Daniel Owolabi lays the canvas for OG OJ to shine on 'Salvation'

Songwriters have been the most integral yet least visible part of the song-making process.

Even when the spotlights veered in the direction of talent managers, producers, and A&Rs, songwriters still managed to maintain a quietness that comes with forging perfect melodies and crafting suitable lyrics.

OG OJ's 'Salvation' is an example of the quite genius of achieved songwriting.

When you press play on 'Salvation' by OG OJ, you immediately get a whiff of the energy and depth attached to the record.

There is no gimmick or trend behind the words that come out of the artist’s mouth. This is soul talk.

A grounded, no-frills boom-bap joint that puts emotion first and thoughts in close second.

But while OG OJ holds it down with a solid performance, it’s the work of songwriter Daniel Oluwagbemiro Owolabi that really adds a significant dimension to the record.

Daniel’s writing doesn’t come with fanfare but comes with the weight of lived experience and worldly wisdom.

It never needs fireworks; instead, it needs focused silence to cherish the beauty of the words. His words are the kind that sit with you, lines that sound simple on first listen, then hit harder the second or third time around.

“Even though there is war, it’s world peace I’m after.” That’s not a bar you throw out just to sound deep. It’s the kind of lyric that reveals itself slowly, soft in delivery but heavy in meaning. That balance defines the record.

There’s a certain air to the sound, providing the listener with a grounded effect, and Daniel’s pen fits perfectly into that space. The beat and his words are as separate as they are intertwined.

What stands out most about Daniel’s contribution is how he doesn’t try to hijack the record.

It’s clear he understands his role isn’t to outshine the artist but to shape the narrative and give the performer the right tools to build something real.

He gives OG OJ room to express, to reflect, and to connect authentically through his own point of view. As a songwriter, that’s a skill in itself, knowing when to push, when to hold back, and when to let the words generate feelings in the listener.

Lines like “My main goal for all of you is white teeth” are a perfect example of Daniel’s touch. On the surface, it’s playful. But it’s layered, connoting feelings of joy, peace, and maybe even justice, all wrapped in one clever phrase. It’s the kind of writing that doesn’t need to be explained to be felt. It either hits you immediately or creeps into your subconscious.

There’s also a cultural honesty running through the record. The exact point of the record is not to pretend like life is perfect, but it doesn’t drown in pain either. It recognizes the struggle and still looks forward.

That’s where Daniel’s writing shines, operating from within the moment. This isn’t theoretical. It's a lived experience, trimmed down to its most relatable parts.

In the wider conversation about songwriting in hip-hop, especially in a genre that doesn’t always give writers their flowers, Daniel Oluwagbemiro Owolabi is showing why the pen still matters.

His work on 'Salvation' proves that good songwriting isn’t about big words or loud punches. It’s about clarity, rhythm, and combining your point of view with that of the lead artist. And when those three show up at once, like they do here, the result sticks.

'Salvation' is a well-built record. OG OJ brings the presence, the beat carries the mood, and Daniel Owolabi connects the dots. Every word feels placed with intention, with clear thoughts and emotions laid bare for everyone to experience.

For fans of real hip-hop and anyone who values songwriting as a craft, this is one to sit with. Let it loop. Let it talk to you. Daniel might not be the one on the mic, but make no mistake, his voice is in every corner of this song.