Hip Hop fans call their favorite emcees quite a few complimentary phrases: dope, ill, tight, etc. Sage Francis fans will tell you that their favorite rapper is just plain sick. Sick of waging war, sick of waiting tables, sick of the business, and apparently he's come down with a bit of sick trouble downstairs. Or so his series of "Sick" albums would have you believe.
Sage has been working the mic for quite some time now, racking up spoken word and freestyling championships as well as a massive underground following during his time in the spotlight. This Saturday he brings his Hope and Personal Journals to the Ottobar, where he received a very warm reception last spring.
During that show last year he experimented with a live band on stage, which gave the show a much more indie feel, but don't expect that this time around; he's brought more guests and they're all hip hop.
The last albums Sage has worked on were the aforementioned Personal Journals and Hope, which he worked on as a member of the Non-Prophets. Both of the efforts received a good amount of positive press, although none without justifiable tags along the lines of "internet star" and "emo-rapper." On stage, though, he doesn't come through as either of these labels; he simply exists as an artist. Last year his show was difficult to comprehend for a new-comer to his music, and at times it was just plain boring. This time around he is bringing new material, and given his tendency to stay fresh and astound audiences, it certainly seems like anyone who felt put off by his last show should consider giving him a second chance. Doors are at 9 p.m. with tickets going for $14. For more information visit http://www.theottobar.com.
