In an era where music is often accompanied by loud proclamations and flashy announcements, Big O chooses a different path. His latest album, ‘When It’s Not Said, But Done’ , arriving September 26th, embodies a philosophy of movement through action rather than rhetoric. It is not an album born of promises, but of execution—a carefully sculpted body of work that captures what happens when an artist embraces growth without hesitation.
For those unfamiliar with his journey, Big O is no stranger to reinvention. An American-born hip-hop record producer, recording and mixing engineer, and DJ who now calls London home, he has been crafting beats since the age of 13. Over the years, his career has been punctuated by award-winning albums, EPs, and singles that showcased his innate ability to blend genres, his technical finesse, and his deep respect for hip-hop’s roots. But with ‘When It’s Not Said, But Done’, he has entered uncharted territory, creating what may be his most adventurous and transformative release to date.
“This project represents a new chapter for me,” explains Big O. “A sonic journey of evolution made not through promises or proclamations, but through action.”
That ethos permeates every second of this 15-track instrumental record. Where previous releases found him working within the familiar textures of boom bap and soulful hip-hop, ‘When It’s Not Said, But Done’ challenges conventions with a fearless embrace of fusion, ambient experimentation, jazz flourishes, and rhythmic explorations drawn from Afrobeats, breakbeats, and beyond.
The result is an album that feels alive – unfolding like a narrative of transformation. Each track serves as a vignette in the story of reinvention, proving that words are unnecessary when the music itself speaks volumes.
Right from the opening notes of ‘From The Ashes (Rebirth)’, Big O signals his intentions. Haunting ambient textures create an atmosphere of renewal, a prelude to the expansive worlds that follow. The track functions almost like a cinematic overture, preparing listeners for the diverse moods ahead.
‘M!dnight Ryde’ continues in that spirit, enveloping listeners in saturated synths before easing into a head-nodding groove. It’s a delicate balance of weightless atmospheres and grounded beats, a testament to Big O’s meticulous layering.
The soulful shimmer of ‘What’s In This World’ offers a contrasting warmth. Piano-led melodies float above a mid-tempo pulse, while thumping kick drums anchor the track with hip-hop’s unmistakable heartbeat. Similarly, ‘Sounds of Broken Pieces’ uses inventive synth shatters and subtle effects to underscore its steady rhythm—a sonic metaphor for resilience amidst fracture.
Moments of uplift are threaded throughout. ‘A Bit of Hope’ radiates with retro-soul colors, propelled by hard-hitting drums that refuse to let the optimism drift away. ‘Still Standing’ shifts gears with dancefloor-ready disco flourishes and euphoric horn blasts – a bold celebration of perseverance through groove.
The album’s middle passages dive deeper into introspection and serenity. ‘New Found Joy’ unfurls in slow-burning R&B textures, while ‘Free Spirit’ drapes languid strings and shimmering keys over a chilled rhythm, creating a sanctuary of sound.
Collaborations add further dimension. ‘Walking into Next Week’, featuring Jeronimo G, leans into an intoxicating Afrobeats rhythm, with Jeronimo’s xylophone melodies coloring the track in vibrant hues. Later, ‘A Better (Me)’ featuring IB Delight expands into soulful astral spaces as the saxophone soars across a lush, smooth jazz-infused arrangement – one of the album’s undeniable highlights.
The journey continues with ‘Relaxing My Emotions’, where Afrobeats rhythms are paired with delicate production touches, creating a piece that is both calming and rhythmically engaging. ‘Til My Time Comes’ contrasts that serenity with a more haunting soundscape of strings and keys, evoking contemplation and inevitability.
Then comes ‘A Peace of Mind’, a masterclass in groove. Its rumbling basslines, jangling guitars, and slapping beats create a slow-funk atmosphere that feels both organic and cinematic. ‘In the History Books’ keeps the momentum alive with tight drum work and basslines that fill every pocket of space, reaffirming Big O’s mastery of rhythm.
Closing the album is ‘Bigrodamous’s Closing Theme’, a fitting finale that blends vintage hip-hop sensibilities with cinematic grandeur. It feels less like an ending and more like a curtain call – a triumphant acknowledgment of a chapter completed and a future still unwritten.
What makes ‘When It’s Not Said, But Done’ remarkable is not just its eclecticism, but its cohesiveness. Despite spanning genres and influences – from soul and R&B to ambient, jazz, and Afro-inspired grooves – the album maintains a steady heartbeat that is unmistakably Big O. Every track is a reflection of his refusal to remain stagnant, his belief in growth through doing.
There is a quiet boldness to this project. It doesn’t scream for attention or rely on braggadocious declarations. Instead, it whispers, moves, and flows – inviting listeners to experience transformation alongside its creator. In that sense, it is less a collection of tracks than a philosophy translated into sound.
Big O’s journey from a teenager making beats in America to a London-based producer recognized for award-winning releases has been defined by dedication, resilience, and an ever-expanding creative vision. With ‘When It’s Not Said, But Done’, he proves that true artistry is not about chasing trends or making promises – it’s about trusting the process, taking risks, and letting the music speak where words fall short.
For fans of instrumental hip-hop and genre-blurring soundscapes, this record offers not only a listening experience but also an invitation: to embrace evolution, to find comfort in discomfort, and to recognize that growth doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes, it simply happens – quietly, powerfully, undeniably.
‘When It’s Not Said, But Done’ is more than an album – it’s a statement made through action. Across 15 tracks of lusciously layered instrumentals, Big O pushes boundaries, experiments with textures, and redefines his artistic identity without uttering a single word. It’s an odyssey of transformation, delivered not as a declaration, but as proof.
When September 26th arrives, listeners will not only hear a new side of Big O – they will feel what happens when reinvention is not spoken, but done.
Pre-Order/Order the album here: https://big-o.bandcamp.com/album/when-its-not-said-but-done . All songs are produced, mixed and mastered by Big O. Album Art by Andriyan Robby & Orlando Turner. Painting by Andriyan Robby.
OFFICIAL LINKS: Instagram: @the.real.bigo – Twitter/X – @bigcapitalo
