Since his explosive rise with Ezioku, Odumodublvck has remained one of the most unconventional voices in Nigerian rap. Known for blending Afrobeats, Drill, and gritty Hip-Hop with raw poetry, Odumodu’s genre-bending sound—self-described as Okporoko music—defies easy categorization. With his latest project The Machine Is Coming, the Abuja-born rapper attempts to consolidate his identity while evolving his sound and narrative. The result? A confident yet thematically scattered body of work that’s still very Odumodu at its core.
A Transitional Body of Work
The Machine Is Coming serves as a prelude to another upcoming album, Industry Machine. It feels like Odumodu is refining the sound he pioneered—this time with more introspection and a slightly milder tone compared to Ezioku’s brash lyrical punches. That said, the unfiltered metaphors and raw emotion remain intact. While the album lacks a cohesive thematic through-line, its content revolves around fame, betrayal, early struggles, and a constantly evolving sense of self-worth.
Opening With Vulnerability – “Legolas”
Odumodublvck kicks things off with “Legolas,” a reflective track named after the iconic Lord of the Rings character. Instead of fantasy, however, the rapper dives into reality—rapping about past poverty, rejection, and the burden of becoming his family’s breadwinner after his father’s death. He recalls how “Isabella” left when he had nothing, and draws a sharp metaphor between his journey and Jesus building his circle amidst doubters. It’s a vulnerable yet assertive start that sets the tone for the album’s personal themes.
Street-Wise Wisdom – “Toy Girl”
Collaborating with Valentino Rose and Juno, “Toy Girl” shifts gears into uptempo Afrobeats territory. Odumodu narrates a cautionary tale about a deceptive woman who strings multiple men along. He plays the role of a survivor turned advisor, warning a friend who has fallen for the same trap. It’s catchy, rhythmic, and offers a glimpse into Odumodu’s range when it comes to merging storytelling with club-friendly production.
Staying On Top – “Wage War”
“Wage War” finds Odumodu delivering a slow-burning Afrobeats vibe with underlying tension. Here, he acknowledges the heat that comes with fame and dominance in Nigeria’s hip-hop space. It’s a song about self-awareness and resilience, positioning himself as the king under siege, fighting daily battles to remain relevant.
Hardcore Warning Shots – “Isakaba Man” feat. Rondodasosa
Arguably the most hard-hitting rap song on the album, “Isakaba Man” is Odumodu’s declaration of war. Alongside Italian rapper Rondodasosa, he reminds listeners of his arrival, dominance, and unwillingness to compromise. In typical Okporoko fashion, the metaphors are intense—threatening those who want his crown with unceremonious burial. It’s a raw, aggressive standout that channels classic Hip-Hop bravado.
Celebrating Progress – “Ajebo Hustlers”
Teaming up with the Port Harcourt duo Ajebo Hustlers, this track sees Odumodu reflect on his transition from the trenches to semi-affluence. He coins the term “Ajebo Hustler” to represent his new reality—no longer broke, but not quite balling either. It’s a humble flex wrapped in groovy instrumentation and candid lyrics.
Closing With Fire – “Gasoline” feat. Vector
The final track, “Gasoline,” brings in veteran rapper Vector for a soulful, reflective finale. Odumodu speaks candidly about the doubts he faced, the injuries sustained on his climb, and the spiritual grit that kept him going. Vector adds depth with his verse, calling out the industry’s fickle nature and asserting his own unrecognized contributions to Nigerian rap. Together, they deliver a powerful closer that ties together the album’s key themes of struggle, perseverance, and defiance.
Final Thoughts
The Machine Is Coming showcases Odumodublvck’s continued growth as an artist. While it lacks a clear overarching theme—something fans may have excused on his debut but might expect more of on a sophomore effort—it compensates with hard-hitting verses, vivid storytelling, and a mix of experimental and traditional sounds. Odumodu is clearly evolving, and this album feels like the bridge between raw beginnings and the more refined rapper he’s becoming.
As he gears up for Industry Machine, The Machine Is Coming does exactly what the title promises—it signals the arrival of something bigger, louder, and potentially more focused.
