Music Monday: New Releases Worth Your Time
New discoveries, familiar proof: the Capital Region’s sound continues to evolve.
I’ve interviewed Ozymandias Merci twice in my life, and each time I’ve walked away grateful.
On the inspiration spectrum, the Albany-based rapper who performs as Ohzhe draws the needle between charismatic and understood — a man as flawed as anyone, working to stay above water. On his best days, his positivity fills the room, speaking of affirmation and community between bars. On other days, one reads the observations on life and politics on social media, often followed by a few words of encouragement.
Or maybe that’s the impression I carry with me since watching him perform at Alive at Five a few years ago from the photographer’s pit. We talked about life two weeks before, choosing to sit down where he’d later stand with KRS-One in an impromptu freestyle between sets. Summer rains ruined a previous attempt to shine in front of that crowd two years before. It was to be a capstone moment for him.
And throughout his time slot, he invited other artists within his circle, giving them a piece of his spotlight. He holds the distinction of being the first hip-hop artist to perform at the storied Troy Savings Bank Music Hall — a hall with the names of classical music giants etched in marble on its facade. That was less than a year before Alive at Five. And, just like Teacha, Ohzhe sounded more excited about holding the door open, ushering more rappers to that celebrated stage.
Ohzhe’s been busy this past year. He dropped “Glory” on his birthday this past weekend, a follow-up to last December’s “Have a Nice Day.” Two albums in less than six months.
Don’t mistake the album titles for a church bulletin — these are hip-hop stories — each song carries an explicit label on Spotify. The language is frank, but the message doesn’t ask anything of you it isn’t willing to give.
—Michael
