There’s a certain level of authenticity that that makes for better entertainment — especially in a genre like trap. Much like 50 Cent, whose street life shooting and subsequent recovery made him a star, Greenville, South Carolina, rapper OGD is making introspective street music that holds a mirror up to the life he knows and projects his environment on wax for listeners. A Greenville native, OGD began rapping at the young age of 11 as part of a group called Black Money Entertainment (BME for short). That era of his career lasted five years; a series of altercations on the street led him to be shot, which put him on temporary hiatus, understandably. After recovering, he decided to make a solo go at this rap shit, and made a splash with his debut solo, “Every Single Day,” which garnered radio play and got his buzz up quickly. Shortly after he started a new group by the name of Slum Familia, which ballooned rapidly in popularity, winning hottest in the state via Coast 2 Coast Magazine. Their quick success didn’t come without serious setbacks; the group was temporarily split up after a drug charge had them expelled from college. As well, an altercation on the night of the super bowl led to his cousin being shot. Determined not to a statistic, he enlisted in the army, and post basic training, used the money he earned to buy studio equipment. The rest, as they say, is history. His debut mix tape, Enemies, and Neighbors, was met with rave reviews setting the stage for his most recent release, Black Franklin, which he dropped early last month.
The tape is hosted by DJ ASAP, an Atlanta-based DJ with a serious catalgue under his belt, including his Straight Out Of The Trap Hoise series that appears to be doing some serious numbers. The tape is eleven tracks long and sees OGD riding some very contemporary trap style production. Nothing here production wise is earth shattering or necessarily innovative, but it is quality; as well, his unique experience with — again — is ripe with experience, adds a certain spice to the recipe, not unlike someone like Jeezy. The tape starts off with the piano-laced intro in which he walks us down his descent into the street life, from copping his first pistol to selling weed in school.
“I’m a 90s baby, learned to chop from the 80s baby; don’t blame me that’s all I seen, early in the morning, smelling weed.” — OGD
The [intro] song is probably the telling on the album in terms of actually getting a sense of where he’s coming from. Other highlights here are “All I Want Is Money,” the more relaxed almost sing-song vibe of the Classik assisted “Hands Tied,” and the soulful piano chop flow of the Mizo assisted “Gotta Go.” Also, “Really With It” has some serious bars — essentially his way of telling listeners that he is really from the street, not just an on-wax poser — the struggle is real and current.
Overall, it’s a collection of authentic street music with some heart to it. Give it a spin for yourself — and keep on eye on OGD.
