Music Profile
Energy on the Mic
By: Willie “C” Lyles Jr.
In today’s Hip-Hop boom-bap rap is in the early stages of extinction. At least when it comes to the mainstream, but on the underground the old elements of Hip-Hop are alive and well. Storytelling, wordplay, grimy beats that act as the theme song for the streets are like raps version of the Force, and only a Jedi … oops I mean Microphone Master can dominate these traits. Well, the Force is strong with Brian Ogiste, a.k.a. Chi. And for a while he has been protecting the Old Republic of Hip-Hop.
He stems from Dorchester, Massachusetts and although a relative stranger to the mainstream Boston knows him well. When Thuro Magazine was in print form I did a featured story him. What drew me to him was his profound wordplay, and his slick ability to maneuver around a beat no matter how complex. I figured that with the launch of my music inspired comic book Wordsmith Chi would be a good candidate to help me introduce Wordsmith to the world.
Here’s a conversation I had with him recently about his journey in Hip-Hop.
Me: I already know, but for those who don’t, introduce Chi Knox the artist if you don’t mind?
Chi: Well, just ‘Chi’ these days lol. The Knox part felt a bit dated. Plus, it feels more like a fresh start. You know? That name was something I came up with when I was 16 hahaha . . . but Chi as an artist today? Never sat down and formulated all that. Don’t get me wrong. I’m more sure of myself today then the last time we interviewed.
Just in an overall better space and allowing every experience to be organic. But anyways, to your question, chi is energy. You know? What this life thing is all about, right? Energy. Positive and negative. It’s the vibe. Chi. Oooh that was deep! lol..aye Buckle up. We got alot to talk about. Lol
Me: What got you into Hip-Hop?
Chi: Oh man . . . here you go about to make me show my age! lol So it was a combination of sorts of influential people and personal experiences.
In the late 80’s. My interest peeked. Listening to artists like Slick Rick, D.O.C., N.W.A thru childhood friends and family members. And this was the Adidas and Troops era! Hip Hop was already established long enough in the culture. It was apart life. Shit . . . it was life! Everyone was onboard. So, not really a matter of what or who got me into it . . . you were just born into it.
Me: With one word what would be the perfect description of your style?
Chi: Here’s the part where I’m supposed to say something completely authentic that separates me from everyone else . . . smh hate these type of questions . . . but got nothing but love for you Will…but put down, “my shit is garbage” or just “garbage” lmaoo . . . fuck that ego shit!
Me: Hold up! Whatcha’ mean? I know you don’t consider yourself to be garbage. Hell nah!
Chi: You ask to describe my style and honestly, I wouldn’t really know what to tell you. It’s like if a person asked a prize fighter “can you really fight?” I’m sure the prize fighter would say “I’m ight”, or nothing at all. Before I get extra deep for no reason it’s just layers to me, king. I don’t feel like I have a style at all. That’s why I answered the way I did. I feel like everyone is gonna say they raw, and they 100,000% authentic. I say fuck all that ego talk. And just show em. You know? Over a backdrop of some hip-hop golden era shit and give em that balance of fire and knowledge.
Me: I feel you. What projects are you working on?
Chi: Just finished the Diesel Project with my brothers REKS and Lucky Dice. Just been working with a few emcees and producers. My project has already been written. Just finding studios and producers brave enough to record . . . You know? “COVID” and all . . . Big things coming!
Me: Who are your musical influences?
Chi: “Wu Tang is for the children”!! Lol The best!!
Me: Yo, tell the people where they can find some of your music, or features you’ve done?
Chi: No past project’s, kin, just appearances. I’ve got a single called “Love of the Game” I did a minute ago. I got a record with Statik Selektah I did on the passing of my daughter. Most recently I did the Kings Town record on REKS T.H.I.N.G.S. album. In a lot of ways, it’s a fresh start on a career that I should’ve took more seriously as a youth . . . always learning though. Til this day!
Me: Well, I’m glad you decided to lend your talents to help me introduce my character Wordsmith to the world. Now you can add online comics to the list of projects you’ve worked on.
Chi: Absolutely, king!