta, YFN Lucci and Mozzy, the project is sure to be something fans will keep on repeat. 

So, it was only right to catch up with OMB Peezy see what’s up with “Too Deep For Tears” and get his thoughts on E-40’s mentorship, getting it out the mud, plus the all important question of will there be another season of “Hood Essentials.” Tap in below.

Photo credit: Shane McCauley

Thanks for coming through! So, you just dropped the “Big Homie” remix with King Von and Jackboy, which already has millions of streams. How that collab come about?

Me and King Von have a relationship, that’s my brother so coming together for a collaboration was easy. Me and Jackboy have been rocking for a while now so having him on the “Big Homie” remix was fitting. I don’t hang with too many people, so it means something when I could have Von and Jackboy on a track with me.

What do you respect the most about each artist?

I respect everyone doing their thing and trying to better their lives, but I respect King Von and Jackboy because I can relate to them.

How would you say living in Alabama and the Bay influences your sound today?

Being in those areas, I got to see a lot and experience a lot, and they all contribute to my music. I get to experience different sounds from the south and from The Bay, and  they influence my style and delivery.

How has E-40's mentorship since signing to Sick Wid It Records help grow you career and open doors for you?

I feel like signing to Sick Wid It opened a lot of doors for me, and being around E-40 I got to soak up some game and meet a lot of different people. He told me to keep putting out music, because something’s gonna stick at the right time, and stay consistent. It’s a blessing so far.

You’ve put out plenty of bangers like, “Struggle”, “Reminder” and “Doin Bad”, featuring NBA YoungBoy. Out of all of he songs you’ve made, which one are you most proud of?

Actually, I’m most proud of “Big Homie” because it was a spur of the moment type of sh*t with that track. There was no big marketing plan behind it, just put the song together, shot a video, and put it out there, and it got a lot of love.

Which one did way better than you initially thought it would?

“Lay Down” is that one for me. It’s the one that kicked things off for my career. At the time, to make it big was just a dream. Even with the success of “Lay Down”, it didn’t hit me that my life was changing until maybe a year ago. I never really looked forward to or hoped for anything growing up, I didn’t care much. Now I’m doing everything that I wanted to do, that’s crazy.

In addition to dropping good music, you also have your YouTube series, “Hood Essentials” which is very funny and informative. How did that idea come about?

Honestly, it just happened, no planning or anything like that. It was my friend’s idea as far as I know. Not tooting my own horn, but I got a good personality, and these videos helped to show a different side to me as people think I’m unapproachable. I love the feedback from the series though, and I might do another season. I also see some rappers trying to steal the wave, but they can’t do what I do.

Speaking of new content, you have a new project coming out soon, “Too Deep For Tears”. What does that title mean to you?

That title means a lot to me because I feel like when I’m too deep in a situation, I have to just take whatever the end result is. Can’t cry over spilled milk. It’s like, one of my cousins is doing 99 years for some sh*t. Before that he was serving time for something else, it’s too deep for tears. That situation is where I got the saying from, a lot of stuff that happened in my life, are summed up in that saying for real.

What type of stories and motivation can fans expect to hear?

I just find different ways to express and explain my experiences to people in my music. I can’t do certain types of music so whatever I’m going through or been through, I just have to present in a way for the fans every time. Some of us share similar stories, so I have to just stand out with it and not sound like everybody else.

How would you say you’ve grown as an artist and person since putting out your debut project, “Preacher To The Streets”?

I’ve grown a lot. I’ve learned how to communicate with people more, be more understanding, I’ve been reading more, and it has helped me to hold proper conversations and expand my vocabulary. I don’t limit myself anymore, so I do what’s necessary for my growth personally and for my career. When I’m recording, I’m finding new ways to deliver my message and my lyrics now. I’ve done a lot of self development since then. In addition to this, my favorite books are “How To Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie, and “Think & Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.

What advice do you have for others looking to get it out the mud?

Just be yourself, don’t let anyone try to determine who you are. Know yourself before you try to win people over. A lot of people run with this facade and have no real identity, but that don’t last long, learn about who you really are before anything.

Anything else we should know before you go?

I’m still on that “FUCK A NIGGA MAMA AND GRANDMA” type sh*t, I’m from the Orange Grove Projects, and a n*gga can’t stop me!