Onry Ozzborn

Last updated
Onry Ozzborn
Onryozzbornlive.png
Onry Ozzborn performing live in 2010
Background information
Birth nameMichael Sean Martinez [1]
Also known as
  • Onry Of The Oraclez
  • Reason
  • Count Draven
  • Cape Cowen
  • Nigel
  • Rattlesnake Martinez
  • The Gigantics
Born (1979-03-25) March 25, 1979 (age 44)
Farmington, New Mexico
Origin Seattle, Washington
Genres
Occupation(s) Rapper, Producer
Years active1997–present
Labels

Michael Sean Martinez (born March 25, 1979), better known by his stage name Onry Ozzborn, is an American rapper and producer from Seattle, Washington. He is a founding member of alternative hip hop groups such as Grayskul, Dark Time Sunshine, and Oldominion, among others. [2]

Contents

Onry Ozzborn has collaborated with notable artists such as Aesop Rock, Sleep, Mr. Lif, P.O.S, Slug, and Busdriver. [3]

Life and career

1997-2003: Formation of Oldominon, Oraclez Creed, Polarity and The Grey Area

Michael Martinez was born and raised in a small town in Farmington, New Mexico. Here, he grew up playing baseball and creating hip hop music. In the small town's elementary school, he came to know another hip hop artist named Sleep, who alongside Pale Soul, created his first hip hop group, Oraclez Creed. [4] Following Martinez's graduation, the group was put on hold as the members disbanded, with Martinez attending college in Arizona for his scholarship earned as a baseball player. [5] Following a year, Sleep invited Martinez to visit Seattle, Washington. This visit led Martinez to drop out of school and focus solely on his musical career. Oraclez Creed soon came back together and through making connections in the Pacific Northwest hip hop scene, they met another trio of rappers named Frontline, which consisted of Destro, Nyqwil, and Snafu. [6] Soon enough, the six founded the prominent collective known as Oldominion. [7]

In 2002, Onry Ozzborn formed the duo Norman, consisting of Oldominion emcee Barfly and Onry himself. Together, they released the critically acclaimed rap opera album Polarity. Pitchfork gave it a very favorable 8.3 out of 10, saying: "The duo's cadences play leapfrog with the beats, and they often rap at halftime for a surreal effect. The depressive, layered production reflects the isolating, wet darkness that grips the Pacific Northwest nine months out of the year. It's the unmistakable sound of Seattle hip-hop." [8]

Following various solo albums being released independently, Onry Ozzborn released his 2003 breakthrough solo album The Grey Area . It features guest appearances from Qwel, Luckyiam and Sleep, among others. The album was given very positive reviews, with XLR8R saying: "Onry Ozzborn gives us an album of wonderfully intricate storytelling and mostly tight production. Call it goth hop, call it abstract, call it what you want-we call it dope." [9] The album also featured Onry's first collaborations with producer Mr. Hill, another Oldominion member who would help shape a new sound for Seattle and Grayskul alike. [10]

2004-2007: Grayskul and Rhymesayers era

Through other Oldominion members and the local Seattle scene, Onry met another emcee named JFK Ninjaface. [11] JFK Ninjaface was new to the circuit, as he had just moved from Virginia Beach, Virginia to live with his aunt after several run-ins with the law. [12] At the time, JFK Ninjaface was only freestyling before meeting Onry Ozzborn, who had encouraged JFK to write. [13] Not much later, the two formed the hip hop duo Grayskul. [14] The duo's music went from being released independently to being in the hands of Siddiq, the CEO of indie hip hop label Rhymesayers Entertainment. Siddiq signed them and released their 2005 album Deadlivers, with most production handled by Mr. Hill. The album featured appearances from Canibus, Mr. Lif and Aesop Rock, the latter becoming a frequent collaborator to Onry Ozzborn. [15] [16] In the same year, Onry Ozzbron released his solo album In Between. [17]

2008-2012: Fake Four Inc, No Hoax, Hold On For Dear Life and Dark Time Sunshine

Subsequently following the release of two Grayskul albums on Rhymesayers, Onry released No Hoax separately as EP's in preparation to the release of his solo album Hold On For Dear Life. The album reached #3 on KEXP charts and garnered favorable reviews as well. [18] In 2009, he met the Chicago producer Zavala and formed the group Dark Time Sunshine. [19] Later that year, he signed to Ceschi's indie label Fake Four Inc. [20]

2013: Zenith

In 2013, Grayskul released their long awaited follow up album Zenith. [21]

2016 - present: Duo, C V P ii D, Nervous Hvnd, THE RvTTLESNvKE MvRTINEZ MIXTvPE

In 2016, Onry Ozzborn released Duo, a solo album which included guest features on every track from artists such as Kimya Dawson, Rob Sonic and P.O.S, among others. The album was released with a video consisting of short snippets of the album and played together as a short film. [22]

In February 2017, Onry released C V P ii D (pronounced as Cupid) featuring Alison Baker. [23]

In September 2018, Onry released Nervous Hvnd, [24] a solo album which included guest features from DJ Comfortable Kathy/vioLit, Ethos, and Swamburger. Like previous albums, Nervous Hvnd released with a music video [25] featuring short snippets from the album.

In October 2018, Onry released a surprise mixtape THE RvTTLESNvKE MvRTINEZ MIXTvPE which included guest features from Iame and Scotty Del.

Style

Onry Ozzborn's lyrical style has been described as brooding, thoughtful, and unique. He is also known to use different names depending on the project he is working on. [26]

Discography

Solo

Studio albums

  • Knightingale
    • Released: March 22, 1997
    • Label: Self-released
  • Alone
    • Released: January 8, 2002
    • Label: BSI Records/One Drop Records
  • The Grey Area
    • Released: June 17, 2003
    • Label: One Drop Records
  • In Between
    • Released: November 8, 2005
    • Label: Camobear Records
  • Hold On For Dear Life
  • Duo
    • Released: March 29, 2016
    • Label: Fake Four Inc.
  • C V P ii D
    • Released: February 28, 2017
    • Label: Ted Records
  • Nervous Hvnd
    • Released: September 13, 2018
    • Label: Ted Records
  • Tantrum (Nigel)
    • Released: November 22, 2019
    • Label: Michael Martinez

EP's

  • Venom EP
    • Released: January 31, 2001
    • Label: BSI Records
  • No Hoax (1-4)
    • Released: December 26, 2010
    • Label: Fake Four Inc.

Mixtapes

  • "Black Phillip"
    • Released: July 17, 2017
    • Label: 300 Club Records
  • THE RvTTLESNvKE MvRTINEZ MIXTvPE
    • Released: October 31, 2018

Collaborative

Aurora

  • "S7V7N Days" (with Sleep)
    • Released: July 14, 2001
    • Label: Momentum Studios

Norman

  • Polarity (with Barfly)
    • Released: March 4, 2003
    • Label: Under The Needle

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grayskul</span> American hip hop group

Grayskul is an American hip hop duo based in Seattle, Washington, consisting of rappers Onry Ozzborn and JFK Ninjaface. Since its formation in 2003, the group has released ten solo albums. The duo often collaborate with artists from the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective Oldominion.

<i>Bloody Radio</i> 2007 studio album by Grayskul

Bloody Radio is a studio album by American hip hop group Grayskul. It was released on Rhymesayers Entertainment in 2007. "Scarecrow" was released as a single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fake Four Inc.</span> American independent record label

Fake Four is an independent record label based in New Haven, Connecticut. It was founded by brothers Ceschi and David Ramos in 2008.

Dark Time Sunshine is an American hip hop duo, consisting of Seattle rapper Onry Ozzborn and Chicago producer Zavala. The group is signed to Fake Four Inc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sleep (rapper)</span> American rapper

Christopher Tafoya, better known by his stage name Sleep or Sleep of Oldominion, is an American hip hop artist from Farmington, New Mexico, who is currently based in Portland, Oregon. He is a founding member of the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective Oldominion and hip hop duo The Chicharones alongside Josh Martinez. He is signed to Strange Famous Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldominion</span> American hip hop group

Oldominion is an American hip hop collective, consisting of more than twenty members. It was described by Casey Jarman of Willamette Week as the "Northwest's largest hip-hop crew" which "united the local underground rap scene for the first time".

Alexander Robert Zavala, better known mononymously by his stage name Zavala, is an American hip hop and electronica record producer from Chicago, Illinois. He is a founding member of the hip hop duo Dark Time Sunshine alongside Onry Ozzborn.

<i>Deadlivers</i> 2005 studio album by Grayskul

Deadlivers is a studio album by American hip hop group Grayskul. It was released on Rhymesayers Entertainment in 2005. The album is produced by Mr. Hill, Fakts One, Bean One, Rob Castro, and Onry Ozzborn and features guest appearances from Canibus, Aesop Rock, Sleep, and Mr. Lif, among others. "Prom Quiz" was released as a single from the album.

<i>Oregon Failure</i> 2014 studio album by Sleep

Oregon Failure is a studio album by American rapper Sleep, a member of the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective Oldominion. It was released on Strange Famous Records in 2014. The album is entirely produced by Maulskull, and it features guest appearances from Ceschi, Onry Ozzborn, and Pigeon John, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhymesayers Entertainment</span> American independent hip-hop record label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Rhymesayers Entertainment is an American independent hip-hop record label based in Minneapolis.

<i>All Your Friends Friends</i> 2014 studio album by Thee Xntrx

All Your Friend's Friends is a hip hop album released by K Records on November 11, 2014. It was produced by Thee Xntrx and pairs verses from various Pacific Northwest rappers with samples from older K Records artists, including punk and indie rock bands. Rappers on the compilation include The Chicharones, MG! The Visionary, Onry Ozzborn and JFK Ninjaface of Grayskul, Xperience, and Iame, while samples are taken from Mirah, The Microphones, and Jeremy Jay.

<i>Hold On for Dear Life</i> 2011 studio album by Onry Ozzborn

Hold On for Dear Life is a studio album by American hip hop artist Onry Ozzborn. It was released on Fake Four Inc. on January 25, 2011.

<i>Polarity</i> (Norman album) 2003 studio album by Norman

Polarity is a studio album by American hip hop group Norman, consisting of rappers Onry Ozzborn and Barfly, both members of the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective Oldominion. It was released on Under The Needle on March 4, 2003. The album is a rap opera concept album.

<i>One</i> (Oldominion album) 2001 studio album by Oldominion

One is the debut studio album by Seattle hip hop collective Oldominion. It was released in 2001 on Under The Needle Recordings.

Ryan McMahon, better known by his stage name Iame, is an American hip hop recording artist, record producer and record executive from Portland, Oregon. He is a member of the hip hop groups Oldominion and Sandpeople. In 2012, he released the album Lame$tream, which was given favorable reviews including Willamette Week, who on said "This is an MC at the very top of his game" and the albums's songs "shines a light on the MC's powerful grasp of storytelling." He has shared stages with Grayskul, Sleep, The Chicharones and Boom Bap Project, among many others.

Todd Joseph Gumke, better known by his stage name Mr. Hill, is an American hip hop record producer and DJ from Seattle, Washington. Mr. Hill has produced for the likes of Kool Keith, Mr. Lif, Boom Bap Project and Grayskul, among others. He is a member of the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective Oldominion.

Tyler W. Andrews, better known by his stage name Xperience, is an American hip hop recording artist from Detroit, Michigan, who is currently based in Seattle, Washington. He is a member of the hip hop group Oldominion and is a frequent collaborator with fellow Pacific Northwest hip hop artist Macklemore.

<i>Snaps</i> (album) 2006 studio album by Mr. Hill

Snaps is the debut studio album by American hip hop producer Mr. Hill, a member of the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective Oldominion. It was released December 2, 2006 on Hal Cush Music.

<i>The Grey Area</i> (album) 2003 studio album by Onry Ozzborn

The Grey Area is a studio album by American hip hop artist Onry Ozzborn, a member of the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective Oldominion. It was released June 17, 2003 on One Drop Records. Guest appearances include Sleep, Qwazaar and Luckyiam of Living Legends, among others.

<i>In Between</i> (Onry Ozzborn album) 2005 studio album by Onry Ozzborn

In Between is the third solo studio album by American hip hop artist Onry Ozzborn, a member of the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective Oldominion. It was released November 8, 2005 on Camobear Records, an independent Canadian hip hop record label run by Josh Martinez. Guest appearances include the likes of Aceyalone, Busdriver and Ill Bill.

References

  1. ↑ "Nervous HVND by Onry Ozzborn". 13 September 2018.
  2. ↑ Estrada, Mariana. "Song of the Day: Dark Time Sunshine – Run". The KEXP Blog. Retrieved 2016-08-19.
  3. ↑ "Onry Ozzborn". Discogs. Retrieved 2016-08-19.
  4. ↑ "Seattle News and Events | News". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  5. ↑ joelwilsonfilmmaker (2013-09-14). "Elevator 21: Onry Ozzborn". 70 elevators. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  6. ↑ "Onry Ozzborn: The RAPstation Interview". Rapstation. 2015-12-12. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  7. ↑ Bricker, Sara (January 27, 2009). "Oldominion's Too Awesome to Sell Records". Seattle Weekly .
  8. ↑ "Norman: Polarity Album Review | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  9. ↑ "Onry Ozzborn The Grey Area". XLR8R. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  10. ↑ "The Hiphop Tip". The Stranger. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  11. ↑ "Grayskul | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  12. ↑ Mizell, Larry Jr. "My Philosophy". The Stranger. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  13. ↑ "Corner Closed: Belltown loses a hip-hop night, hip-hop loses a gem". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  14. ↑ "Catching Up With Grayskul". Super Happy Wax.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  15. ↑ "Interview with Onry Ozzborn and JFK of Grayskul". We Out Here Magazine (WOHM). 2012-05-31. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  16. ↑ Eustice, Kyle (2016-02-17). "Onry Ozzborn To Release Album W/ Aesop Rock, P.O.S., Homeboy Sandman, deM atlaS, Eligh of Living Legends". The Source. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  17. ↑ Mudede, Charles; Seling, Megan; Reighley, Kurt B.; Henriksen, Erik; Chun, Kimberly; Gnade, Adam; Brissey, Grant; Porter, Christopher; Beta, y. "CD Reviews". The Stranger. Retrieved 2017-03-15.
  18. ↑ "KEXP 90.3 FM - where the music matters". www.kexp.org. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  19. ↑ "Dark Time Sunshine | Fake Four, Inc". fakefourinc.com. Archived from the original on 2016-08-02. Retrieved 2016-08-19.
  20. ↑ "Onry Ozzborn | Album Discography | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-08-19.
  21. ↑ "onry ozzborn | 2DOPEBOYZ". 2dopeboyz.com. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  22. ↑ "Onry Ozzborn's 'duofilm' is a personal prelude to forthcoming album". AXS. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  23. ↑ "DXclusive: Onry Ozzborn Reveals Trailer For New Video "+ h 3 B1RTH of c v p ii d"". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2017-10-23.
  24. ↑ "Onry Ozzborne - Nervous Hvnd". scratchedvinyl.com. Retrieved 2018-10-31.
  25. ↑ Onry Ozzborn (2018-09-11), Onry Ozzborn feat. vioLIT - Holy Moly/Nervous Hvnd/Bummer (Official Music Video) , retrieved 2018-10-31
  26. ↑ "Seattle Emcee Onry Ozzborn Readies New LP: DUO on Fake Four Inc–March 25, 2016". ballinpr.com. Retrieved 2017-01-06.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.