In a climate where soul singers are expected to be Top 40 hitmakers or quirky darlings of an internet based sub-genre, Bay Area crooner 1-O.A.K. defies easy categorization. His music keeps R&B traditionalists nodding their heads in approval, and electrifies young music fans with an ear for a more progressive sound, truly earning him the name “One of a Kind.” Influenced by a mix of his contemporaries and predecessors growing up, such as Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, and The Neptunes, 1-O.A.K. represents the bridge between new school and old school with a bit of Oakland influence.
On his debut album, “Special Request”, 1-O.A.K. emerged as an R&B artist writing beyond the usual genre confines of relationships, sex and heartbreak. Throughout the project, he conveyed a sense of intimacy, angst and melancholy, with funky and soulful production to drive the experience home.
As a member of Bay Area collective HBK and The Honor Roll crew, 1-O.A.K. (which stands for 1 Of A Kind) made his debut in 2013 with his acclaimed album, Special Request. Since then, the Oakland native has kept his production as strong as his personal work, with defining production credits for Kamaiyah (“Swing My Way”), Rayana Jay, Teedra Moses, IAMSU, a remix for Little Dragon and more. He has also released the Lovelorn EP as a part of 2 Player Co-Op, a collaborative project with producer and fellow Honor Roll Crew member Trackademicks.
When it comes to 1-O.A.K.’s 2017 album, Riding In Cars With Girls, you can expect the project to “feel like a man trying to find himself through the experiences he has and the choices he makes with women”. RICWG includes features from Duckwrth, Kool John and more.
1-O.A.K. music is available on all streaming platforms!