OVASABI: Breaking Borders with “I NEED THAT” and a New Era of Hip-Hop Innovation

By Emmanuel Daniji Nigerian-American hip-hop artist Ovasabi is gearing up to release his highly anticipated single, “I NEED THAT”, on August 20, 2025. The track is a cross-cultural explosion featuring Austrian pop/R\&B singer Stephanie Milostic, alongside contributions from an Australian R\&B voice and Zambian artist Mayukwa. With AI-driven visuals, an international sound, and bold collaborations, Ovasabi is carving his place as one of the genre’s most daring voices. I caught up with him to talk about his creative journey, the making of this project, and the global future he envisions for his music. --- <h4>Global Fusion</h4> Q: Your upcoming single “I NEED THAT” brings together your distinctive hip-hop flow with Stephanie Milostic’s vibrant pop melodies, a fusion of two musical worlds. How did this collaboration come together, and what excites you most about blending those genres? Ovasabi: I actually discovered Stephanie during a TikTok live where her music was being played. Her vocals stood out, her lyrics were unique, and she had a distinctive style. I reached out to her in December, and by January she had sent me a chorus. I loved the sound immediately, and we decided to build the song from there. What excites me most is that it’s not just a song, it’s a sound. It’s unique. I always wanted to blend my Nigerian lyrics and vocals with an international artist, and this was the perfect opportunity. Stream Here: <a class="tc-blue" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ovasabi/i-need-that-feat-sungbysteph-special-version?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email+&utm_source=SendGrid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ovasabi/i-n... ↗</a> --- <h4>Cross-Cultural Chemistry</h4> Q: How did you connect with Stephanie Milostic for “I NEED THAT”? Was she on your radar from the start, or did it evolve organically? Ovasabi: It was organic. She listened to some of my music too and liked what she heard. We connected on mutual interest. This digital era makes collaborations like this possible, and that’s exciting. --- <h4>Energetic Intent</h4> Q: With club-ready energy and an international anthem vibe, what mood did you envision for listeners hearing “I NEED THAT” for the first time? Ovasabi: Anywhere the vibe is high, clubs, parties, gyms, sports competitions. Even when you just need motivation or positive energy. That’s the atmosphere I want people to feel.<img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-20_at_13.54.21.jpeg"/> <h4>--- Expanding the Palette</h4> Q: Beyond Stephanie, you’ve got an Australian R\&B singer and Zambian artist Mayukwa on this project. How did they expand the sound? Ovasabi: Stephanie is an Australian R\&B/Pop singer who’s been putting out great music. Mayukwa, the Zambian artist based in New York, is an energetic performer and really good with choruses. We actually worked on a track called “Calling” from my upcoming Black and White EP. Watch out for that one, it’s special. <h4>--- Creative Approach</h4> Q: When working with such diverse artists, from Europe, Africa, and Oceania, do you adapt your songwriting and production style? Ovasabi: Music is a universal language. Sometimes it just needs a little tweaking here and there, but I always stay original. My Warri pidgin, Nigerian slang, English, and hip-hop influences will always be there. The key is often just finding the right beat, the rest falls in place. --- <h4>Innovative Visuals</h4> Q: Your project includes an AI-generated video, something quite new in hip-hop. What inspired this direction? Ovasabi: For me, it’s about moving with the times. AI is efficient. Stephanie lives in Australia, and I’m in the U.S.. imagine the cost and logistics of shooting a traditional video together. AI gave us creative flexibility. And with attention spans getting shorter, I believe AI makes visuals more efficient while expanding creative options. Watch Here: <a class="tc-blue" href="https://youtube.com/@ovasabiofficial?si=TpR6YDWEkbIso7-K" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">youtube.com/@ovasabiofficial?si=TpR6Y... ↗</a> <h4>--- Technical Challenges</h4> Q: What were some of the challenges in executing an AI-driven visual? Ovasabi: Honestly, with great minds like Pixala Productions handling it, everything fell into place. They’re the best in the game right now. <h4>--- Origins & Evolution</h4> Q: From Warri to the U.S., from your Book of Ovasabi EP to this global project, what’s stayed central to your identity, and what’s evolved? Ovasabi: My Delta pidgin, Nigerian slang, and ability to make hip-hop digestible are still central. What’s evolved is my sound selection, beats, instrumentals, production choices. Growth comes with every project. --- <h4>Storytelling Through Lyrics</h4> Q: Your earlier work was deeply personal and reflective. How does this new project differ in lyrical themes? Ovasabi: Every project comes from a different space emotionally. Hopes and Dreams was one vibe. This one is a whole new narrative, with new energy and emotions. --- <h4>Audience Vision</h4> Q: How do you envision your global audience receiving this, from New York to Lagos and beyond? Ovasabi: It’s always been tough breaking African hip-hop into the U.S. and international space. But I believe I can be that bridge. Who knows, we might even win Grammys. You never know.<img src="/media/inline_insight_image/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-20_at_13.54.20.jpeg"/> --- <h4>Live Performance Plans</h4> Q: With such high-energy tracks and futuristic visuals, what can fans expect from your live shows? Ovasabi: We’re planning tours already. Some gigs in New York are coming up, and we’re pushing for bigger shows. Creativity unfolds as we go, but one thing’s certain, it’s gonna be lit. Keep your eyes on me. --- <h4>Industry Disruption</h4> Q: Do you see AI visuals reshaping hip-hop and music videos as a whole? Ovasabi: Absolutely. In a few years, artists of all genres will move away from traditional music videos. AI is here to stay, it’s efficient, creative, and only going to get better. This is just the beginning. <h4>--- Artistic Influence & Growth</h4> Q: How did your roots in Delta State and Lagos influence this release? Ovasabi: Growing up, we dreamed of international collaborations. From Warri to Lagos, now to the U.S., all of those experiences shaped me. That’s why I appreciate this moment so much. <h4>--- Strategic Release Choice</h4> Q: Why August 20, 2025, for the release of “I NEED THAT”? Ovasabi: It’s the right timing. My Black and White EP is also on the way, so this track sets the pace. We’ve got so much lined up, just stay tuned. --- <h4>Looking Ahead</h4> Q: What comes after this release? Ovasabi: The Black and White EP drops in September. There’ll be shows, tours, more visuals, merch, and big moves from the U.S. to Lagos. We’re just getting started. --- <h4>Final Word</h4> Ovasabi’s new single isn’t just music, it’s a movement. By blending hip-hop with international pop, experimenting with AI visuals, and staying rooted in his Nigerian identity, he’s redefining what global hip-hop can look and sound like. --- <h4>For Bookings & Inquiries</h4> For artist bookings, interviews, features, and performance requests, contact:Sleemjim<a class="tc-blue" href="mailto:sleemjim77@gmail.com"><a class="tc-blue" href="mailto:sleemjim77@gmail.com">sleemjim77@gmail.com</a></a>+234 905 553 2285

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