Omar Takes It Back To His Roots On The 'Simplify (Rootickal Re Twist)'


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After the drought for a full-length Omar album ended in 2013 with the critically acclaimed The Man, we were hoping it would start raining more new albums from one of our favorite Brits. And, while his latest project is a remix album, The Man Retwisted by Scratch Professer, Omar is clearly doing something new with his reggae version of "Simplify."

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While he's known for being a foundational architect in the development of neo-soul music, Omar's reggae roots run deep, through his Jamaican father, Byron Lye-Fook, a studio musician and drummer who collaborated with reggae legends like Bob Marley and Horace Andy. Omar keeps it in the family for the "Simplify (Rootickal Re Twist)," which is produced by his brother Scratch Professer and has a smooth classic reggae feel to it to help keep the summer vibes going just a little bit longer.

The warmth of reggae music emanates throughout the song and into the tone of the music video as well, which features footage of the sights and sounds in the streets of South London's Brixton Splash, a community celebration and street festival that emphasizes Brixton's Afro-Caribbean heritage. Giving you the feel of someone walking the streets as a festivalgoer, the video features scenes of a very down-to-earth Omar connecting one-on-one with fans, giving a live street performance with a sound system and even having fun with his beautiful twin daughters and their friends on the grass.  

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While some might have perceived Omar as a bit reclusive in the past, given he's not often found in the public eye, the "Simplify (Rootickal Re Twist)" video helps to challenge that notion as we get to know Omar on a bit more personal level as someone who is clearly connected with his culture, respected within his community and an involved and dedicated family man. Want to to get a firsthand look at Omar's reggae infused tour of the Brixton Splash? Press play to watch the video right here. If you're feeling the vibes of "Simplify (Rootickal Re Twist)," then pick up The Man Retwisted by Scratch Professer available now on Freestyle Records or grab the single with a special previously unreleased song from Omar's vault when it's released on September 11th, which you can pre-order on iTunes now.


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