There’s a line of rappers eager to make it in the rap and HipHop game. Though, only a few of them have what it takes to become the next biggest rap star. Isaiah Dukes aka Chicago rapper Lil Zay Osama caused quite the buzz after dropping his debut album Hood Bible in 2019. Furthermore, the more pop-sounding project may have put the former Chicago drill rapper on the map.
Though, his latest music makes way for a more gritty and real narrative. Known for dropping “pain music,” Osama’s introduction to music started with his tough upbringing. Born in a single-mother household, to five other siblings, in a bad part of town, Osama knew he had to change his situation.
He worked hard to provide for his family. Whether that meant selling newspapers to playing bucket drums, he’d do it. In addition to running the streets, he also worked long hours in the studio. Thanks to his cousin, he started rapping at an early age. By the early 2010s, he earned the title as a young standout act, earning his place in Chicago’s drill music scene. Eventually, Osama’s diss tracks and countless other offerings caught the attention of YouTube viewers. More importantly, he inked a deal with Warner Records.
However, Osama’s bad deeds soon caught up with him. The then teenager was shot in the streets and sentenced to a Juvenile Detention Center. Though, being locked up didn’t stop the rapper from pursuing his dreams. He continued to write new music and work on his craft. After his release, Osama reverted back to his criminal activity. Though, this time, he used whatever money he scrounged up to pay for studio fees and music videos. Of course, he could face jail time again but, in the end, that notion didn’t matter.
In the end, Osama’s dedication to his music career has remained one of the rapper’s biggest strengths. Having dropped emotive, street narratives, Osama has been regarded as one of the most captivating young voices in the rap scene. Tracks like “Changed Up,” “Loyalty” and his Trench Baby series has only cemented his placement.
Furthermore, Lil Zay Osama’s Trench Baby 3 album finds the rapper in his element. The rapper continues his street narrative with gripping and honest retellings of betrayal and death.
Lil Zay Osama Talks About His Pain With No Filter
At 23-years-old, Lil Zay Osama has plenty to get off his chest. The Chicago rapper doesn’t sugar-code the fact that he carries a lot of emotional baggage. At a young age, he’s had to use a gun and make certain life choices that could’ve ended his life. Through all the trauma and hardships, though, Osama still remains standing at the end of the day.
While Lil Zay Osama has always dropped “pain music,” his Trenches Baby 3 record finds the rapper continuing his street narrative. Furthermore, the rapper discusses everything from gritty retellings of his crimes to the more honest and painful confessionals. Arguably tracks like “Real Pain” and “My Story” show more depth to Osama’s narrative, touching on vulnerable subjects like family and struggling through life’s challenges.
It’s refreshing to see rappers like Lil Zay Osama changing the scope of the rap scene, where there’s so many misconceptions surrounding the music genre. Rap music will always be unapologetic and even at times offensive, but now rappers are tuning into their vulnerabilities. Hopefully the trend continues with countless others like Lil Zay Osama.
The Chicago Artist Makes Songs That Speak To The People
Tracks with meaningful offerings tend to always do better. While some artists make tracks just for the money and fame, Lil Zay Osama differs from those other artists. He knows that material things can’t make him happier or solve all of his problems.
Though, Osama he knows that his music comes from his heart, which is worth more to him than any million-dollar mansion. “My music speaks to people from my community. I’m not just talking about stuff that I went through, like sleeping on the floor, being in shootouts, or having my cousin steal from me. That is stuff they go through daily. I’m speaking to people’s hearts, speaking to their souls.” In other words, Lil Zay Osama stays in the trenches. Though, he doesn’t let his hardships stop him from pursuing his rap career. Be sure to check out more music from the Chicago rapper.
