Odeal’s new album “Lustropolis” dives into love’s rawest emotions
Few artists in R&B today embody the balance between nostalgia and innovation quite like Odeal.
With a genre-spanning sound that blends Afro, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop, the British-Nigerian singer is carving a unique lane in contemporary music.
His tracks feel both familiar and groundbreaking, offering the emotional depth of artists who’ve come before him while pushing the genre forward with fresh ideas.
If 2024 has proven anything, it’s that Odeal isn’t just an artist to watch—he’s here to stay, a permanent fixture in modern R&B.
Odeal’s music has become a fixture on streaming channel playlists worldwide, capturing the attention of fans drawn to his distinctive, immersive sound.
His intentional lyrics feel like personal statements, while his production creates a world of its own.
From the well-curated EP covers to the emotive, atmospheric soundscapes, every aspect of Odeal’s artistry feels meticulously crafted to draw listeners into his universe.
With the release of his latest EP, Lustropolis, Odeal demonstrates his range as a storyteller and producer. The project is an exploration of love and loss, packaged in lush, genre-blurring tracks that evoke feelings of both intimacy and grandeur.
Odeal’s ability to adapt his sound to reflect his environment is one of the many reasons he’s such an exciting prospect in R&B.
Reflecting on the creative shift from Sunday at Zuri’s to Lustropolis, he explains, “We’re all complex people. During the summer, we’re different from who we are in the winter.
Sunday at Zuri’s was about warmth, the vibrance of Nigeria, and the energy of being surrounded by different people and vibes.
But when I returned to the UK, it was colder—physically and emotionally. I wanted to bottle those feelings into Lustropolis.”
This seasonal evolution is evident in the album’s darker tones and introspective lyrics. While Sunday at Zuri’s was a celebration of bright, Afro-inspired rhythms, Lustropolis is a deep dive into heartbreak, self-awareness, and the cycles of love.
“It’s about going back to a place you tried to leave behind,” he says. “Sometimes you convince yourself it’s home, but eventually, you realize it’s not. That’s what I wanted to capture.”
Among Lustropolis’ standout moments is “You’re Stuck,” a collaboration with Summer Walker. The track, produced by Dan Hilton, blends Walker’s signature sultry vocals with Odeal’s emotional storytelling.
“It’s about perspective,” he explains. “This album is told from my viewpoint, but having Summer add her perspective was like having a conversation in song form. She understood the track perfectly.The collaboration came together through his label, LVRN, which is also home to Walker.
“When my team pitched the track to her, they said she’d be perfect for it, but she’s very selective about what she works on,” Odeal recalls.“When she heard it and agreed to hop on, I was thrilled. It took a few weeks to finalize, but when we got her verse back, it was perfect.”
Odeal’s music is deeply informed by his upbringing in Germany, Nigeria, Spain, and the UK. This multicultural background gives his sound a universal appeal. “It allows me to understand different mindsets, languages, and emotions,” he says.
“I make music knowing that someone somewhere will resonate with it. I don’t worry about whether a track will hit in the UK because I know it might connect in Spain or Africa. Those experiences validate my creativity and give me confidence to experiment.”
This ability to blend cultures is what makes tracks like “Soh-Soh” and “Onome” resonate so widely. Both songs have gone viral on TikTok, with fans embracing not just the melodies but the emotions behind them. “It’s not just about the numbers,” he says. “When I see people connect with these songs, it feels timeless, like they’re holding onto something meaningful.”
Odeal’s artistry goes beyond the music itself. His projects are experiences, from the visuals to the thematic cohesion of his albums. The Lustropolis cover art sets the tone for the journey listeners are about to take, and the album’s immersive production pulls them deeper into his world. “I want my music to feel like more than just songs. I want it to be an experience,” he explains.
The OVMBR brand, which Odeal founded, is a reflection of this ethos. “OVMBR stands for ‘Our Variances Make Us Bold and Relentless,’” he shares. “It’s about celebrating diversity and individuality. I want it to be a community where people feel free to express themselves and know they have a place in the world.”
With Lustropolis, Odeal has solidified his place as one of the most exciting voices in R&B. But he’s not stopping here. Looking ahead to 2025, he’s eager to continue collaborating with artists and producers from around the world. “I want to make music that gives people goosebumps—whether it’s upbeat or slow, any genre,” he shared with GQ.
For Odeal, the journey is as important as the destination. “This project is about discovery—of myself and my sound,” he explains. “I want to keep creating music that stands the test of time and connects people across the world.”
Odeal’s ability to balance vulnerability with artistic control is what sets him apart. His lyrics feel deeply personal yet universally relatable, while his production immerses listeners in his world. If 2024 was any indication, Odeal isn’t just a rising star—he’s a force reshaping the future of R&B.
With Lustropolis, he invites listeners into a space where emotions are raw, the production is rich, and the storytelling is unforgettable. As he continues to evolve, Odeal’s journey promises to leave a legacy of love, resilience, and exceptional music.