There is no doubt that the art of rapping has progressed significantly over the years, and neither has any rapper in the profession. This is definitely true for hip-hop musician Ogee1523, who has centered on a variety of influences to create his own distinct sound and style. With his new single "Get Em Up" (Birthday Vibe) featuring Fatman Scoop climbing the charts, Ogee1523 is an artist to keep an eye on.
It used to be all about how you timed and flowed your rap, but nowadays, it's not just about what they say on the track; every line has an aesthetic to it. Ogee wants to take it to the next level, which includes not just loving what he does but also having fun doing it. This has been the driving force for most of his development.
I had a brief question-and-answer session with Ogee. He talked about how his life has changed and what it means to be a performer in the world of entertainment.
Who is Ogee1523 behind the music?
My wife passed away in 2016, and I am a widowed guy. I have four children and 10 grandchildren (six grandsons and four granddaughters). With two brothers and two sisters, I grew up in a family of four. I am the second kid of my parents. After 27 years of service with the New York City Housing Authority, I retired as a supervisor on January 1, 2021. On the workplace or in the music industry, I've always been a diligent worker. I'm a man who exudes good vibes. In addition, I think that everything happens for a purpose and that one should never give up.
How long has music been a part of your life?
Growing up with music-loving parents, music has always been a part of my life. My parents used to entertain guests frequently. I was the one who put on a show for the guests. You might say we lived in a party house, and I used to enjoy dancing during school concerts when all the parents and friends would come and sit in the audience. I realized then that entertaining others was what I wanted to do.
Who inspired you to make music?
My crew, The T.R. Nation, and I used to travel anywhere in New York City where music was played, competing in dance battles and leading us to the major venues. Disco Fever in the Bronx, Harlem World, The Roof Top in Harlem, The Roxy's, and the Ecstasy Garage were among them. I enjoyed the attention I was receiving. Years ago, I recall battling a famous dancer named Larry Love on his very own title song, "Larry Love," by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five M.C.s, in a Red Parrot bar in New York, when I first became recognized for dancing.
If it wasn't for music, where would you be now?
I would have taken acting classes if it hadn't been for music since I'd always wanted to be an actor. "One day, my name will be up in lights," I used to tell my family. I was in a Kool Mo Dee video with Chuck D and KRS One for the song "Rise and Shine," and I had a couple appearances as an extra in a Sean Connery movie called "Finding Forrester" when I was a youngster. I've also appeared in episodes of Law & Order and Blue Blood with Lorenz Tate.
How did you come to realize that music was the way forward for you?
I've always known that music was meant for me. My mother used to tell me about how she sat me on the couch when I was ten months old and went into the kitchen to make dinner. I was heading towards the television when she returned to the living room because James Brown was singing and dancing, and it was the first time I had ever walked. She'll put on some music if I start crying, and I'll stop crying immediately. When I start to feel depressed because I'm thinking about my loved ones who have passed away, I turn on some music and rapidly recover.
What first got you into music?
From the beginning of hip-hop, Sugar Hill Gang, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five M.C.s, and going to all the outdoor jams. That's when I understood that's what I want to pursue after watching them perform and listening to the lyrics. Hip-hop immediately became a part of me, and creating graffiti was an important part of my hip-hop career as well.
What is your vision for your rap career?
Because rap music is the black sheep of music, my objective is for everyone to feel positive about it. It's the only type of music to which they give a specific age to. Also, people are concerned about whether or not a rapper writes his or her own raps, but no one mentions the other music. Many songwriters provide their songs to other performers to perform.
What is next for you?
Next up for me is to release my album "Never2late" in March or April, keep doing interviews (magazines and podcasts), and perhaps land a few of small film parts or something on television. I just know that I intend to keep myself busy and continue doing what I like, which is living my best life.
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