Navy Blue being an independent artist has always seemed to fit him better. Being such a talented name in New York’s underground scene did get him a deal with Def Jam Recordings a couple of years ago. However, the relationship was short-lived, as the 27-year-old was dropped from the major label. But as we said, the “Chosen” MC is more of a hidden gem than a blatant superstar. It seems Navy Blue enjoys being the former based on a recent IG post about his new album Memoirs In Armour. This album was initially an 8 track EP, in response to the fact that the album I had worked so hard on for the past 2 years wasn’t able to come out”, he began.
“I’m grateful to have been inspired enough to make this album within the past few months. Due to the shift in circumstances, this project became a refuge to me. I hope you enjoy it. I’m happy to be putting this album out independently —the way I had always intended to be releasing music”. Overall, you certainly tell that Memoirs In Armour is just that as Navy Blue is openly introspective. He talks about his career, his past struggles mentally and physically, in addition to life advice. Also making the album a hit is the equally thought-provoking instrumentals which are airy and dreamy. Blue’s consistently detailed writing mixed with the aforementioned beats are a great combo making this a standout in his catalog and a stellar return after a rough transitional period.
Putting people on to new artists is one of the great joys of being a music listener. Selfishly, it brings a sense of validation to your tastes. But, on a grander scale, it brings people together in an almost indescribable way. Music has powers that bring us joy and a sense of wonder. That is why we are excited to bring a new artist to the site today. He goes by Ovrkast. and if that names sounds familiar to you, that is because he played a big role in a major release.
Outside of being a rapper, Ovrkast. is also a producer. He was able to showcase his beat-making talents on Drake’s most recent album. When For All The Dogs Scary Hours Edition dropped, that is when he made some appearances. He helped engineer “Red Button” and “The Shoe Fits.” Based on the approach that Drake went in for those additional tracks, Ovrkast. is good at making instrumentals with a more jazzy and low-key feeling to them.
However, Ovrkast. is not a fish out of the water on more contemporary trap-inspired beats either. His newest single “January,” featuring fellow undergrounder Navy Blue, is a mixture of both. There is a soulful “January” background vocal that weaves in and out of the bouncy and bassy beat. He is a multi-talented name that deserves some attention throughout the year, so be sure to check this out.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “January,” by Ovrkast. and Navy Blue? Is this one of the best songs of his career so far, why or why not? Could there be an album in the works? What is your favorite element of the song and why? Who had the better verse and why? Are both artists going to take a big leap toward stardom this year? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Ovrkast. and Navy Blue. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Sage Elsesser (better known as Navy Blue) curated an introspective sound that is a far echo from his days skateboarding for Converse. The LA-born MC became a household name in the indie rap scene with the critically acclaimed Navy’s Reprise. However, Elsesser’s wide-ranged creative influences go well beyond rap. He’s dabbled in the spheres of modeling, fashion, and acting. It’s a heck of a resume for a 26-year-old. Discussing his creative interests on the Internet People Live show with Zack Fox, he stated, “Everything I do all feels the same to me. It all serves the same purpose in my life.”
This wide portfolio enabled him to collaborate with an array of influential artists — Earl Sweatshirt, billy woods, The Alchemist, and even Frank Ocean. However, he prefers not to capitalize on this rich social circle from a musical perspective. Opting to keep his thematic ideas to himself, Navy Blue is inherently a self-starter rather than one that relies on the people around him. Ways of Knowing is Navy Blue’s first major-label release under Def Jam Recordings, a project that speaks volumes to Elsesser’s poetic talent.
Navy Blue’s move to Brooklyn at the age of 12 had an evident influence on his sound. Even though he grew up in Los Angeles, his music leans closer to his East Coast contemporaries such as MIKE or billy woods. Ways of Knowing is his most personal project to date: an in-depth analysis of how his relationship with his parents shaped his adulthood. He’s acutely aware of the influence a child’s home life has on their outlook as they grow older. Navy Blue’s relationship with his family is portrayed as multi-faceted. However, Ways of Knowing is ultimately an ode of gratitude to his parents.
Ways of Knowing Is Intentionally Uplifting
Over the past few years, much of the narrative in rap left audiences feeling defeated. Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers tackles transgenderism, child molestation, and Black trauma and compacts it into a double-disc listen. Earl Sweatshirt’s Sick! confronts the struggles of post-pandemic life. Throughout Ways of Knowing, Navy Blue seems fed up with this continuous dark cloud hovering over the genre these days. He stated, “I don’t really want to be remembered as this stoic guy who’s perpetually reflecting on his trauma and Black plight, you know? I want to make something that makes people smile out of joy, rather than smile in grief.” Of course, the sobering themes explored in hip-hop are merely a reflection of reality. However, Navy Blue is looking to leave his audience with a sense of hope.
Ways of Knowing is an indie summer album that one could listen to on a hammock for hours. The record is rooted in R&B, more so than any of his previous projects. Navy Blue rides sample-heavy beats which blend the worlds of soul and jazz. Def Jam may have hoped he beefed up this record with mainstream features and an accessible sound. However, Ways of Knowing is anything but that. Navy Blue brings in experimental indie-soul artists such as Budgie and Liv.e to execute his vision.
An Ode To His Family
From the subdued piano keys on “The Medium” to the smooth sampling on “Phases,” Budgie’s production never fails to impress. No track sounds the same, making Ways of Knowing thoroughly unpredictable and engaging. While his direct family is the primary source of narrative on the project, Navy Blue also talks about his past relationships with women. On “The One,” he ruminates on the end of his longest-lasting relationship. He states, “Always here for you / I’ll always love you just like that light that’s always there for you.” His approach to addressing previous partners is one of appreciation and love, rather than spite. The perspective is a unique and refreshing one in the grand scheme of hip-hop’s usual bravado.
Navy Blue’s portrayal of pain is multi-faceted throughout Ways of Knowing. Whether it be depression or heartbreak, he reflects on these experiences as valuable life lessons. He states, “Depression had me down and out, had to grab it by the tusks.” However, the pain is still there, as he states in “Embers.” “I miss my Mama, Grandma, and Pa so much / I see em’ in my dreams every single night.” A sonic blend of soul and jazz, the production itself is an ode to those who came before him. His most intimate record to date, Navy Blue’s Ways of Knowing is an early contender for rap album of the year.
Earl Sweatshirt has seemingly been laying low since the 2019 release of his Feet Of Clay EP — save for a few guest spots throughout 2020 and an appearance on Armand Hammer’s Alchemist-produced 2021 album Haram — but the wandering wordsmith has returned to once again collaborate with The Alchemist on the latter’s upcoming EP, This Thing of Ours, due next Friday, April 30. The track, called “Nobles,” features a trademark, soulful Alchemist beat and an appearance by rapper/skater Navy Blue.
Earl previously collaborated with The Alchemist on “The Whole World” from the deluxe version of Feet Of Clay featuring Maxo, as well as on Alc’s 2018 single “E Coli.” The Los Angeles duo has consistently displayed impressive chemistry, prompting some fans to call for them to work on a full project, a la Alchemist’s 2020 work with Griselda’s Conway and Freddie Gibbs.
The results of those two projects were prolific; The Alchemist was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album for Alfredo, bringing the veteran producer and rapper both a new level of attention and expanded public acclaim. The Alchemist’s next EP, which also features Boldy James (with whom he also released a joint project in 2020), Maxo, Pink Siifu, and Sideshow, will certainly build on that newfound success.
Listen to The Alchemist’s “Navy Blue” featuring Earl Sweatshirt and Navy Blue below.
Earl Sweatshirt is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
