There’s in shape and then there’s in shape. DMV MC/producer Oddisee demonstrated the importance of cardiovascular fitness on Sunday night (October 5) at Cervantes Masterpiece Theater in Denver, where he performed a full set in the infamously high Colorado capital (and no, not that kind of high).
Denver sits at 5,280 feet above sea level—one mile to be exact—hence the nickname “The Mile High City.” He sailed through his set with barely a mention of the altitude, which typically leaves rappers unaccustomed to performing at that height breathless. But, as Oddisee noted onstage, he was “feeling great.”
In the same sentence, he also revealed he’d run a half-marathon earlier that morning (that’s 13.1 miles) in the nearby city of Arvada, which is even higher at 5,453 feet above sea level. Needless to say, it was an impressive feat and apparently something Oddisee has been doing for awhile. Videos on his Instagram page show him running through the streets of various cities while on tour—Arvada included.
Oddisee is currently on the At It Again Tour with his three-piece band in celebration of The Good Fight‘s 10-year anniversary. Following Denver, they’ll hit Seattle, Portand and Vancouver before heading back down the West Coast to San Francisco, L.A. and San Diego. The North American leg wraps up November 2i n Brooklyn and then they’ll head overseas to Asia.
Oddisee’s latest album, Odd Sketches Vol. 1, arrived last year. Prior to that, he released To What End in 2023 with guests like Phonte Coleman, Freeway and Bilal. Of course, he performed several cuts off The Good Fight, which he released in 2015 via Mello Music Group, including “Book Covers” and “Belong to the World.”
Oddisee is among a growing number of artists 40 and above who are prioritizing fitness and health. Instead of partying into the wee hours of the morning, they’re getting rest, staying hydrated and eating better.
Just last week, Philly Hip-Hop legend Bahamadia was in Denver for a show, drinking water and eating fruit before she hit the stage. As she murdered the mic, there was no indication she was struggling with breath control at all. After her set, no she didn’t go out and party, she went back to the hotel and rested up for her early morning flight.
Rappers are running, too. Murs, who named his last tour The Last Run, hits the pavement regularly. Diplo ran the 2023 Los Angeles Marathon, Lil Nas X completed the NYC Half Marathon in 2024 and Eminem used running as part of his recovery.
Oddisee is another prime example of what’s possible with balance. Don’t be surprised to see another Instagram video of him running in a city near you. Find his full tour dates below.
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