Odeal Credits Common for Teaching Him How to Actually Say Something

There's a difference between an artist who raps and an artist who writes. Odeal clearly understands that distinction — and according to a new interview with XXL, he's got Common to thank for it.

In a candid breakdown of his musical DNA, Odeal points to the Chicago legend as a foundational influence on how he constructs his songs. And honestly? That lineage makes all the sense in the world once you sit with his music.

The Common Blueprint

Common has always been that artist's artist. The guy who made you feel like every bar had a reason to exist — nothing wasted, nothing filler. His run from Resurrection through Like Water for Chocolate is basically a masterclass in intentional lyricism. If you're a writer studying the craft, you're studying that era.

What Odeal seems to have absorbed isn't just the conscious content — it's the architecture. The way Common builds a song around a central idea and lets every verse, hook, and bridge serve that idea. That's a rare skill, especially in a streaming era where artists are often incentivized to front-load the hook and coast.

Genre-Blending With Purpose

Odeal isn't a straight-up hip-hop artist, which is part of what makes this influence so interesting. He moves between sounds — pulling from R&B, soul, and beyond — but the Common influence reportedly keeps him anchored to substance. You can blend genres all day, but if the writing isn't there, the seams show.

That balance — melody meeting message — is exactly where the most durable artists live. Think about who's still being talked about five, ten years after their debut. It's almost always the ones who had something to say alongside something to feel.

Why This Matters Right Now

We're in a moment where the culture is genuinely hungry for artists who can do both. The streams and the substance. The bop and the bars. Odeal positioning himself in that lane — and being transparent about the giants whose shoulders he's standing on — is a smart move, but more importantly, it's an honest one.

Giving your flowers to Common while you're still on the come-up? That's not just humility — that's telling the audience exactly what kind of artist you intend to be.

Keep your eye on Odeal. The influences are elite. Now let's see if the output matches.

Editor's note: Written in response to reporting by XXL Mag. Read the original at https://www.xxlmag.com/odeal-interview/