ODUMODUBLVCK’s 16-track, 41-minute mixtape The Machine Is Coming, released on March 31, 2025, is a bold, chaotic burst of Afro-fusion and hip-hop that doubles down on what’s made him a standout: raw energy, gritty lyricism, and a sound that’s distinctly his own. Billed as an “appetizer” for his upcoming Industry Machine album, this project feels like a victory lap after Eziokwu while still pushing his artistry forward. The production, handled by a tight crew of beatmakers is crisp and varied, blending Okporoko rhythms, trap influences, and moody guitar licks. Features from Victony, Shallipopi, BOJ, Vector, Falz, Ajebo Hustlers, and Rondodasosa add spice, but ODUMODUBLVCK remains the gravitational center.
The Good
The mixtape shines when it balances introspection with aggression. “Legolas” opens with a haunting, reflective vibe, guitar strings and a slow build that showcase a more vulnerable side of ODUMODUBLVCK. It’s a strong start that proves he’s not just a one-note hype machine. Tracks like “Wage War” and “Kylian” are pure adrenaline, with his braggadocious bars cutting through booming beats like a machete. These solo cuts highlight his charisma and flow, which are sharp enough to carry the project without crutches.
The features mostly hit. “Pity This Boy” with Victony is a melodic gem, emotional yet catchy, it’s the kind of track that sticks with you. “Juju” (featuring Smur Lee and Shallipopi) brings a wild, party-ready energy, while the “Ramadan Kareem” remix (with Tolibian and BOJ) flexes smooth, laid-back vibes. The diversity of collaborators keeps things dynamic, and ODUMODUBLVCK knows how to steer each guest into his world rather than letting them steal the show.
The production is a standout, polished but not overdone. It’s got that gritty edge that matches his persona, and the variety keeps the 41 minutes engaging for the most part.
The Not-So-Good
That said, 16 tracks can feel like a lot. Around the midway point, some songs, like the less memorable feature-heavy cuts, start to blur together if you’re not fully dialed in. The mixtape’s strength is its energy, but that relentlessness can be a double-edged sword; it risks losing focus without a few more breathers or sharper transitions. While the solo tracks slap, a couple of the collabs (not naming names) feel like they’re there to pad the runtime rather than elevate the vision. It’s not a dealbreaker, but trimming to 12-13 tracks could’ve made it hit harder.
Lyrically, ODUMODUBLVCK is confident and commanding, but he’s not reinventing the wheel. If you’re looking for deep storytelling or groundbreaking wordplay, this isn’t it, it’s more about vibe and momentum. That’s not a flaw, just a limit to its scope.
The Vibe and Verdict
The Machine Is Coming is ODUMODUBLVCK in his bag: unapologetic, loud, and magnetic. It’s less a cohesive narrative and more a playlist of moments—some introspective, some explosive, all unmistakably him. As an appetizer, it’s satisfying; it teases what’s next while standing tall on its own. The replay value is high if you’re into his brand of controlled chaos, though it might not convert skeptics who don’t vibe with the intensity.
My Rating
I’d give it a 7/10. It’s a strong, well-executed project that delivers what ODUMODUBLVCK fans crave. energy, swagger, and a few unexpected turns without overstaying its welcome too much. The production and standout tracks earn it high marks, but the slight bloat and lack of a tighter arc keep it from a 10. It’s not perfect, but it’s damn good at being what it wants to be.
What do you think of it? Any tracks you’d call out?
