Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon arrives at Lex Records with As of Now, a record that captures him somewhere in the middle of his ascent, weighing recent victories against lingering personal questions. The Charlotte rapper spent years grinding underground, building through mixtapes like Beautifully Black and I’ve Really Never Been Better, work that deserves full recognition for its consistency and drive. This project feels like a second debut, though. The presentation and sound design mark a noticeable step forward, with production from Navy Blue, Chuck Strangers, iiye (Pink Siifu), and Dirty Art Club creating a warmer palette of soul samples and expansive grooves that breathe more freely than his earlier, rougher efforts.
The opener “I’m Signed to Lex Now I’m Up” lays out quick boasts about backstage access and high-altitude flights, but ad-libs slip in to undercut the confidence, hinting at the doubts underneath. Relationships form a recurring thread, often shifting between affection and friction. On “You Know My Love Language Right?” with Makeda Iroquois, matched outfits give way to threats of being blocked. “Texting This Fine S*** for a Month” moves from compliments to suspicions about messages and work interference. “So You Really Don’t Miss Me?” plays out as an uneasy exchange with Wild Recluse, circling old calls and unmet expectations.
Guests integrate smoothly without dominating. YL appears on “Butter Leather Weather,” bbymutha adds her distinct energy to “360 Photo Booth,” and Deniro Farrar connects on “King of Charlotte (I Feel Like Trolling),” bringing hometown weight. Skits such as “Bedford Avenue” and “Lord Jah-Monte’s #1 Supporter” introduce humor and confrontation, with voicemails questioning his authenticity and local impact, reframing the king narrative in real time.
Rawer moments stand out in tracks like “Drunk Nights in Edgewood (IMYSM)” and “Let Me Reflect / Uber From O’Hare,” where trap-floor memories, Section Eight struggles, and family talks about direction reveal more direct honesty. References to faith surface briefly, woven alongside stories of past hookups and street life, more as fleeting thoughts than deep conviction.
Seventeen tracks across 56 minutes make for a long journey that does not always sustain full momentum. Some sections settle into mood pieces, others reveal their clever lines only after repeated spins. The shifts between bold claims, confessions, and arguments create a varied pace, though it keeps the listening experience from feeling consistently engaging from start to finish. Jah-Monte excels when blending sharp humor with honest reckoning, his delivery anchoring the push toward something bigger.
Production lifts the entire effort. Navy Blue provides soulful warmth for the brags, iiye introduces subtle alternative touches, and Dirty Art Club builds cinematic layers. Vocals sit clear and balanced in the mix, a sign of improved execution.
The path to this point involved real effort, from early local coverage to steady releases. As of Now refines that foundation into a wider appeal. It honors the climb while holding onto Charlotte specifics. Moments of entertainment mix with reflection, setting up whatever follows next.
7.5/10
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