WHO IS O’MEGA RED?
As music artist, producer and arranger O’Mega Red has refined his blend of reality rap that has earned him critical acclaim and wide spread appeal. O’Mega Red has an infectious charisma on and off stage and is known for his dynamic live performances, whether he is backed by DJs or rock bands.
It is fitting that “O’Mega Red”, was born in the cradle of independence and freedom Boston Massachusetts. Into this world was born a person who would not only be a free independent rapper with his own unique style but also a vibrant successful entrepreneur. Like his namesake, mutant X-Men O’Mega Red is making it with his dynamic lyrics and awesome beats which cripple any of his adversaries and win over audiences’ worldwide.
O’Mega Red’s formative years were in a large household surrounded by music and many shared intimate moments with his parents and two siblings. His Father was a Motown and Jazz enthusiast and exposed O’Mega to the music of Temptations, Betty White, The Four Tops, Johnny Taylor, James Brown, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, Tyrone Davis, Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke at an early age. As the influence of jazz ebbed, his interest in hip-hop began to emerge. He began rapping with his cousin at times and honed his rapping skills with an Air Force friend, Jeff Rivera who grew up with members of the Wu Tang Clan. This enlightening experience would take him through an extraordinary musical sojourn into the labyrinth of hip-hop culture.
Reinforcing this journey was the exposure that he had been privy to while he was in the Air Force traveling to many countries. “My style of music is a blend of my life experiences.” It is a combination of the places I have been, the cultures I have been exposed to, and the experiences I have been through.”
However, in everyone’s life, there are choices to be made. Good or bad and it was during this period of O’Mega Red’s life that he admittedly made some bad choices. Those bad choices landed him in jail on a variety of charges. However, O’Mega Red will be the first to admit that jail probably saved his life. “I was going down that road to perdition, at breakneck speed, and abandonment and jail was my lifeline. “It gave me an opportunity to see myself for who I was.” Now, O’Mega Red is building a brand and lifestyle and developing other artists for his Boston, New York and Los Angles based Independent Record Label and Entertainment Management Company. His award-winning Production Company, the Stay Grindin Music, includes four innovative producers including himself.
The musical artistry of Nas, LL Cool J., Jay-Z, Run D.M.C., Aerosmith, Guns & Roses, Lenny Kravitz, Nirvana, John Coltrane, Bradford Marseilles influenced O’Mega Red’s opus. In 2008, O’Mega Red recorded the single “Turn It Around” featuring “Ray J” which became an instant hit. He then followed up with four singles “I’m A Problem”, “Endz”, “Blow It All” and “Sucka Free” produced by Noel “Detail” Fisher. O’Mega Red’s forthcoming album “Red October” has features with living legend KRS One for the single “Hip Hop” produced by Duane “Da Rock” Ramos. He also collaborated with late Legendary Donna Summer and Ed O G.
People are beginning to recognize that O’Mega Red is an up and coming force to be reckoned with in the Hip Hop community, and the business world. His unquestionable lyrical astuteness, musical virtuosity and adroit stage and performance presence places him at the apex of rappers in the Hip Hop community. O’Mega Red! The last one standing! Alone and on top!
Awards
O’Mega is a two-time recipient of the New England Urban Music Awards Rap Artist of the Year (2006-2007). His production team Stay Grindin Music also won Producer of the year 2006. O’Mega Red was also a two-time nominee for Lyricist of the Year by the Massachusetts Industry Committee Awards (2006-2007). Also, he was nominated for Best Rap Act of (2009) Boston Music Awards and in 2010 nominated for Best Hip Hop Artist by Hollywood Music in Media Awards. In 2011, he won Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Hollywood Music Media Awards. Now, O’Mega Red is nominated again in 2012 Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the prestigious Hollywood Music Media Awards.
Film Career
Following in the footsteps of his action heroes portrayed by movie icons Sidney Poitier, Wesley Snipes, Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, O’Mega Red played a small role as an orderly in the upcoming Paramount Pictures film Shutter Island directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. He also played a gang member in the indie film Roid Rage, produced by Wickid Pissa films. He also just finished playing a role as a Dj in the upcoming comedy Hillbilly Highway starring Eddie Griffin and Lil Duval directed by Coke Daniels.
Discography
Album
Juggernaut (2002) – Third Eye Records
Singles
● 2004 “Soul Clap”
● 2004 “Is u Hold’n”
● 2005 “Do You”
● 2006 “Magic”
● 2007 “Forever Young”
● 2008 Donna Summer “Crayons” Remix ft. Ziggy Marley & O’Mega Red (produced by Stay Grindin Music)
● 2008 “Turn It Around” ft. Ray J (produced By Stay Grindin Music)
● 2008 “She Luvs It” (produced by Detail)
● 2009 “Hip Hop Party” ft. KRS ONE (produced by Duane Darock Ramos)
● 2009 “Pop 3” (produced by Duane Darock Ramos)
● 2009 “Endz” (produced by Detail)
● 2010 “Endz” Remix (produced by Detail)
● 2011 “I’m A Problem” (produced by Detail)
● 2012 “Angel” ft. Donna Summer (produced by Stay Grindin Music)
Mixtapes
● The Redtape Vol.1 hosted by Dj Roy Barboza
● The Redtape Vol.2 hosted by Dj Sammy Smoove
● The Redtape Vol.3 hosted by Dj Chubby Chub
Awards
● Two-time recipient of the New England Urban Music Awards Rap Artist of the Year (2006-2007)
● Production team Stay Grindin Music won Producer of the year 2006
● Two-time nominee for Lyricist of the Year by the Massachusetts Industry Committee Awards (2006-2007)
● Nominee for Best Rap Act of 2009 Boston Music Awards
● 2010 nominated for Best Hip Hop Artist by Hollywood Music In Media Awards
● 2011 recipient of the Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Hollywood Music Media Awards
● 2012 nominated for the Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Hollywood Music Media Awards
Publications
● 2005 The Source Magazine “Best of the Best Mixtapes”
● 2006 Mic Magazine Article “Mic Check”
● 2007 Boston Herald The Edge featured Article “School of Rap”
● 2007 Boston Herald The Edge featured Article “Rap Happy”
● 2007 Boston Globe Arts featured Article “Putting the Pieces Back Together”
● 2010 Sister2Sister Magazine Article “An Unforgettable Intro”