C-Heights, comprised of O.D.T and Jason Bibb, hone into their artistry to deliver life-changing lyrics. The duo speaks on various global issues and personal experiences, letting loose powerful words through a nostalgic musical styling. Also, C-Heights drops gems for their listeners by being transparent about what they’ve experienced/witnessed. In turn, fans get a better understanding of the world they live in. Should they follow suit, the music aficionados will have a prosperous life. For those who are curious about C-Height, the group’s sound is akin to Outkast’s.
Last year, C-Heights dropped two 11-track projects, White Picket Fence and Blessings In Disguise. The two LPs mirror each other in terms of sound and themes. However, White Picket Fence focuses more on accomplishing goals, whereas Blessings In Disguise aims to spread awareness. Rooted in old-school boom-bap, soul, jazz, and R&B, both projects find C-Heights opening up about the come-up, street life, and virtues one should stand by. As said in their song “Situations,” “Life is my teacher; I learn from my situations.” From these two albums, both O.D.T and Jason Bibb stress how patience is key.
The two rappers encourage avid listeners to fight through the bad to win the good. They express in both projects that they strive to motivate individuals. Blessing In Disguise speaks on the downfalls of 9 to 5’s, humanity, the government, and taking life for granted. On the other hand, White Picket Fence sheds light on urban areas and the work that goes into surviving. Additionally, they encourage others to keep going through positive affirmations. The last song, in particular, focuses on the history of African Americans.
In all, both emcees express a dire need for change in society, in the world. They acknowledge God and thank Him for paving the way to a more elevated mindset. Though they admit to specific faults, the two seemingly choose to do right by trusting in their life’s progress.
Natalee Gilbert got the opportunity to speak with C-Heights here at New Fire Music. You can read the conversation below:
How would you describe your sound/message in White Picket Fence and Blessing In Disguise ?
On White Picket Fence, we were in the process of experimenting and finding our sound. On Blessing in Disguise, we felt more confident with our approach to create timeless music that people can relate to.
Influence behind the albums:
Influences behind our music would be our life in general. Our upbringing and being individuals of faith and purpose plays a big role in how we construct our craft. Real life situations and experiences has an influence on our music as well. We try to be authentic as possible.
What steps did you take to create the albums?
We basically let our thoughts flow naturally. During our writing sessions for the albums, we would listen to beats from different producers that we work with until we catch a “Vibe” or a certain feel for the track. Those are the type of beats we rap to first. We would then create a hook based off the topic we choose for the song, and the rest follows.
Favorite song to record off both albums?
Favorite song to record for White Picket Fence was “Beyond The Clouds.” Favorite song for Blessing in Disguise was “Mysterious.”
What do you hope fans get from both projects?
We hope fans can recognize the lyrical substance we bring to the table, and not overlook the meaningful message behind our music.
What type of setting should someone be in when listening to both albums?
Our music is suitable for any type of setting.
Any upcoming singles/music videos?
Circling back to C-Heights’ favorite songs to record, I did the diligence in breaking them down.
“Mysterious,” found on Blessings In Disguise, finds O.D.T and Jason Bibb mesmerized by a perfect kind of woman. Given this point, they become wary of her demeanor/behavior. Because, after all, too much of a good thing can be bad. The beat blends boom-bap and soul.
In the first verse, Jason Bibb takes the mic and expresses what he likes about his special lady. Rapping about his infatuation with his sweetheart, he says
“All I do is think about my baby/The way she shows me love is so amazin’/I just can’t explain it/I’m drowning like I’m deep off in the ocean/Just call me Leonardo from the Titanic.”
After, he opens up about coming across women who haven’t treated him as well as his current boo. In hindsight, it surprises Jason Bibb, driving him to be skeptical of her ways.
He asks, “If I ever try to love her, will she leave me in pain?” The solution is to either continue working on the relationship or be single.
O.D.T verbally illustrates his first encounter with his soon-to-be wife. He speaks on their very first conversation as well. While he’s aware of her hierarchy status, he still takes a chance on love. It might also be implied that she’s gotten ahead due to physical assets.
“So I still approach/Not normally humorous, but I got jokes/I like your Coke bottle, can I get a sip though?“
“Beyond The Clouds,” found on White Picket Fence, serves as a motivational song. The lyrics explore the mindset of someone who’s lost all hope in chasing their dreams. O.D.T and Jason Bibb, however, push others to keep going because “everything comes in due time.”
O.D.T opens up about remaining focused because of the bigger pictures. When he feels discouraged, he zones in on his dreams. Despite the negative comments and hate, O.D.T blocks it out. He pushes forward, even when the going gets tough. The naysayers fuel his determination. The rapper also says he leads the misguided through knowledge. He follows the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” through these lyrics:
” Everybody got a goal, they all different/And everybody got a dream, they ain’t livin/And I bet you got a script that ain’t finished/But I’m still writing mine right now/Been fifteen years still countin’.”
Jason Bibb drops encouraging bars about his own journey. But also, he expresses how tough it can be to trust the process.
He spits, “If I reach beyond the clouds, then maybe I’ll see my future/I’m so sick of all this pain/Turn me into a shooter.“
Even if there are easier ways to obtain his dream, he chooses to do it properly. As a result, he seeks forgiveness for negative thoughts. He concludes this:
“And if it’s meant for me to blow/Then it will come in due time.“
Listen to White Picket Fence and Blessing In Disguise below: