Oakland rapper and producer Ovrkast. has released his first new music of 2025 with the single “Small Talk“, a collaboration featuring emerging artist Samara Cyn. The track marks the first partnership between the two artists. Ovrkast. worked with producer Cardo on the project KASTGOTWINGS and supported rapper MAVI on his headlining Shadowbox tour.
“Small Talk” integrates jazz elements into a hip-hop framework, characterized by punctuated hi-hats and intricate lyricism. The song’s jazz-imbued production aligns with Ovrkast.’s recent live appearance at Saba’s Blue Note Jazz Club show, where he attended as a guest in the audience rather than a performer, signalling a continued engagement with jazz-influenced hip-hop circles. This stylistic choice situates the track within a lineage of contemporary hip-hop artists who draw from jazz to add texture and rhythmic complexity to their music, a practice that has historically supported the genre’s evolution and depth.
Samara Cyn, who released her studio debut The Drive Home last year, contributes vocals that complement Ovrkast.’s style, enhancing the song’s layered sound. Cyn’s recent collaboration with Sherwyn on “Pop n Olive” and her role as a supporting act for Smino’s Kountry Kousins tour underscore her rising profile in the hip-hop and R&B scenes. Smino has publicly praised Cyn’s artistry and energy, describing her as “a raw artist” and highlighting her potential to shape the genre’s future.
The release of “Small Talk” comes at a moment when both artists are actively expanding their reach. Ovrkast.’s work with Cardo and his touring experience have positioned him as an artist capable of blending production and lyricism effectively, while Samara Cyn’s growing discography and live performances reflect a trajectory of increasing influence.
“Small Talk” is available on all major streaming platforms, accompanied by a music video that visually complements the track’s aesthetic. The collaboration serves as a strategic step for both artists, leveraging their individual strengths and shared musical sensibilities to engage audiences seeking hip-hop that embraces jazz-inflected instrumentation and thoughtful lyricism.
