Building on the momentum of his acclaimed single “The Situation” with Mad Professor and Yolanda Sargeant, hip-hop storyteller, broadcaster, and curator Odario unveils his next chapter with “Double Up.” The track marks the latest collaboration with UK dub legend Mad Professor and Toronto producer Chaix, blending the raw poetics of hip-hop with the deep textures of dub for a striking sound rooted in authenticity and evolution.
With his upcoming album Good Things Take Time set for release in the new year, Odario positions himself at the intersection of two musical worlds that have shaped him from childhood. Produced by Chaix, mixed by longtime collaborator Tim Abraham, and mastered by João Carvalho, “Double Up” arrives as a bold declaration of Odario’s place within Canada’s hip-hop landscape, while reinforcing his connection to dub culture.
photo by JM Stasiuk
Born in Guyana and raised in Winnipeg, Odario emerged as a pioneer in the city’s early hip-hop community before moving to Toronto, where he continues to create across multiple disciplines. A founding voice of the genre-bending band Grand Analog, he has spent nearly two decades crafting music infused with jazz, funk, and reggae influences. His career includes performances across North America and Europe, showcases at SXSW, The Reeperbahn Festival, and The Great Escape, and music placements in over 80 films, TV shows, and campaigns.
Odario’s artistry extends beyond the stage. He currently hosts CBC Music’s Afterdark, curating late-night soundscapes with his signature voice. His creative journey reflects a lifelong dedication to storytelling, from writing his first rhymes in Winnipeg to recording in Mad Professor’s Ariwa Studios in South London.
“In my music, I’ve always wanted to bridge the sound of my upbringing with where I’m headed,” says Odario. “Double Up is personal—it merges the reggae and dub I grew up with through my father’s records, and the hip-hop culture that shaped me as a writer. It feels like I’m standing in both worlds at once, finally connecting the dots.”
He continues: “Working with Mad Professor is like studying at the highest level. Every time we’re in the studio, I’m reminded that analog sound carries a soul of its own. Double Up is about growth, freedom, and doubling down on the promises I’ve made to myself as an artist.”
Across the track, Odario’s lyrics embody resilience and transformation: “One for the money, yes uh, two for the growth / Three for that freedom ringing high to the slopes.” Later, he reflects on legacy and purpose: “They say you might die twice, but only live once – I double down.”
Elsewhere, his verses confront change with clarity: “Love is love – chase it, full of fire – let it buzz / A foundation broken down by changes, particles up in the air like vapours.” These lines showcase an evolution in tone—confident yet grounded, celebratory yet reflective.
To mark the release, Odario will join Mad Professor as part of his four-date eastern Canadian tour this October. The run kicks off October 9 at Hamilton’s Bridgeworks, followed by October 10 at Toronto’s Lee’s Palace, October 11 at Montreal’s Ausgang Plaza, and October 12 at Quebec City’s L’Anti.
The tour follows spring showcases in Toronto and Montreal tied to “The Situation” and sets the stage for Odario’s full-length project Good Things Take Time in 2026. With each release and performance, Odario continues to refine a sound that is both forward-looking and deeply rooted in the traditions that shaped him.
As “Double Up” reaches audiences this fall, Odario’s journey points toward a landmark year ahead—where hip-hop and dub converge, and where his voice continues to expand the possibilities of Canadian music.
article submission by Eric Alper
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