American rapper OsamaSon has directly responded to the online debate surrounding the cover art for his new album “Psykotic.” The artwork, which features religious and devil-based imagery, sparked divided reactions among fans and critics after its reveal. In a recent interview, the artist explained the intention behind the controversial visual.
The Controversial Artwork
Graphic designer StunMic, a frequent OsamaSon collaborator, created the “Psykotic” cover art. The design consists of two main images. One picture shows a Black man wearing symbols often associated with Jesus Christ, including a crown made of thorns. Another piece of artwork for the album’s tracklist displays devil-based imagery, including a child with horns surrounded by a serpent and the head of a goat, both commonly linked to satanic symbolism.
The artwork quickly ignited strong opinions across social media platforms following its release. Fans and critics engaged in heated discussions about the visual choices, with some calling the imagery outdated and others defending the artistic direction.
Online reactions ranged from supportive to highly critical. One social media user commented, “Very corny and performative. Like the gay gimmick. If you need to resort to this to make sales.” Another critic questioned the frequent use of such symbolism, writing, “yall love satanism so much im cryin.”
Other fans came to the artwork’s defense, with one supporter noting, “ppl gon come around on the cover.” Another fan provided context for the controversial imagery, stating, “No really, I think the cover is amazing, and since when has the underground ever truly recognized as holy?”
OsamaSon’s Direct Response
In an interview with Billboard, OsamaSon addressed the controversy head-on. When initially asked about the cover art, he first described it as “a fire cover art, man!” before elaborating on its true intention.
He initially stated, “It’s not even nothin’ to get — like if you want me to keep it 100% with you, bro — it wasn’t nothin’ crazy. Like we wasn’t tryin’ to be on some blasphemous s—t.” However, he then corrected himself and confirmed the deliberate nature of the artwork.
“Man, you know what? — We were. Yeah, we were trying to disrespect all the religions! F—k ’em, f—k everybody. F–k how everybody feels. That’s what the cover is, man: F—k you.”
The 22-year-old artist, whose real name is Amari Deshawn Middleton, revealed he had even shared the cover with his mother, who approved of the choice. “I sent this s—t to my mom and everything, and she was like, ‘This is perfect,’” he shared.
OsamaSon also addressed online suggestions that he should have instead incorporated terrorism themes in reference to his stage name. Responding to comments on Reddit that proposed he lean into Osama bin Laden-themed imagery, the artist was clear about his preference: “Should I be a terrorist or a devil worshipper? I’d rather be a devil worshipper.”
The Artist’s New Mindset
This controversy comes as OsamaSon embraces a new approach to his public persona and artistic expression. He explained that he has reached a point in his career where outside opinions no longer affect his creative decisions.
“I cared about what people thought, and I’m at the point where I don’t give a single f—k about what anybody thinks, because it doesn’t matter! The only opinion that matters to me is my mom’s. I don’t give a f—k about anybody else’s opinion.”
This shift in perspective represents a significant development for the rapper, who acknowledged that he previously paid more attention to public perception. “I wasn’t using my power how I was supposed to, bro,” he admitted regarding his earlier approach to dealing with critics.
About the Album “Psykotic”
“Psykotic” is OsamaSon’s fourth studio album, released on October 10, 2025, through Atlantic Records and Motion Music. The project features 17 tracks with a sole guest appearance from rapper Che. Production came from several collaborators including Warren Hunter, Gyro, Rok, and OsamaSon himself under his producer alias “Lil O.”
The album has achieved notable commercial success, debuting at No. 81 on the US Billboard 200 chart. This marks OsamaSon’s highest-charting album to date, jumping fifty spots above his previous project “Jump Out,” which had debuted at No. 151. “Psykotic” sold 13,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.
Critical reception for the music itself has been largely positive. Pitchfork awarded the album a 7.2 out of 10, with reviewer Olivier Lafontant describing it as “a blur of muggy distortion, Auto-Tune chirrups, and synth-heavy adornments” that captures OsamaSon’s growing command of the rage-rap sound. Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop rated the album between a “strong six and light seven out of ten,” noting that it represents “the truest and most finalist form” of the underground rap sound.
Designer Controversies
The album’s designer, StunMic, has been involved in previous controversies. The artist was previously embroiled in serious allegations that circulated online approximately a year ago. StunMic addressed these claims in a social media post at the time, stating, “1st thing im making clear. i did not rape nobody. im 100% on that statement. id never violate someone in that way EVER. its insane to watch everyone make jokes & celebrate while my jobs /life is getting tarnished and ruined by heavy false accusations.” He mentioned he would be “taking this into legal matters.”
Additionally, StunMic’s artwork for OsamaSon’s previous album “Flex Musix (FLXTRA)” became the center of a legal issue when the band Iron Maiden sued the rapper over the artwork’s similarity to their mascot, Eddie.
OsamaSon is currently embarking on his Psykotic Tour, which began on October 16, 2025, in St. Louis and is scheduled to conclude on December 20, 2025, in Vancouver. The tour includes a performance at The UC Theatre in Berkeley, California on December 13, 2025.
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