Omehc Remains Focused On Music & Details Origin Of Stage Name
Intro:
Omehc, born Josue Francisco Mattei-Vega, is a Puerto Rican-American artist who is incredibly talented & just dropped his recent single Focused this year. He has done over 2,000 live performances in several sold-out shows in cities like Boston, New York, Miami & more. These days Omehc is running his own multimedia company, Thirteenth Entertainment & working on his second full-length album, Echoes. The album is divided into three parts: "Echoes of the Past," "Echoes of the Current," and "Echoes Yet to Come," set to release in Spring 2025. Before reading our full conversation & learning more about Omehc below, you should follow him today @Omehc_ on social media.
Meet: Omehc
Me: So, how long have you been making music & what inspired you to get started?
Omehc: Growing up, I drew inspiration from artists like Eminem and Lil Wayne, which sparked my passion for music early on. I began creating music at 13 after a freestyle challenge from friends ignited my drive to pursue hip-hop as a lifelong career. My sound captures the raw energy of today’s beats while maintaining the lyrical depth of classic hip-hop, giving me a distinctive style that sets me apart.
Has your style changed & evolved since you started? How would you describe your style overall?
My musical style is a unique blend of modern trap beats and introspective, thought-provoking lyricism. I draw from influences like Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Big Pun, which have shaped my intricate wordplay and storytelling. Since I first started, my sound has definitely evolved. In my earlier music, you can hear the youthful hunger for self-expression, but over the years, my style has matured. I’ve refined my ability to merge the hard-hitting elements of trap with deeper narratives and emotional layers. With every release, my sound has become more polished. The evolution of my music is most evident in my current projects, where I embrace more intricate production and thematic storytelling, as heard in my upcoming album Echoes. Each new project builds on the last.
How did you come up with your current stage name? Has it ever been anything different?
My stage name originally started as Kidd Chemo. The "Kidd" part came from the fact that the older guys on the street I grew up on would often forget my name and just refer to me as that "kid" who rapped. It captured my youthful energy and ambition during the early stages of my career. However, I later realized that the name wasn’t very marketable and didn’t fully resonate with the direction I wanted to take. So, I decided to change it to OMEHC. To stay true to my roots, I reflected the name "Chemo" in the new stage name. I had released an album called Reflections under Kidd Chemo, which was a pivotal project for me. OMEHC embodies my journey and evolution as an artist while honoring my beginnings.
Do you remember the first song you've ever made? If so, what was it like compared to new songs like “Focused”?
Yes, I remember my first song, which was called "Would it Change." Looking back, it was pretty mediocre at best—I'd even say it was utter garbage at worst! But that’s the reality for many artists; we all start somewhere. That song was a stepping stone that taught me so much about songwriting and production. In comparison to my latest releases, the growth is evident. My recent tracks reflect not only my improved skills but also a deeper understanding of my sound and artistry. Every step of the journey, including that first song, has been crucial in shaping who I am as an artist today.
Nice! Who are some of your favorite artists, producers, or other talented creatives to work with?
Although I've had the privilege of working with some big names in the industry, like during my time being sponsored by Maybach Music Group, I’ve always preferred creating with my boys in my basement. There's just something special about the raw, unfiltered energy that comes from being in a space where we can completely be ourselves and experiment freely. It’s in those moments, surrounded by the people I grew up with, that the most genuine and powerful music comes to life.
It’s hard to beat that organic type of chemistry! When you're working, what does the perfect studio session look like?
For me, a perfect studio session is just me, m1nute and Big Wxrm hanging out in my basement. The vibe is laid-back and fun, with everyone feeling free to express themselves. We’re surrounded by all our gear, maybe a few snacks and drinks on hand, and the laughter is constant. As we create, there’s this effortless flow of ideas—everyone contributing, riffing off each other, and capturing those spontaneous moments that make our music special. It’s not just about the tracks we make; it’s about the bond we share and the memories we create along the way. That’s what makes it perfect for me.
And what are some other talents & hobbies outside of music that some may not know about you?
Outside of music, a lot of people don’t realize that I’m also a graphic artist and video editor. I’ve always had a passion for visual storytelling, and I love creating artwork, editing videos, and just exploring different ways to express creativity. It gives me another outlet to bring my ideas to life.
What's been the most difficult part of your journey in music so far?
The most difficult part of my journey in music has been staying patient and resilient in the face of setbacks. There have been times when I felt like I was on the verge of something big, only to watch things fall through, or moments where personal struggles made it hard to stay focused on my goals. Balancing the pursuit of success with everyday life, family responsibilities, and the pressure to create can be overwhelming. But each challenge has pushed me to dig deeper and grow, not just as an artist, but as a person. Staying true to my vision, even when things don’t go as planned, has been the hardest and most important lesson of all.
With that in mind, is there any advice you would give to someone who is thinking about getting into music?
Absolutely! I would honestly say to make sure you’re willing to give it your all and then some. In this industry, "good" isn't good enough, and "best" isn’t even close to where you need to be. It's a journey that requires dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Be prepared to invest time, energy, and passion into your craft. Surround yourself with supportive people who push you to grow, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Remember, it’s about the journey as much as the destination, so enjoy every moment of it!
And finally, do you have any upcoming plans for your career that you're comfortable sharing?
Yes, I'm really excited about what’s coming up! I’m currently working on my second full-length album titled "Echoes," which will be divided into three parts: "Echoes of the Past," "Echoes of the Current," and "Echoes Yet to Come." It’s set to release in Spring 2025, and I can’t wait to share the journey and stories behind it. I’m also planning to hit the road for some performances to connect with my fans and showcase the new material. There are a lot of exciting projects on the horizon, and I’m eager to see where this path takes me!
