Osei & Armani
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Osei & Armani

Atlanta, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2016 | SELF

Atlanta, Georgia, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2016
Duo Hip Hop R&B

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"Hollywood Cold - Dior"

East Atlanta friends come together to create original new sound

ATLANTA, GA – Two old high school buddies who always shared a love for music have come together during their college years to form a group called Hollywood Cold that is starting to turn heads within the music industry.

Osei and Armani are two Atlanta natives who have taken the trap influence of their hometown and subverted it into a sound that is uniquely their own. Incomparable with any other artists out there today, Hollywood Cold is a group that excels in multiple genres and creates a truly original sound and style that fans all over the country will be able to connect and relate with.

“We’re not going for the same things other rappers are going for today,” Osei said. “More often than not they’re rapping about money or jewelry or this image they’re projecting. But we’re more looking at where rap used to be. We listen to a wide range of music, especially the old- school music. I listen to that every day – it’s my favorite genre. And we’re a lot like those rappers – just trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents. That’s why our music is relatable. Not everybody in the world is rich, and we’re not rapping about the rich life. We’re telling stories of where we come from, and that’s likely the same place where you come from. It’s all bout authenticity.”

The two friends are also quick to point out that though they come from a city known for some of hip-hops best musicians – and in fact, they come from the same street in Atlanta as Gucci Mane and 21 Savage – their experience is different from any of those others, and as such it determines a different sound, style and set of inspirations from which to draw when creating new songs.

This originality is put on display with a project they just dropped in February called “The Heartfelt Tape.” Unlike previous projects from Hollywood Cold, this mixtape is more introspective and transparent and offers a “bunch of heart-felt stuff that came out of trying to make our favorite music – the kind of music I’d want to play in the shower when I want to listen to the stuff I want to listen to” Osei said. “It’s us getting our essence on the tape and being completely honest and open.”

“The previous project we were trying to make good songs that we thought people would want to hear and that would get radio play,” Armani said. “This one, however, puts our real-life situations out there and exposes more of ourselves. It’s stuff that we weren’t necessarily willing to share when we first started, but then a couple of songs started coming together and we realized this was what we had to put out to the world right now.” The debut single from the project is a song called “Dior,” which Osei said has “a lot of bounce to it.” It’s a club song that challenges the listener to recognize the hypocrisy of not walking the walk when you talk the talk.

“It’s a song that talks about the contrast you see in the hood all the time,” Osei said. “People are always wearing Christian stuff or going to church, but at the same time they do the most unholy shit. We see that contrast in the hood, and this song poses a question by using the high fashion brand of Christian Dior – which is a symbol of money and wealth – as a metaphor for all the things that people aspire to have in the hood, but living in the contrast of that.” - Track Bullys


"Hollywood Cold - Dior"

East Atlanta friends come together to create original new sound

ATLANTA, GA – Osei and Armani are two Atlanta natives who have taken the trap influence of
their hometown and subverted it into a sound that is uniquely their own. Incomparable with
any other artists out there today, Hollywood Cold is a group that excels in multiple genres and
creates a truly original sound and style that fans all over the country will be able to connect and
relate with.

“We’re not going for the same things other rappers are going for today,” Osei said. “More often
than not they’re rapping about money or jewelry or this image they’re projecting. But we’re
more looking at where rap used to be. We listen to a wide range of music, especially the old-
school music. I listen to that every day – it’s my favorite genre. And we’re a lot like those
rappers – just trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents. That’s why our music is relatable. Not
everybody in the world is rich, and we’re not rapping about the rich life. We’re telling stories of
where we come from, and that’s likely the same place where you come from. It’s all about
authenticity.”

The two friends are also quick to point out that though they come from a city known for some
of hip-hops best musicians – and in fact, they come from the same street in Atlanta as Gucci
Mane and 21 Savage – their experience is different from any of those others, and as such it
determines a different sound, style and set of inspirations from which to draw when creating
new songs.

This originality is put on display with a project they just dropped in February called “The
Heartfelt Tape.” Unlike previous projects from Hollywood Cold, this mixtape is more
introspective and transparent and offers a “bunch of heart-felt stuff that came out of trying to
make our favorite music – the kind of music I’d want to play in the shower when I want to listen
to the stuff I want to listen to” Osei said. “It’s us getting our essence on the tape and being
completely honest and open.”

“The previous project we were trying to make good songs that we thought people would want
to hear and that would get radio play,” Armani said. “This one, however, puts our real-life
situations out there and exposes more of ourselves. It’s stuff that we weren’t necessarily willing
to share when we first started, but then a couple of songs started coming together and we
realized this was what we had to put out to the world right now.” - The Hype magazine.com


"Editor's pick: Hollywood COLD"

Look, most folks know I can be a music snob. I mean sometimes it's just too many tunes, verses and lyrics in my mental rolodex. So new music that I actually "like" has to capture me. I mean it has to be "something" that makes me like it. Well Hollywood Cold has that something. The first song on the track damn near blew my factor Lexus speakers and had me bouncin and grabbin the wood grain like it was 1998. What I appreciate most about Hollywood Cold is that they are a real duo. They trade lyrics back and forth seamlessly. I hadn't seen that since the 90's hip hop era. Bottom line, Hollywood Cold is feel good music. The vibe flows throughout the entire mixtape. One of the few ones you can just push play and let it ride....

Make sure you check out their SoundCloud and follow them on IG.

https://soundcloud.com/hollywood_cold

https://instagram.com/hollywood_cold_ - AB+L Radio


"Introducing Hollywood Cold"

Hollywood Cold is not your typical rap group. Just two boys from the ATL who started rapping for the hell of it; their music leading the way into their bigger dreams. While not knowing where their path will take them, Hollywood Cold embodies the hard work put into a group that has to battle so many others to the top. A sound inspired by many different rappers and singers, Hollywood Cold has a different mix that allows them to stand out above everyone else. This group pulls inspiration from a little bit of everybody to create their own unique sound. Already opening for people like PNB Rock and Riff Raff, these boys have a trajectory in mind and they won’t stop until they get there. A group with a lot of heart. A group who’s ready to do what it takes. A group just “striving for the come up.” This is Hollywood Cold.



Why did you guys start Hollywood Cold?

Osei A.: We were rapping and making songs and stuff and said damn bruh why don’t we just do this.

Armani L.: We didn’t really have a reason. We just started rapping for no reason and that’s just

how it started.



Where did you guys get the name Hollywood Cold from?

AL: It was an outcast song, but there’s a part that says who else wants to fuck with Hollywood Court, but Hollywood Court got torn down. So then, we thought ok what about Hollywood Cold and Osei looked up the definition and it also means like cocaine hangover. I feel like that’s what our music is like. It’s almost like a drug and the name just sound fire.

If it just happened, how did you guys expand your fanbase?

OA: We’re still working on that, but we have a lot of avenues that we’ve been trying to reach because we’re in college. Especially at UNC because they have frat parties and house parties. That’s kinda the move right now. We’re still working on the online presence.

AL: Our fanbase just started to in bars and open mics and stuff. It gets you at least two fans. We did somebody’s family reunion.

OA: Yeah that’s how we first started cause we would go to bars and open mics and bring half the crowd there. We try to pick up one or two friends everywhere we go.

Armani, you spend a lot of time at UNC ,so how is it having to come up here and perform and stuff.

AL: It’s something you gotta do. We already decided this summer that we were going to make the commitment to attack the UNC fanbase. You serious about it you’re gonna make it happen. It is hard though with school and stuff and class. I missed a lot of class. You gotta take drastic measures to accomplish something big.

OA: I’ve been up there [Armani’s college in Virginia] a couple times to pick Armani up, but we haven’t done any shows there. We’re going to do some shows during the spring break at Rhodes College and trying to get to UGA and Notre Dame. Trying to get a circuit.

What are your long-term goals or plans?

AL: I don’t know! I’m trying to get rich. Other than trying to get paid, I’m trying to think of something else because that’s the main goal. Trying to cop this money, but I’m trying to challenge myself not to think so long term cause a lot of times you can get so caught up in the long-term goals that you forget to keep the short-term goals and just enjoy yourself. So for me it’s like an everyday thing. Getting better at music, getting better at this, getting better at promotion, getting better at making ideas and being more efficient in this area and that area. The long-term goals kinda take care of themselves. But yeah getting paid is it.

What would you say is your inspiration?

OA: I like when you can feel who that person is through their song. You can tell it’s not manufactured. I feel like they are giving their whole self on the track and you can really resonate with it. Bob Marley does it. Future Hendrixx does it.

AL: The Stylistics. There sound crazy. Plus I’ve always been fond of old school shit. That’s one of the old school groups I listen to the mist in high school. They naturally has an influence when I started doing music.

OA: Marvin Gaye

AL: Marvin Gaye yeah.

OA: Drake nice too man. Drake nice. I like Bruno Mars too bruh. I like Bruno Mars a lot. People hating on him for winning the Grammy over Kendrick and Jay Z, but he got the whole world dancing bruh on his albums. He got middle schoolers to full adults dancing to 70s, 80s type music. He gave the people something.

Would you ever give your mixtape to someone who’s already made it to really put yourself out there?

OA: I would love to do that.

AL: Yeah, any means necessary.

OA: I would sleep outside of Roc-A-Fella and wait for Jay-Z. Like ‘hey Jay-Z, here’s my mixtape.’ That’s what J Cole did.

Who do you emulate most in your sound, or is your sound closer to a mix from the both of you?

AL: I don’t know it’s a mash of a whole bunch of people because both of us listen to a lot of old school music but I also to Yachty and I also listen to conscious music; it’s a mash of everything. So when we go into the studio we have that mash of sound and it comes out in a unique way and it’s something different. It’s a little bit of everybody. Everybody I listen to is in my music, the artist more specifically. I try to take a little bit of everything from everybody and make it my own by putting my own spin on it.

What’s it like working with the other person?

OA: I feel like he is a rap prodigy and he’s gonna be a lot of young kids hero one day. I value rapping with my bro.

AL: Working with Osei is cool. I think we both help each other expand our styles. It’s like working with family.



Hollywood Cold is coming out with a new mixtape on Wednesday, February 14th (Valentine’s Day) called The Heartfelt Tape. They say the project is more personal and gives an insight into the two of them and who they are. Check out The Heartfelt Tape and more of Hollywood Cold on iTunes here. - Nous Culture


"EAST ATLANTA RAP DUO HOLLYWOOD COLD LIGHTS UP MUSIC SCENE WITH "HEART FELT TAPE""

They might be known as Hollywood Cold, but this hip-hop duo brings nothing but the heat. After coming onto the scene about a year ago, friends turned artists Armani and Osei have been busy keeping the scene alive with their unique sound. They started out rapping freestyle, and people around them took notice to their individual talents. After quick success, they came to the conclusion that they wanted to fuse their musical gifts together.

As most recently, things have been getting kind of crazy for the pair. After putting out their project “The Heartfelt Tape”, the East Atlanta music scene hasn’t been the same ever since. “We put it out on Valentine’s Day. It has very heartfelt music, different than anything we’ve ever done,” said Armani. Osei added, “We had a listen party. It was pretty wild. It was a step up from our last project. People really vibed with it.” This hip-hop masterpiece left everyone wanting more, naturally, of course. In other words, Hollywood Cold’s real deal fans are anxiously anticipating all of their music to come.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Hollywood Cold isn’t like any other hip-hop group out there. After opening up for Waka Flocka and PnB Rock, both Armani and Osei have what it takes to make it big. Continuing to build on their stage presence is at the forefront, and the artists are committed to putting in the work to make their dreams happen. If you’re looking for the perfect music to turn up to, Hollywood Cold has you covered. - THE SOURCE


"East Atlanta Rap Duo Hollywood Cold Lights up Music Scene with “The Heartfelt Tape”"

LOS ANGELES, CA – They might be known as Hollywood Cold, but this hip-hop duo brings nothing but the heat. After coming onto the scene about a year ago, friends turned artists Armani and Osei have been busy keeping the scene alive with their unique sound. They started out rapping freestyle, and people around them took notice to their individual talents. After quick success, they came to the conclusion that they wanted to fuse their musical gifts together.



As most recently, things have been getting kind of crazy for the pair. After putting out their project “The Heartfelt Tape”, the East Atlanta music scene hasn’t been the same ever since. “We put it out on Valentine’s Day. It has very heartfelt music, different than anything we’ve ever done,” said Armani. Osei added, “We had a listen party. It was pretty wild. It was a step up from our last project. People really vibed with it.” This hip-hop masterpiece left everyone wanting more, naturally, of course. In other words, Hollywood Cold’s real deal fans are anxiously anticipating all of their music to come.



When it comes to the fan favorite from the project, Hollywood Cold’s single “Come Thru” reigns supreme. Adding to that, dominating their release of singles is something they’re focused on in the coming months. “We’re definitely working more in the single direction. Our music can be viewed as old school flair with new flavor. It’s a mix of Atlanta trap with more lyrical sound,” said Osei. In trying to incorporate the old influences they knew growing up, Hollywood Cold’s desire is to bring new sauce to the game.



We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Hollywood Cold isn’t like any other hip-hop group out there. After opening up for Waka Flocka and PnB Rock, both Armani and Osei have what it takes to make it big. Continuing to build on their stage presence is at the forefront, and the artists are committed to putting in the work to make their dreams happen. If you’re looking for the perfect music to turn up to, Hollywood Cold has you covered.



Make sure to stay up to date with Hollywood Cold, so you don’t miss out on their upcoming music and shows! - HIP HOP WEEKLY


"89.3 Radio"

Osei and Armani interview - 89.3


"Voyage ATL article"

Meet Osei and Armani. - Voyage ATL


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

Two high school friends who always shared a love for music have come together during their college years to form the group "Osei and Armani" that is starting to turn heads within the music industry.

UNC senior Osei Avril and Armani Lashley are two Atlanta natives who have taken the trap influence of their hometown and subverted it into a sound that is uniquely their own. The talented duo has performed on stages with, Waka Flocka, PNB Rock and Riff Raff. Incomparable with any other artists out there today, "Osei and Armani"is a group that excels in multiple genres and creates a truly original sound and style that fans all over the country will be able to connect and relate with.

Band Members