Omari Vel describes his sound as glam rap, as it is both intensely baroque and fiercely innovative. Honestly, I don’t think most of us have heard anything quite like this before. Before stepping into the spotlight as Omari Vel, he was a classically trained violinist, which clues you in about where the complexity of his sound comes from.
Omari electrifies live shows with a full band and bold outfits that challenge gender norms. His debut album, “Crimson” (2021), reimagines rap as a vibrant haven for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating inclusivity and safety.
Omari Vel's music video for “Frog In Water” delves into complex themes of ignorance, tradition, and nostalgia as obstacles to social change. The narrative features a 50s-style housewife, played by Dani Davis, engaging in the deceptively mundane act of baking a cake, which serves as a metaphor for the societal norms that often bind us. Omari’s extensive research on gun violence in America informs the video, spotlighting nine significant events to underscore ongoing issues in America, where a tumultuous present often leads to romanticizing the past as a form of self-deception, preventing an urgent course correction.
Inspired by the documentary “Century of Self,” which explores the history of public relations, Omari references the story of Betty Crocker cake mixes as a lens through which to examine cultural narratives. Remarkably, the video was produced without a formal production company, relying on minimal resources—filmed at director Brent Thomas Whiteside's home using a store-bought cake mix. This DIY approach reflects Omari's resourcefulness and commitment to authentic storytelling in his artistry.
Currently, Omari Vel is working on exciting projects, including “A Speed Run for the Culture,” a collaborative album featuring all trans artists, and his upcoming solo project titled “Don’t Look Down You Might Crash.” These endeavors highlight his dedication to uplifting marginalized voices within the music industry.
