Hello everyone it’s your host Daniel from Dulaxi, and today I have with me the exceptional hip-hop duo Cashus King & Big O from Los Angeles, United States. And Cashus King & Big O are here to discuss their recent concept-driven album “Water to Wine” which was released on June 5th, 2026. So, welcome, Cashus King & Big O! But before we begin our interview, to our audience; here is what you need to know about these artists.
Cashus King & Big O represent a compelling union of lyrical introspection and visionary production, bringing together two artists whose individual journeys converge in a shared commitment to thoughtful, concept-driven hip-hop. Los Angeles emcee Cashus King has built his artistic identity on self-reflection, emotional honesty, and a deep respect for the storytelling traditions of hip-hop, drawing inspiration from a lifetime of experiences that span the cultural richness of Leimert Park and the personal challenges that shaped his worldview. His music serves as a vehicle for growth, self-determination, and inner exploration, earning him recognition as a distinctive voice with a left-of-center approach that rewards attentive listeners. Complementing King’s artistry is Orlando Turner, better known as Big O, an accomplished producer, recording and mixing engineer, and DJ whose musical journey has taken him from Alabama and Atlanta to Florida, California, Germany, and ultimately London, where he continues to expand his creative reach. Renowned for his smooth, soulful, and experimental production style, Big O has collaborated with respected artists including Fashawn, Skyzoo, L.O.U., P-Rawb, and Dankery Harv, while earning coverage from influential outlets such as Underground Hip Hop Blog, Earmilk, The Word Is Bond, and Above Average Hip Hop. Their creative partnership was born in January 2026 through a collaboration on L.O.U.’s “Mornings Were Head Nod & Apple Jacks,” a connection that quickly evolved into a profound artistic chemistry and ultimately inspired the creation of their debut collaborative album, “Water to Wine.” Released on June 5, 2026, the project is a deeply immersive concept album that explores transformation, renewal, faith, purpose, and personal evolution through the symbolic journey from water to wine, inspired by the biblical miracle at Cana. With Big O serving as the sole producer and arranger, contributions from pianist Samuel Adeoti, and guest appearances from Blu, Fashawn, L.O.U., P-Rawb, Big Tone, G-HOLY, Frannie EL, and Shari, the album stands as a cohesive and intentional body of work where every track contributes to a larger narrative. Together, Cashus King & Big O demonstrate the enduring power of collaboration, creating music that balances lyrical depth, spiritual reflection, and sonic craftsmanship while inviting listeners on a transformative journey of growth, perseverance, and becoming something greater than where they began.
Having this brief Introduction about Cashus King & Big O, I’m sure new and current fans must be excited about our Interview today.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Daniel: Cashus King and Big O, your collaboration began with a single feature on L.O.U.’s “Mornings Were Head Nod & Apple Jacks.” What was it about that initial experience that convinced you both there was enough chemistry to build an entire album together?
Cashus King: For me, it was the quality of the production, the professionalism of the payment process, and the clear lines of communication. It didn’t take two weeks to receive my payment, in fact, Big O paid me before I finished recording the lyrics. I did a bit more than was requested, and I think that also left a good impression. It was clear that we are both determined in our pursuit of making Music. We are both professional when dealing with the technical and monetary sides of the process. Most importantly, the production spoke to me, so I reached out to Big O to request more production if possible
Big O: After the track was done, Cashus hit me up and told me how dope my beats were and asked me to send him a pack. it went from one single, to an EP, to later agreeing on an album and this album helped us form this incredible bond, musically & personally, with each other.
Daniel: Big O, your journey has taken you from the United States to Germany and now the UK, while Cashus King’s artistry has been shaped by the rich cultural landscape of Los Angeles. How have your individual life experiences influenced the creative partnership behind Water to Wine?
Big O: It actually wanted me to take what I’ve learned over the years with travelling and apply it to something new with this album. Working with an Artist like Cashus, I knew I had to come correct with the production side of this album and step out of my comfort zone so to say.
Daniel: Both of you have built reputations for thoughtful, intentional artistry. What shared values or creative philosophies helped shape the identity of this partnership from the beginning?
Cashus King: The values of loyalty. The value of dedication and Consistency. The values of getting done what you start. We also share a similar political world view. Thinking outside of the confines of conservative or liberal. I would also say our spiritual outlook is similar. Not committing to one specific religious denomination, or proclaiming one specific deity as the supreme creator. Embracing open minded spirituality that connects to the messaging in the music.
Big O: Basically the love and respect we have for this culture and wanting to leave something behind for this world when we eventually have to leave it.
Daniel: Water to Wine is built around the powerful biblical metaphor of transformation. What first inspired you to explore this concept, and why did it feel like the right foundation for this album?
Cashus King: I got the idea based on the first song I wrote, DRIPPIN’. I wanted to continue the theme of hydration and liquidation. I have another album called the weight of water and this album serves as a sort of first Cousin to that record. That album focuses more on the ocean and marine life, while this album focuses specifically on hydration and liquidation. Going through my journey of recovery from addiction, water represents purification and clarity of thought. We use water to clean, we use water to invigorate. We can take that water and turn it into something more by combining it with other elements. We can turn water into wine, and wine often represents celebration and success. It’s ironic I chose that title, mainly because I was raised Catholic and I always remembered that biblical Reference, But my embrace of the phrase is not connected to Catholicism specifically. I used it as a metaphor For bettering oneself. You can be a secular person and still connect to the title and theme of the record.
Big O: For me, it was following the lead of Cashus when he mentioned this idea to me. The first song we recorded together during this process was “Drippin’ (Soakin’ Poems)” & from there Cashus wanted this to be a liquid themed album.
Daniel: The album presents water as raw potential and wine as the result of growth through time, faith, and pressure. How does this symbolism reflect your own personal and artistic journeys?
Cashus King: Artistically the water represents growth. It represents the evolution of a drop of rain to a body of water big enough to fill an ocean. We want to grow as artist, expand our message and expand our approach stylistically. Personally, it represents purifying myself. Cleansing myself of the stains of regret. Once the slate is clean, I can illustrate something exceptional. I can turn that clean slate into an inspiring work of art.
Big O: For me, I’ve been through a lot in this industry. From being blackballed for questioning a certain journalist morality to being lied to by certain legendary artists about getting on songs to even having artists trying to steal from me. All of that was in the span of 2018 and I was contemplating on quitting all of this and just giving up until a year later, I ended up meeting with a man who was starting his own label and wanted to collaborate with me on some songs on his label. Ever since that moment I’ve been flying ever since and never looked back.
Daniel: Every track follows a liquid theme and contributes to a larger narrative. How did you ensure that each song felt unique while still serving the album’s overarching story?
Big O: I have to give credit to Cashus on this one. He had the idea of making every track liquid themed and It was up to me to carefully curate it all to run very smoothly.
Daniel: Were there particular songs on the album that became especially important in expressing the project’s central message of renewal, revival, and rebirth?
Cashus King: It’s really a simple process, I wanted to choose words that represent the overall theme, but explore different dimensions of experience with each term. It was really based on the term I chose, and then expanding from that point, using that term as a metaphor for the overall concept of the song. Hydration was about maintaining faith. The water represents stimulation of hope and desire. DRIPPIN Was about black culture’s influence serving as a vehicle of inspiration, hence me naming a multitude of black superheroes at the beginning of the song. Each song represents a drop of water that combines to create a body of water.
Big O: For me, I will say “Hydration (Reign).” Really sit down and listen to what Cash is saying in that track and you will know why I picked that one.
Daniel: The album rewards listeners who experience it from beginning to end rather than as isolated singles. What do you hope listeners discover when they fully immerse themselves in the complete journey of Water to Wine?
Cashus King: Yes, for me personally hydration, drownin’ And holy water represent my desire to purify myself, and inspire others to do the same. Not purity in the sense of perfection, but purity in the sense of Nirvana and mental peace. Wash the slate clean of regret, rid the body of the substances that possess the soul. Wine is my journey coming full circle. The triumphant vibe of the production really communicates the completion of the journey effectively.
Big O: Basically that nothing lasts forever rather it’s good or bad. You have to take what life has thrown at you and make the very best of it to get out of whatever situation that you are in. It’s an album that should inspire listeners that we should own whatever flaws we have, take accountability for our actions, not be afraid to apologize and do the work to move forward and right our wrongs in life.
Daniel: Big O, as the sole producer and arranger, how did you use different moods, textures, and sonic elements to mirror the fluidity and adaptability of water throughout the album?
Big O: Oh it was easy! As soon as you give me a concept and direction, it’s smooth sailing from there. Certain songs on the album Cashus liked and wanted certain textures and added color to some songs. For instance, when it came down to us doing “Drownin’, it was my idea to add wave crashing textures to the song to give it extra layers of life to the track.
Daniel: Since the album was recorded remotely across different locations, what challenges and advantages came with creating such a cohesive body of work from a distance?
Cashus King: Technology is so advanced that there weren’t any major challenges. The one main challenge was communication due to the difference in hours based on location. There’s an eight hour separation between us. Besides that, as long as we communicated, everything ran smoothly. I was able to craft my concepts without feeling crowded by Big O’s analysis or critique. Sometimes when you work on an album in the same location the experience feels Hindered by the input of the producer Attempting to mold your vision before you get a chance to. Big O allowed me to steer the ship of the artistry while he steered the ship of the sequencing and the production. The process went fast and smooth. The outcome was unforced and organic.
Big O: It was actually very simple because we developed a friendship in the process of this album. Therefore, we talked every single day about pretty much everything to the point it felt like we were in the same room with each other during the album’s process.
Daniel: Samuel Adeoti’s piano contributions and the various guest appearances add additional layers to the project. How did these collaborators help expand the emotional and musical depth of the album?
Cashus King: I’ll let Big O handle this one.
Big O: Predicate it bruh. With Sam, I’ve been working with him for years and every time I need him to add just an extra layer of keys he always comes through to create some magic with me. Same can be said about L.O.U. & P-Rawb. We’ve known each other for over a decade and I can always lean on them for a collaboration to help add any kind of extra layer & depth to whatever I’m working on.
Daniel: Cashus King, your music often explores self-determination and personal growth. How does Water to Wine represent where you are currently in your evolution as both a man and an artist?
Cashus King: I’m somewhere between the journey of water turning to wine. Realistically and honestly, I will be in that position until the day I die. The journey is the purpose, not the destination. I’ve dealt with severe drug addiction and some personal and professional failures that inspired the concept of this record. Although I would like to say that I am wine, I am somewhere between water and wine, I think we all are. We are constantly falling down and standing back up as human beings. Both artistically and personally I’m like a tide that comes in and goes back out. The process is perpetual. I think of the title of Blu & Exile’s most recent album, “time heals everything”. If time heals everything, water washes all that is tainted. I’m not competing with other artists, I’m competing with myself to become a better rapper and a better man. I’m swimming towards the shore, but reaching the shore is not the point, The point is to keep swimming.
Daniel: Big O, after years of producing, engineering, traveling, and collaborating with diverse artists, what did this project teach you about yourself creatively?
Big O: It taught me that I am able to make timeless music with anyone in this industry whether they are indie, underground or mainstream. This project has further taught me that if I want to make a masterpiece then it takes much more than just sending beats over to artists. I have to be invested in the concept as well & form ideas to push the album forward.
Daniel: The album repeatedly emphasizes transformation as a process rather than an instant event. How has that idea played out in your own careers and personal lives?
Cashus King: The concept of continuous and perpetual evolution relates to my time spent in outpatient drug addiction recovery. When you go into recovery, you are immediately taught that the process of healing will last the rest of your life. Eminem has been clean for 15 years and he still goes to meetings. In order to maintain a clean life, you must constantly reapply the teachings learned in recovery. The destination is not the representation of healing, continuing the journey is the true representation of Completion. Completion is not the point, continuing to apply those lessons learned on a daily basis is the point.
Big O: It definitely played out in mine. I quit drinking back in 2011, became an agnostic, started fixing as many flaws as I possibly could in my life, bounced back from being blackballed in this industry and have been moving forward ever since.
Daniel: Were there any moments during the creation of Water to Wine that challenged your perspectives or pushed you beyond your creative comfort zones?
Cashus King: The point on the album where I felt a bit challenged was writing the singing hook for Streams. I had never taken on the task of writing a hook for another artist to sing. I had to step outside of my comfort zone in order to embrace the challenge. Swimmin’ was also a challenge because of the Pocket. I had to find a flow that could organically adapt to that Pocket without feeling forced. I usually write a song in a day or so, Swimmin’ took me a week to write. Both outcomes felt very rewarding once the process was complete. As artist we have to challenge ourselves at times in order to grow.
Big O: For me, not at all. This whole process has been easy for me from the moment we’ve begun working on it.
Daniel: Looking back at the beginning of your respective journeys, what would the younger versions of Cashus King and Big O think if they heard this album today?
Cashus King: One of my main beefs with my first album, BEFORE I AWOKE, was that it was not conceptual enough. I felt like my performance was not consistent enough throughout the record. I wanted more diversity in the vibe of the production. My younger Self would feel very proud that I was able to finally put together an album that truly represents my artistic vision. This album is the refined and polished version of my freshman release. Conceptually it is consistent. Performance wise it is inspired. It’s everything I’ve wanted to do album wise. I also wanted to find the Exile to my Blu, and I think I found that with Big O. I’m incredibly grateful for all of the former producers that I have worked with, but I wanted to find one producer that I could form a duo with. I accomplished that goal with Big O. With that being said, I want to send a special shot out to Fonetik Simbol and Clouded Slum. I wouldn’t be at this point now without the growth I experienced working with both of those producers.
Big O: Ah, with me I started making beats in 2000 and with me being from the south and started out making trap music, if my younger self would see what we’ve become he would be shocked and confused. Back then, I was only focused on making beats for that era and to hopefully get money. Making a hip hop masterpiece was the furthest thing from my mind.
Daniel: The album carries themes of purpose, perseverance, and becoming who you were meant to be. What kinds of listener reactions have resonated with you the most so far?
Cashus King: I have been thrilled with the fact that the majority of people’s favorite song is Drownin’. I never expected something with a more somber feel to resonate so much. I wrote that song for anyone going through something in their life, so it’s very encouraging to know that it resonated with a large body of people.
Big O: The fact that this album was so focused and stayed in the lines of the concept is rare and what makes this album so great. Every time I speak to someone in regards to the album they will say that the replay value of this project is so high and it doesn’t feel like a 51 minute album.
Daniel: What do you hope listeners take away from Water to Wine after experiencing the album’s complete narrative from start to finish?
Cashus King: I hope listeners are inspired to believe that they can be great. I also hope they understand that the message is not to be great by comparing yourself to others, but by manifesting your own personal potential. You can be great with a lot, or you can be great with a little. Materialism is not the definition of your success, inner peace is. Water is the Self and Wine is Nirvana.
Big O: I hope that it inspires listeners to take control of the narrative of their lives to try to make things better for themselves and the people around them.
Daniel: After introducing Water to Wine to audiences worldwide, what are your goals for the project over the coming months?
Cashus King: One word sums up my hopes for the project, GROWTH. Being on the underground means there are always people out there that have not heard of the project or heard of Cashus King and Big O. I want to expand the reach of this album as much as we can. I hope that someone new discovers the album every day.
Big O: With this album, we are gonna continue to keep pushing it for radio, more publications, more magazine print appearances. We have vinyl coming out and we are going to have listening parties in L.A. & in London. Cashus is going to perform some of the songs in shows in L.A. and we are going to push for this album to be nominated for some awards. We also are working on doing an official music video for “Drownin’.”
Daniel: Looking ahead, can fans expect more collaborations between Cashus King and Big O, and are there any future releases or creative ventures you can share with us?
Cashus King: Yes, we are planning to put out a catalogue of music that spans the years and decades, God willing. Our next release is an EP Entitled SCORCHED EARTH. We are branching out from themes of water To explore themes of fire, while still expanding on the themes of water. The next EP takes on the concept of aquaculture and hydroponics. Once the fire burns all of the land, the water becomes the soil that we farm on. We are also working on a collaborative project with Dankery Harv, as well as another full length album. I also hope to work with P-RAWB And Blu over Big O production at some point. The journey is perpetual, we are going to keep going as long as we are physically and mentally able.
Big O: YES! We have so much more coming. We have a new EP coming at the top of next year with the lead single dropping in November & a new collaboration album with Detroit’s own Dankery Harv dropping next year. In 2028, we have something even bigger coming your way so stay tuned.
Having Taken A Deep Dive Into The Transformative World Of “Water to Wine,” Here’s My Reflection On This Conceptually Rich And Spiritually Resonant Body Of Work.
“Water to Wine” by Cashus King & Big O is the kind of album that reminds me why the concept album remains one of hip-hop’s most powerful artistic forms. Released on 05 Jun 26, this fourteen-track body of work is far more than a collection of songs, it is a carefully constructed narrative built around transformation, using the biblical metaphor of water becoming wine as a lens through which to explore identity, struggle, growth, accountability, and spiritual refinement. From the opening moments of “LikWid (Big Fish),” I felt submerged in Big O’s immersive sonic world, where murky basslines, compressed atmospheres, and aquatic textures create an overwhelming sense of pressure and survival. Cashus King’s disciplined delivery immediately establishes the album’s emotional gravity, presenting resilience not as triumph but as a continuous act of adaptation. As the project unfolds, tracks such as “Precipitation” expand the narrative outward, connecting personal evolution to ancestral memory, cultural endurance, and historical consciousness, with Fashawn’s appearance adding further depth to an already compelling dialogue. What impressed me most throughout the album is the consistency of its vision. Big O’s production never chases trends or unnecessary complexity; instead, he crafts a cinematic boom-bap landscape rich with soulful samples, atmospheric textures, and subtle details that allow every song to feel connected to the larger journey. The sequencing is particularly remarkable, with transitions flowing naturally from one emotional state to another, reinforcing the idea that transformation is a gradual process rather than a singular event. “Drownin’” stands out as one of the album’s most emotionally intense moments, capturing psychological exhaustion through suffocating production and introspective lyricism that refuses easy resolution, while “Holy Water” serves as a powerful culmination of the album’s themes, embracing confession, accountability, and self-recognition as pathways toward healing. Cashus King’s writing is thoughtful, poetic, and socially aware throughout, balancing personal storytelling with broader philosophical observations, while guest contributors such as Blu, L.O.U., P-Rawb, Big Tone, G-HOLY, Frannie EL, and Shari enhance the experience without ever distracting from the central narrative. Additional piano work from Samuel Adeoti adds warmth and elegance to key moments, while the technical precision of Argiris “Argy W” Psylomesis ensures that every element occupies its proper space within the mix. What ultimately makes “Water to Wine” so compelling to me is how completely every aspect of the project serves its central idea. The production, lyricism, performances, sequencing, and atmosphere all work together to portray transformation as a difficult, ongoing process shaped by adversity, reflection, endurance, and growth. Rather than offering simple answers or easy victories, the album embraces complexity and invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys through struggle and renewal. The result is a cohesive, deeply thoughtful, and emotionally resonant hip-hop experience that rewards patience, demands attention, and reveals greater meaning with every return visit.
~ Daniel (Dulaxi Team).
Finally to our audience, I urge you to listen to “Water to Wine”, add its songs to your playlist and be inspired by them, and on behalf of Dulaxi I like to appreciate you all by saying thank you everyone, See you on our next interview.
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