Latest posts by alldaywes
(see all)Oakland-based rapper Ovrkast. is back with his sophomore studio album While the Iron is Hot. Since his 2020 debut Try Again, Ovrkast. has been busy perfecting his craft not only as a skilled lyricist but exercising his producer chops too. Released on May 30th, 2025 this project marks a significant evolution in his sound. With 13-tracks all produced and written by Ovrkast., they weave together boom-bap beats and jazz laced samples, drawing inspiration from artists like Knxwledge, Madlib, and J Dilla, with a laid-back California groove. All of the collaborators on the album share Ovrkast.’s commitment to thoughtful, personal storytelling like MAVI, Samara Cyn, Vince Staples, Saba, Malaya, and Frsh Waters all bringing depth and their unique styles to the project. Lyrically, Ovrkast. digs deep. He explores themes of self-worth, transformation, and grit. On tracks like “New Era,” he reflects on change and growth, while “On TIME!” captures the drive and urgency of his rise as an artist, and the pressure to prove yourself once the door finally opens. The central tension of the album lies between stillness and movement — a desire for clarity while navigating uncertainty.
A Visual Companion to the album, Ovrkast. released a music video for “Strange Ways” featuring Vince Staples. The black and white visuals compliment the minimal production of the song. It’s not a performance for the camera — it feels more like being let into someone’s internal monologue.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Ovrkast. for the first time, While the Iron is Hot is a masterclass in reinvention, reminding listeners that sometimes, the quietest voices leave the most lasting impact.