The latest in a string of superb releases from Charlotte’s Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, Too Little, Too Late captures the rapper in top form once again. Sporting production from an ensemble cast (Mike Digi and Flls being two of the top performers), the album is a more relaxing listen than many of the rapper’s past works. The beats are far from one note however, as the sonic diversity on offer here is easily on par with any of his past releases. The raps are impeccable once again, with single ‘He For the Streets’ being a major highlight. This track’s title is an interesting play on words that captures the wider appeal of the Charlotte MC’s music eloquently. Although it holds within its tracklist the same brilliance as his other 2021 releases, I strongly feel that this is the beginning of a new era for Jah-Monte. He may still have plenty of time for naysayers, but with greater blessings in his life than ever it’s only right that the rapper celebrates them with more triumphant, luxurious lyrical content. He more than deserves his place in the rap hall of fame, and it’s clearer than ever on this release that he isn’t going anywhere but up from here. The album’s title adopts a double meaning in this sense, it is aimed not only at those who may have doubted Jah-Monte’s rise to the top, but also towards those who think he may one day fall from his position (it’s far ‘Too Late’ for that).
credits

Where Are You? Prod By Mike Digi

https://mikedigi.bandcamp.com/album/kindred-binge


Charlotte, North Carolina is full of amazing Hip-Hop talent right about now. This year already I’ve covered the music of Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon and Jaypluss, both of whom are extraordinarily talented MC’s with the back catalogue to prove it. In comes Mike Digi, a producer who for years now has been elevating his craft to stand alongside other Charlotte greats. On his new album, Mike steps up his game another level. 

Things kick off with ‘Continuation’, an apt title for a song that kicks off a new era in the producer’s music while sticking stoically to the things that make his beats so enthralling to begin with. It’s a short, moody set piece that segues successfully into the darker ‘Slavic City’, a vocal sample screaming into the void before being abruptly cut. Mike’s use of samples on these songs is nothing short of spellbinding, the spliced vocal excerpts conveying an incredible amount of emotional weight despite their brief utilisation. 

It’s here that we get to the rap portion of this album. Jah-Monte makes two appearances here, one on familiar territory (‘We Made It Right, It’s Up Now’) and one more ambitious cut (‘Oh Nah I’m On Noisey She Love Me’). The quasi-drumless loops of the former are as enjoyable as any of the Digi-produced cuts from Jah-Monte’s...  more
credits
releases November 5, 2021 

Produced/Mixed: Mike Digi 
All Vocals Mastered by: Timepiece Tracks 
Raps: Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, Phiik, JayPluss, Norm Regular 
Artwork/Design: Ulises Valadez Contreras 
Track 3 Recorded by: Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon 
Track 7 Recorded by: Lungs 
Track 9,11 Recorded by: Mike Digi 
Track 12 Recorded by: Norm Regular

Mike Digi - We Made It Right, It's Up Now Ft. Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon

Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon levels up again on new album Beautifully Black, entirely produced by fellow underground legend Navy Blue. Navy would be a premier choice for collaboration for anyone who knows their rap music, but with someone as talented as Jah-Monte on the mic the results outclass any expectations with ease. Elsesser’s production is smooth and luxurious, a perfect fit for someone of Jah-Monte’s rapping calibre. The two part ‘The Missing Link / The Sneaky link’ is exemplary of this style, the MC’ing on top form but also giving plenty of breathing space for the classically-influenced beat. Not only does Navy match his energy on each of these 11 tracks, he also creates a kind of cohesion often missing on full albums from single rapper/producer combos. It’s been a while since the last time Jah-Monte tapped in with a single artist like this, so to position himself alongside Navy like this is a move that feels as calculated as it does organic. 

‘Tried Your Best’ and ‘Pray For Fame’ feature the very talented Kelly Moonstone, a rapper well worth mentioning for her contributions here because her chemistry with both Jah-Monte and Navy results in two of the best tracks on the record. There’s other features here too (including a standout contribution from Navy himself), but it’s on these tracks that the album’s strongest suite of songs emerges. The beats here really are beautiful, reminding us once again that when it comes to artists with incredible and consistent work rates Navy is right there alongside Jah-Monte himself. In many senses then, this is the perfect album for the two to release at this point in time. 2021 has well and truly belonged to the scene that the two inhabit, and as two of its most proficient members they deserve all of the acclaim that they receive. The fact the last song is titled ‘Complex & Pitchfork Opinions’ should tell listeners everything that they need to know about Jah-Monte’s place in the game, and the further greatness that is undoubtedly to follow. 

https://kingcallis.bandcamp.com/album/beautifully-black-produced-by-navy-blue
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releases November 24, 2021

The Missing Link - The Sneaky Link

2021 was another fantastic year for Lord Jah-Monte Obgon, and 2022 is looking to be just as good based on the sound of his brand new project Here, There & Everywhere . ‘The Sneaky Link’ will immediately tell you that little has changed about the rapper’s sound, his flows are still airtight and brimming with charisma, his beat choices are still soulfully stellar, and his hooks are still the best in the business. If you’ve enjoyed Jah-Monte’s past work, then this will scratch the same itch that last year’s Beautifully Black did. There’s a bigger roster of producers and less features here, but the basic principles of outstanding rapper + impeccable production = timeless music remain.

Long time fans will be glad to see familiar faces such as Mike Digi and Ohbliv make a return, as these guys have consistently proven that they’re some of the most vital collaborators in Jah-Monte’s arsenal. Indeed, some of these songs feel like the most fleshed-out creations that the Charlotte rapper and crew have ever put together. ‘Still For the Streets’ is a perfect example of this, soaked as it is in atmosphere and an excellent guest spot from Seph Dot. Jah-Monte never lets anyone truly steal the show, however, also putting in one of his craziest performances ever. There’s a great mix of harder beats and more relaxing content, allowing the MC to cover a wide variety of bases while staying true to the things that make him an exceptional artist.

Fuck Buddies On Speed Dial F. YL Produced by Swank

NIGGAS IS WASHED UP AND DOING BAD NOT ME THOUGH PRODUCED BY _PKRENT

https://www.manteca-worldwide.com/


Highly Favored, the latest album from Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon and producer @buck_dudley, is the latest in a long line of quality products from a rapper whose
style seems to gel well with virtually any beatmaker worth his salt.

‘I’m Good Luv, Enjoy Though’ is a killer opener, @buck_dudley production sounding like a full live band as Jah-Monte delivers another astoundingly memetic hook. ‘PPP Forgiveness’ has him spitting knowledge with incredible tenacity, ‘My Old Plug Still Pussy FYM’ soon follows with a similar level of delivery but a very different style of beat. There’s something about this latter song that fits him like a glove, allowing Jah-Monte to fit into pockets of the beat that most wouldn’t be able to find. Things get heavy on ‘Pray For My Pending Case’, @buck_dudley production matching the wistful but determined tone. The album shifts lyrical focus as often as any other Jah-Monte album, but the single producer and miminal features make this feel like one of the rapper’s more personal efforts. By the time the darker beat and scratches of the final song ‘I’m Done Signing Vinyl’ caps things off, listeners have an even better picture of how Jah-Monte’s life influences his music.

My Old Plug Still Pussy FYM Produced By Buck Dudley

This next release is the long awaited follow-up for “The Black Möbius” and will be the second installment in a triology! This time Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon & Sadhu Gold present you “The Black Messiah” in a two cover version. Exclusively on www.cphcrates.com 

Artists:
Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon & Sadhu Gold

Album:
The Black Messiah

Catalogue No.:
CC163

Date for vinyl release:
April 30th @ 3pm est / 9pm cet / 8pm London time.


Limited to the following variants:

- Original Cover (BLACK MESSIAH EDITION):

• 130 Swirl - Black & Gold
• 110 Swirl - Oxblood Red & Bone
• 100 Splatter - Ultra Clear w. Black & Gold
• 035 OBI Swirl - Black & Gold

- Alternate Cover (JAH-MONTE EDITION):

• 100 Swirl - Black & White
• 025 OBI Swirl - Black & White

SADHUGOLD & LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON  Identified by AP’s Featuring Joe Sig

Charlotte-based LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON is commemorating his 30th birthday today (June 5) with a new song and music video. “Angela Bassett>>>” is the first single of his forthcoming, vinyl-only album, I’VE NVR BEEN BETTER, which will be available for purchase on July 5th.

9. Angela Bassett >>> Produced by Dirty Art Club

Following up the rich, soulful Jewelry Rap and the gritty, mafioso Alkaline Water, Jah-Monte’s third record of the year God Body & Soul (I Mastered Self II) is a piece composed by a litany of producers (including recent collaborators like Killer Kane and Krow) and of course Jah-Monte’s dense, storytelling raps. This diverse sound remains unified by general themes: echoing piano chords, tough yet playful drums and sombre jazzy moments. Jah-Monte’s verses are like pure gold dust, sweeping over each beat and leaving nothing but lyrical magic in his wake. With a concise track list, elite performances on each and every song, and most vitally an incredible ear for atmosphere, this is yet another stunning addition to the best rapper in Charlotte’s catalogue. Paying homage to the greats while also demanding his respect, the MC once again refused to take his foot off the game’s neck with this one.




http://kingcallis.bandcamp.com/album/god-body-soul-i-mastered-self-ii-side-a

GOD BODY & SOUL (I MASTERED SELF II) SIDE B

OLDER THICK BITCH ON MY BUCKET LIST BITCH I STAY STRAPPED PROD & F. @FLLSGOOD

IN NEW YORK SMOKING WILD BUD WITH THERAVADA YOU NOT TAPPED PROD BY THERAVADA

A yo my lordy did 5 came home big body Benz
Curly head hoe Bobby pin 
Double shotty twins 
We be shooting shit like a shot of gin 
Turn it into A trap give a fuck who ever spot we in 
My bitch not a feminist she nuwaubian
My come up story is like the John gotti film 
Told her pull up on the dolo yo low
Mari was selling dope when I would watch the romeo show 
When I was fucked up and low they wouldn’t loan me no dough 
No money in his commissary just a bogie to blow 
My shit one of one there’s no canvas to prints 
A bad one speaking Spanish got her on hands on my dick 
You on some broke shit relying on a stimulus check 
I break down a hp my youning finish the rest 
My earth ask me what’s the math so we can finish the test 
We bout to do the grown folk put the children to rest  

Fuck a pyt I’m bout to build with some vets 
No disrespect 
Her 2nd baby daddy tat on her neck 

I love my hood hoes 

West side Copley road south-west, channel  wood hoes 

Scamming shit and keep a wood rolled 
Bmf shit if we talking hood goals 
Sometimes you gotta get away before you catch a case 
My bitch be stalking my gram trying to investigate
 I brought some more niggas with me need some extra plates 
This go around 
My bitch a throw around 
She tell me when I get famous I bet not hoe around 
Niggas always switching on the ones who hold them down 

Not me been the same since I came out the womb 
Autopsy read his ass had a 1000 bullet wounds

SHE GOT HER SECOND BABY DADDY NAME TATTOOED ON HER NECK BUT IM STILL IN LOVE BEATS BY @SWANKLEANA

Anyone tuning into Jah-Monte’s music at this point should know what they’re letting themselves in for, but for the uninitiated I’ll break it down. The short version: this is another tour de force of rap excellence, masterminded by the hardest-working hometown hero in rap history.

Now for the long version: this is yet another killer seven track release that condenses the very greatest aspects of the Lord’s music into a glorious fifteen minutes. What’s more, this might actually be his most versatile project yet. The second side of Seventy-Fifth & Amsterdam is familiar territory, as we get an epic two part song (‘Benefits from Mutual Relationships’) featuring a verse from fellow Charlotte artist FLLS and a bonus cut produced by Australian hip-hop legend Timepiece (who also mastered the entire the project).

Side A includes plenty of the sample-based production that fans have grown to love about Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon’s music, but it also creates a more urgent, paranoid atmosphere than almost anything else in the rapper’s discography. ‘Half Moon Bklyn Performance’ is an incredibly satisfying track, as crunchy drums courtesy of AXNT collide with Jah-Monte’s unparalleled charisma. ‘Fuck My Old Plug I Wish You Well Though’ sees the Charlotte MC rap in a way that I don’t think I’ve ever heard before, the novelty of experiencing the rapper’s performance on a quasi-trap instrumental alone makes this release a very unique one within his constantly expanding catalogue.

https://kingcallis.bandcamp.com/album/seventy-fifth-amsterdam-side-a

PERFUME SMELL - SEVENTY FIFTH & AMSTERDAM BONUS RECORD PROD BY ROPER WILLIAMS

Jewelry Rap is a product of two things: it’s definitely the result of a talented MC’s love and appreciation for hip-hop and all things to do with it, and it’s indisputably the culmination of amazing chemistry between the rapper Jah-Monte and the producer Lavonte Hines aka FLLS. The eight new collaborations the duo lay down here are astonishingly varied in style, sound and delivery, and each is an invaluable musical addition to a constantly growing discography. ‘Holistic Sebi Life Style’ sees Jah-Monte attack the mic with incredible tenacity. ‘Having festivals in Charlotte without me included me included? That’s why them shits never work’ he sneers on the verse. ‘I ain’t tryna work, these n***** be trash, like Keith Sweat let’s make the memory last’ he implores on the hook. The beat has a winding, hypnotic nature to it that allows for the rapper’s stinging bars to engrain themselves remarkably fast.

By contrast, ‘Fenty & Prada Mama’ is smooth and soulful, a joyful sample looping under the snappy drums. The rapper’s snarl is still as well utilised as ever, however: ‘The game ain’t changed, there’s just no real n***** left, I can read her body language like a n**** deaf.’ For a lot of the song, FLLS’s production rides out solo, proving that Jah-Monte is well aware of the importance of crafting an atmosphere in his songs, and allowing the beats to act as far more than a backdrop. There is real, genuine love for the art to be found here, and it’s one that continues on tracks like the jazzy ‘Creative Loathing FOH’ in wildly different ways. With minimal pianos and drums backing him, the rapper delivers lyrical hell: ‘Fuck a bitch you won’t catch me in no detective mode, by the time the pound drop I had 10 extra O’s’. Few are blessed with the skill for rapping that Jah-Monte possesses, and he doesn’t waste a second of any of these songs to exercise it.

Another attribute that the rapper frequently displays is his ability to write a fantastic hook. ‘Rip Swindle’ is the best example, his delivery transforms into a hoarse holler that conveys the passion in the music better than ever. ‘Light your shit up like a candlelight, better show some fucking manners like’. As I’ve mentioned before when covering his music, you can really hear the pain and anguish when you put on one of Jah-Monte’s songs. In my eyes though, no track on Jewelry Rap does this better than the proper closer ‘I Miss You Tae Tae’. The production here is something special, FLLS conjures a palpably mournful mood as the rapper pains a grim picture of his upbringing, including the death of his loved ones. 

It is clear from the first moment of this project to the last that as a rapper Jah-Monte is an almost unmatched talent, and as a songwriter he is truly flourishing. Working with FLLS, he has crafted an early contender for AOTY and made something truly magical out of the experiences he knows all too well. He has something for all here, appealing to long time fans with the latest, greatest installment of the ‘Best Rapper In Charlotte’ series and drawing in an array of new listeners with diverse production choices, intimate lyrical moments and increasingly brilliant mic performances. Definitely one of the hottest releases out right now, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not listening to it.

LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON

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