Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon - As Of Now (CD)

“My auntie asked me what’s my path?”, spits Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon on his debut from the celebrated Lex Records. The lyric relatably references the crossroads he’s at in his current life, especially as someone right on the cusp of rap stardom. “Recently, I’ve been thinking more and more about what comes next in my life,” the artist reveals.

It’s fair to say Ogbon’s Lex LP features less of the sh*t-talking court jester of old. Instead, there’s more of an imperfect man re-examining past mistakes so he can avoid any future forks in the road. There’s a particular focus on over coming heartbreak, inspiring Ogbon to admit he’s haunted by an ex so badly he now needs to call up the Ghostbusters for assistance.

Since emerging in the late 2010s, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon has consistently lit up America’s underground rap scene and this is thanks to a refreshingly honest writing style. Amid the exquisitely wavy strings of 2021’s The Missing Link / The Sneaky Link, for example, he rapped: “Everyone thinks they’re play er, until their bitch doesn’t come home.” Biting and snappy, the nasally vocals carry the playful verve of comedian, Richard Pryor, bravely excavating personal Demons to solicit giggles.

All this brash, wry Redman-inspired storytelling continues on the new project. Its first single is titled I’m Signed to Lex, Now I’m Up – a name that mirrors what a big moment releasing a project on the label that once housed MF DOOM represents for Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon’s legacy. “I’m really driven by being able to level up and give my family more financial freedom,” he hopes.

And, if auntie asked what his path was right now, what exactly would the rapper say? Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon concludes: “Auntie: this rapping thing feels like it’s finally about to pay off!”

1. I’m Signed to Lex Now I’m Up
2. You Know My Love Language Right?
3. Flewed Out, All Expenses is Paid For
4. Tia Mowry (The Rich TT)
5. Butter Leather Weather
6. Drunk Nights in Edgewood (IMYSM)
7. 360 Photo Booth
8. I’m Getting Too Famous (This Time Last Year)
9. Okay, I Know Who My Twin Flame Is
10. Bedford Avenue (Skit)
11. So You Really Don’t Miss Me?
12. Let Me Reflect / Uber From O’Hare
13. Texting This Fine Shit for a Month
14. Instagram Highlights
15. Nah, You’re Mad Extra
16. King of Charlotte (I Feel Like Trolling)
17. Lord Jah-Monte’s #1 Supporter (Skit)