Naija E.A.R. (Essential Album Reviews) - Vocal Drops

Banky W – The W Experience ...Naija Album Review

2009-12-31T23:37:00.000-08:00

BANKY W – THE W EXPERIENCE
Naija’s Listening E.A.R. (Essential Album Rating)

A strong review of Naija albums
24/12/2009 Oyebowale ‘oyeakd’ Akideinde http://www.vocaldrops.blogspot.com/

GENRE: R n B
LABEL: Empire Mates Entertainment
Year of release: 2009

1. The W Experience ft Muna
2. Can’t Stop Me (O o To Be) ft Skales
3. Strong Ting
4. Omoge You Too Much ft Wizkid
5. Lagos Party
6. Thief My Kele ft Oladele & Waje
7. Tanker ft Wizkid
8. No Be Lie
9. Follow You Go
10. Feeling It ft MI
11. So Brand New
12. Nobody
13. Why
14. Lagos Party(remix) ft D Banj, Naeto C, Iceberg Slim, 9ice, eLDee & MunaStrong Ting(remix) ft Verse Simmonds

With 2 previous albums under his belt (The 2006 US Release Back in the Buildin’ and the 2008 sophomore hit album Mr. Capable) and the hottest verse on the massive eLDee record ‘Big Boi’, there is no place to go but up for Olubankole Wellington aka Banky W aka Mr Capable on his 3rd album - ‘The W Experience’; an album which encompasses all the good things that the Letter W starts with – Wealth, Women, Wonderful, Wisdom, Wish-lists (what? It’s Christmas).

The album begins with the “W Experience Intro” narrated by the beautiful Muna (that’s what the 2007 MGBN Munachi Abii is known as nowadays). Although lacking in energy, her voice sensually wets your appetite for the next array of songs. The silky and jazzily infectious “Can’t Stop Me (O o To Be)” which features new EME rapper - Skales eases in on cue taking the album energy level up. Cleverly produced by newcomer Sunny Nweke, Banky W talks about the industry, his capabilities that make it impossible for people to bring him down and how he meant no disrespect to Uncle Rueben Abati.

Up next is the monstrous hit 1st single “Strong Ting”. Banky W does well to ride the success of this mid-tempo song by complimenting it with a Video that MJ (RIP) would be proud of. The addition of Cobhams’ phenomenal hit making flute-like sound to Banky’s sprinkled intoxicating vocals should ensure award nominations for Mr Capable.

EME’s teenage signee Wizkid joins Banky on my favourite cut from the album – The ID Cabasa produced “Omoge U Too Much”. This dynamic duo showcases their musical chemistry in their efforts to woo the opposite gender. One thing’s for sure Cabasa + Banky = Certified Hit (I really hope they do a video for this). “Lagos Party” a definite club banger is produced by the talented Dokta Frabz. It showcases Lagos in all its splendour, elegance and freshness. Banky W pays homage to where he grew up in; a City whose Nightlife & Parties know no bounds. The very catchy chorus ‘Aint No Party Like a Lagos Party’ will definitely come out of your lips while listening to this track. “Thief My Kele” is an album filler with the Usual Suspect OlaDele & the beautiful Waje.

Banky W continues to exercise his versatility and freedom to experiment with different types of production on the W Experience, stepping outside of his boundary to provide the Typical 9ja Ass Shaking “Tanker”. K Solo’s signature is all over the multi-faceted sounds & heavy drum loops and should get a lot of spins in the Clubs. Tee Y Mix produces the sweet sounding Mid Tempo “No Be Lie” (I dey feel your swagger die) which features a touch of the 80s trumpets influence and finds the singer committing to become a fly chick’s maga while “Follow U Go” sees Banky reverting to his bread and butter, supplying rich vocals over Cobhams’ production to ensure a perfect Ballad.

Banky W returns to his roots and the key to a successful R&B record on the next three tracks: LOVE. On “Feeling It”, a tight rap verse comes courtesy of MI while Banky's soft coos echo across the mellow backdrop. It is a gem of a Track. The amazing baby-making ballad “So Brand New” will be on repeat on the Ladies’ Play-lists & Bed-side Stereos - A true Love-struck record. “Nobody”, the joint produced by the Muzik Men, contains pleas, promises & vows to a lady who is contemplating leaving the relationship. Banky does his best to convince the lady to stay by taking her down memory lane how Nobody knows her better than he does.

Omo wetin dey happen/God gave us oil in the Delta/Water for Benue & Niger/Mineral resources all over/Then He called us Nigeria/We have no Natural Disasters/Na we dey cause kata kata/We come dey fall asunder/E Dey make me dey wonder. These are the opening lines to the Cobhams inspirationally produced “Why” which showcases Mr Wellington and arguably his best vocal performance on the album as he asks every Nigerian Why can’t Nigeria be so much better.

“Lagos Party (remix)” continues from where the original left off. The Cast of D Banj, Naeto C, Iceberg Slim, 9ice, eLDee & Muna all recount their party experiences in Lagos by dropping extremely tight verses. The remix is a guaranteed hit and DJs will be glad for this quality track. Maybe I’m just being greedy but I would have loved a different beat and also verses from Kel, DaGrin & Mode 9ine (Banky, here’s my Xmas wish-list for ya).

The album comes to a perfect conclusion as Puerto Rican born Interscope Records Signee Verse Simmonds drops his Island B (a mix of R&B, Hip-Hop and Caribbean sounds) type of flow on the “remix of Strong Ting” making it slightly better than the original. The collaboration works well.

With The W Experience, Banky W provides another great album to tuck into his small but ever growing portfolio as he continues to expand before 9ja’s very eyes. It was an experience where tracks with flaws were rendered inconsequential due to the quality of most songs ensuring that the album never strayed into boring mode.

Outstanding Tracks: Omoge U Too Much, Strong Ting, Lagos Party, Why, Lagos Party(remix), Follow U Go, Feelin It
Disappointing Tracks: The W Experience, Thief My Kele

VOCAL DROPS Rating System
VERSATILITY: 9/10
OPINION (Personal): 8/10
CREATIVITY: 9/10
ACCEPTANCE: 7/10
LYRICS: 9/10
DELIVERY: 8/10
RHYTHM: 9/10
ORIGINALITY: 8/10
PRODUCTION: 8/10
SKIP FACTOR: 8/10

THE VERDICT: 8.3/10
It’s a shame that Nigeria has set a ‘Standard Price’ for CD Sales cos this is one album I would have paid much higher for. With The W Experience, you get to experience hints of what makes an album a classic and a masterpiece. Banky W tends to take the listeners on a swanky ‘Alice In Wonderland’ journey, one that showcases his consistency and capability as well as putting on pillars on the musical foundations already built for future masterpieces. Remember to include this CD in all your Christmas Hampers and gifts because trust me; the W Experience is on every lady’s wish-list.

Raindrops on roses & whiskers on kittens/bright copper kettles & warm woolen mittens/The W Experience album tied up with strings/these are a few of my favorite things.

Merry Xmas everyone & a Happy 2010!!!

This album MAKES THE iPOD

* The album artwork wrongly leaves out D’banj on the credits for artistes’ featured on the Lagos Party Remix. Sources state that he was a last minute but excellent addition to the song, and the Marketer had already gone ahead to print copies of the album sleeve prior to the final versions being submitted. Subsequent prints of the album will have the right credits.

Happy 2010

2009-12-31T23:22:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing all of you a prosperous 2010, May all our good dreams become REALITIES

ABIADE: The Warm Up (Mixtape)

2009-10-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

Introducing ABIADE & His Warm Up (Mixtape)

Born and bred in the south- east in London of Nigerian Heritage, ABIADE presents an indication of things to come, a versatility one feels is necessary in an ever changing music industry. He presents “The Warm Up”, a culmination of years of honing his craft and perfecting the deliverance of his voyeuristic mind through lyrics.Having started writing lyrics before puberty had its way with his voice, ABIADE went through a number of identity crisis, not knowing whether the emerging UK garage scene would be the platform for his talents to blossom or if his first love, the US-centric hip hop was ever going to be able accommodate a small time Londoner with a dream. Fast forward 10 years of experimentation and openness to recording over any genre and ABIADE has found himself a niche; the inability to say no to any kind of music.“if I go to a myspace and I like a producer’s beat, bet your pennies I’ll holla at him asking ‘how can I spit over it, how much! I’m too on it for my own good at times! “

“The Warm Up” is colourful in genre with an attention to detail that would see ABIADE seamlessly aligned with many of the UK’s bigger names. But ask him who he wants to be likened to and it won’t generate the most in depth answer: “No One, next question” He says with a smile. “I don’t want to be compared, Jimi Hendrix my hero was completely over a record once it was finished, it was “next project” for him. I’m on that, this is ‘art in your own lane’ business. I want to be in my own lane”.

With production from aspiring board breakers such as Bare Beats, Offkey Productions, SRecords and Gibzen of Ironik’s “Stay With Me” fame providing a backdrop for a lyrical delivery that you clearly cannot acquire, ABIADE begs the question: If this is a “Warm Up”, what aural orgasms does he have in store for the listener at his peak?

“The Warm Up is my proper introduction to everyone, the listeners, the scene, the major labels; they haven’t searched all the nooks and crannies yet, there’s SO much talent left, this CD shows I can do it all from the production to the hooks, from the introspective to the hits, I provide social commentary on a lot of stuff people want to talk about, with sick beats behind it. Listener: hope you enjoy listening as much as I did making it”

DOWNLOAD: http://www.zshare.net/download/6617766946d22473/

Da Grin - CEO (Chief Executive Omoita) ....Naija Album Review

2009-09-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

DAGRIN – CEO (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OMOITA)
Naija’s Listening E.A.R. (Essential Album Rating)

A strong review of Naija albums
28/09/2009 Oyebowale ‘oyeakd’ Akideinde http://vocaldrops.blogspot.com/

GENRE: Hip Hop
LABEL: Mi So Fun Yin Entertainment
Year of release: 2009

1. Ghetto Dreams ft Sossick
2. Everyday ft Ejay
3. Pon Pon Pon
4. Kondo (Magic Stick)
5. Swag (File)
6. Make Doe ft Dark Poet & Sossick
7. Gboro ft Isolate
8. What They Want
9. Hola Hola ft Tfrizzle
10. Thank God ft Omawunmi
Bonus Tracks
11. Lala ft DaGrin - Nla
12. Bigiano ft DaGrin - Iwofa
13. Pon Pon Pon (Instrumental)

9ja Stand Up! This is not just another Yoruba album; it’s an Indigenous Mainstream Hip-Hop Album. Dapo Olaonipekun’s (DaGrin) time has finally arrived after a very disappointing 2006 debut album “Still on the Matter”. With each record (2008 big hits “Efi mile” with YQ & “Idi Nla” with Lala) DaGrin featured on, he has crept closer & closer to the mainstream & has ensured that his new album should not be taken lightly. It has to be a satisfying feeling when you know your sophomore album is going to be far better than the 1st one. DaGrin has managed to link quality with a local language -Yoruba on Chief Executive Omoita.

The album opens up with the bluesy, bass looped banger, "Ghetto Dreams" which features Sossick with a nice hook. The Kid on the streets (Omoita) mixes his Music dreams with the those in the Ghetto, reminiscing on his past –poverty, hardship, struggles and his future dreams. His lyrics are so sick (No pun intended) that you can’t help but love this track - Aimoye igba ti awon eyan ni ki lo give up/ Won ni mo local, pe o no mi o’nse hip-hop/ But mo wa determined, mo de wa focus/ T’orie ni oruko mi se spread bi staphylococcus [translation: How many times have people told me to give up/They say I’m local, dat I’m not hip-hop/But I was determined and focused/Becos of this, my name has spread like staphylococcus]. “Everyday” featuring little known Ejay follows the similar rags 2 riches theme with a smooth soulful looped beat from Sossick; DaGrin talks more on his everyday struggles, hussles & determination metaphorically and with crazy word-plays all spun in Yoruba - Everyday ni mo’n ji/ everyday ni mo sun [translation: I wake up everyday/ I sleep everyday]

DaGrin takes us to the streets on the Club Banger “Pon Pon Pon”. With jacked beats from Tony Yayo’s “So Seductive” (or is it 50’s “I Get Money”), DaGrin violently destroys the beats as if he’s freestylin’ in the hood (Omo 9ja ni mi/9ja lo bi mi si/9ja ni mo ti bere si ni ka ABC) with his slick Yoruba wordplay, punch-lines and immense hunger to get your feet over psyched to dance. On this track, you start to get a sense of why he named his album CE “Omoita”.

Track Alert “Kondo”. Common people say this with me -Mummy mi o si ni le/ Daddy mi o si ni le/ Egbon mi o si ni le/ Emi ni kan mo wa ni le/ Wa gba kondo, kondo, kondo/ Wa wo commando, mando, mando. A track not obviously for Radios puts DaGrin in his comfort zone, spitting over a sick, raunchy sex-fueled beat courtesy of SAS. DJs will definitely spin this track a lot in 2009. It’s one of my favorite tracks off the album.

On “Swag (File)”, you can almost feel DaGrin grinning before dropping the line – E mi ni Kabeyesi [translation: I’m da king] over the very average Sossick Crunk beats. He then flows with so much swagger on the track along with the “Owo ati Swagga” Cartiair (he wasn’t listed on the album credits). This track falls below the standards of the other tracks heard so far. “Make Doe” ft Dark Poet & Sossick also has a very average Crunk beat, yet the more I hear this track, the more I like it. DaGrin’s witty rhymes keep you in check from pressing the skip button. He drops his hottest lines on this track - Emi ni da best sugbon e fe funmi ni crown/ Kilo kan eneti ati gbe ni iyawo pelu gown/ E dahun, your flow is so fake like a clown/ Let me teach u how we get down we run dis town/ Mo fresh and aint lookin real stressed/ Mo da bi omo tuntun tan she bi look at me YES/ Igbo, shayo, ashewo dis is how we livin ole pa mi layo/ Missofunyin entertainment emi ni CEO / Mi o like olopa mi shere pelu DPO. Dark Poet’s verse is also on point - A standout track from the album.

“Igboro” ft Isolate (9ice’s style jacker or is it the other way round???) shows a lot of potential and again you get to understand why DaGrin calls himself an Omoita, his bars are hard as nails and gives females the nervy feeling that you don’t want to be alone in the alley with this cat. “What they Want” is very disappointing and has a jacked beat from 50 Cent’s "Wanksta".

“Hola Hola” ft Tfrizzle sounds very chiwalla-ish (Slum Dog Millionaire, duh!) and is produced by Tfrizzle as well. It’s a hot track and DaGrin transforms this joint to a track for the Clubs & Radio DJs. Omawunmi & DaGrin sweetly “Thank God” for bringing them from grass 2 grace and the beats is done by the 1 & only Dr Frabs. Another winner here as Omawunmi belts the chorus like she’s doing a West African Idol show while DaGrin continues where he left off dropping more punch-lines - Buying a razor-blade (NGN10.00) with a NGN1,000.00 note & not collecting his change. The lyrical content on this track is outstanding.

With the diverse variety of production (Sossick, SAS, Tfrizzle & Dr Frabs), DaGrin’s Yoruba lyrics is well supported to allow each track fuse together transparently into one big story book of the CEO. Da Grin obviously gets his inspiration from the G Unit Camp (jacking beats, from 50’s "Wanksta" & Yayo’s "So Seductive") and his style also sound like 50’s. Well every Great in History needed to be influenced by another Great (hmm. I wonder who influenced the 1st Great, Guinness?) DaGrin shows a hunger similar to when 50 Cent was a thirsty up and coming artist. He even jacks 50’s line on the end of “Swag” - switch ur style up/…watch the money pile up. No one can deny the similarities between DaGrin and this Hip-Hop Icon which hopefully should cement his status as a true emcee & not just another street credible rapper jacking beats, lines & styles.

Outstanding Tracks: Kondo, Pon Pon Pon, Thank God, Make Doe, Hola Hola, Ghetto Dreams
Disappointing Tracks: What They Want, Swag (File), Iwofa

VOCAL DROPS Rating System
VERSATILITY: 8/10
OPINION (Personal): 7/10
CREATIVITY: 7/10
ACCEPTANCE: 6/10
LYRICS: 8/10
DELIVERY: 8/10
RHYTHM: 7/10
ORIGINALITY: 6/10
PRODUCTION: 7/10
SKIP FACTOR: 7/10

THE VERDICT: 7.1/10
Known for grinning before dropping bars, DaGrin has cemented the fact that you can rap in a local language and still be a dope MC by pushing the standards up a knot beyond those already set by his predecessors – Zaaki, 2Shotz, Big Lo & Lord of Ajasa. Many may argue that 9ice did it way before him but trust me; while 9ice’s songs are proverbial and way too deep, DaGrin’s are phenomenal and has “Street Credibility”.

One thing I like about this album is that although it’s targeted for Hip-Hop heads, it still manages to crossover to mainstream ...the Yoruba Nation will love it & those who can’t understand a single word will still fux with it. All the tracks have blazing hooks/choruses which are a blessing and in my books, the right recipe to get non-Hiphop heads to listen to your songs. No one can take Dat Grin off DaGrin’s face for now

This album MAKES THE iPOD.

KEL - THE INVESTMENT ...Naija Album Review

2009-09-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

KEL – THE INVESTMENT
Naija’s Listening E.A.R. (Essential Album Rating)
A strong review of Naija albums
04/09/2009 Oyebowale ‘oyeakd’ Akideinde http://vocaldrops.blogspot.com/

GENRE: Hip Hop
LABEL: CAPital Hill Music
Year of release: 2009

1. Intro (skit)
2. Waa Wa Alright ft Skin
3. Nobody Else ft Shank
4. Turn By Turn ft Wizkid & YQ
5. Beautiful Life ft Aique
6. Jeun Soke
7. Too Fine ft Alaye & Mayd
8. Omo Yapayaski ft Durella
9. The Sola Thompson Love Hour (skit)
10. Need You In My Life ft Six & Darey
11. Boy Meets Girl ft Slk
12. Love ft MI & OC
13. Area Mama by Tosyn Bucknor (skit)
14. Dem Don Dey Move ft Illbliss, Tha Suspect & Uchie
15. Die Hustling ft Illbliss
16. Push ft Nyore
17. Waa Wa Alright(remix) ft Iceprince
18. Sitting On Top ft Waje & Jesse Jagz
19. Outro (skit)

Okay so we got advance warnings on CAPital Hill’s new Lyrical Investment in the Zain sponsored MTV Show but nothing could have really prepared us for KELechi Ohia’s lyrical debut. In an industry dominated by male MCs globally (Queen Latifah & MC Lyte had to come out with new albums after an hiatus of 11 and 16 years respectively to help rebuild the female MC scene with Jean Grae & Nicki Minaj being the only 2 hot acts in the Global scene today), Kel with her adorable smile and lyrical prowess obviously isn’t ready to stay content with becoming Naija’s No 1 female MC but rather battle for the top spot irrespective of gender.

And so as our Naija Stock market prices continue to prefer Kobo as the choice of currency, let’s explore the 15 reasons why we should all invest in Kel’s Investment album.

After an “Intro” that reminds us of Kel’s ill verse on the Ill Bliss’ classic “U Go Wound O remix” track, the album starts proper with the smash single, “Waa Wa Alright” which showcases a hungry female MC and the energetic Skin with his power-charged ‘Awon Boyz’ hook. Being the 1st single off the album, Kel displays a very capable flow, albeit with simple lyrics and rhymes. The players change but the game’s the same/Don’t hate, just scream my name/It’s Kel & I’m off the chain/This sh*t is so insane. If you weren’t convinced of Kel’s impressive flow yet, the next track “Nobody Else” with Shank & Tha Suspect will definitely ease any concern on her hit-making ability. Shank’s ragga +Kel’s Rap + Tha Suspect’s RnB Chorus = BANGER. The track is laced with an infectious Suspect produced beat that all three (especially Shank) tear apart from start to end with their tripartite flow. “Turn by Turn” flows in next with YQ & newcomer Wizkid with the ‘Be Patient …Wait your Turn’ message which will surely sink in.

Featured Aique puts De La into the Soulful “Beautiful Life”. This joint is smooth and Kel’s flows compliment Suspect’s beats. “Jeun Soke” is a weak effort for a Club Jam and will probably get skipped every time. It’s a shame that Kel couldn’t do justice to Jesse Jagz heavy driven beats.

My favorite track off the album and probably Kel’s best work on the album is her latest single – the up-tempo banger “Too Fine”. Kel is joined on the track by rapper Alaye, MayD crooning the hook - You too fine, girl you dey blow my mind (my mind girl)/ You too fine, Kel you be one of a kind (a kind girl) & an assembly of TY Mix’s concocted groovy beats. It’s pure magic & like she raps - U (they) keep coming back cos U (they) wantin more/Hell No! U (They) ain’t ready for a flippin encore.

Energy filled “Omo Yapayaski” which features the Zanga King Durella is another DJ’s investment from the album. Her flows are tight (Fresher than fresh, I’m back on the scene/Lyrically the best I’m the realest ever seen) over the drum loops and Durella's energy signature is all over the track.

Cupid’s arrow must have found its mark when Kel was in the studio, cos the next three tracks- “Need You in My Life” ft Six & Darey; “Boy meets Girl” ft SLK and “Love” ft MI & OC are all love songs. Her art of storytelling must be at its best when she’s talking about love. “Boy meets Girl” & “Love” are stand out tracks, easy on the ear and floats through your surrounds and speakers making the ambience right for some panty dropping (Yes BOSS). Invest your time in these tracks & you won’t be disappointed.

You guys moving yet? Cos the next track WILL MAKE YOU MOVE (just like dat). On “Dem Don Dey Move”, Kel lines up a ferocious pack – Ill Bliss, Tha Suspect & newcomer Uchie to rip up Suspect’s produced Seismic (Are you feeling these beats) & Grimey Beats. Ill Bliss unfortunately takes the shine on this one as he does the next track – the below average “Die Hustling”. The raga infused “Push” which features Naija Dancehall Star Nyore is quite good but Kel simply rides out the beats with very elementary rhymes (I wish her verses were tighter on this one, this should have been her next single)

The remix to “Waa Wa Alright” showcases a punchy verse from Chocolate City’s Ice Prince with a slightly different beat. “Sitting On Top” which features Waje & Jesse Jagz has the team TPaining on the track. Gosh! I hate Auto-Tunes (No disrespect, T-Wayne). Would have loved to hear this track without the Auto-tune cos I was kinda feeling Jesse Jagz’ verse.

Though many may argue that this album was over-packed with so many MCs, I see it differently as A Hip-Hop Battle Contest similar to the MTV’s Advance Warning Show but this time Kel takes no prisoners -male or female (apart from Ill Bliss …reminds me how Jay-Z always stole the show on any track he was on) and can raise her head high.

Production is also very tight on this album and why shouldn’t it be, the album’s productions are provided by the Hottest Producers around - Tha Suspect, Dr Frabs, TY Mix, Jesse Jagz, Bigfoot & J Martins. Every album needs just one of these guys and Kels’ was invested in by all of them.

Outstanding Tracks: Nobody Else, Too Fine, Love, Dem Don Dey Move, Omo Yapayaski
Disappointing Tracks: Jeun Soke, Sitting On Top, Die Hustling

VOCAL DROPS Rating System

VERSATILITY: 7/10
OPINION (Personal): 7/10
CREATIVITY: 7/10
ACCEPTANCE: 6/10
LYRICS: 6/10
DELIVERY: 7/10
RHYTHM: 7/10
ORIGINALITY: 7/10
PRODUCTION: 8/10
SKIP FACTOR: 8/10

THE VERDICT: 7.0/10
Armed with a devastating smile and Rapping with so much swag, class & all her clothes on (which is quite odd for a female MC), Kel’s Piggy Bank is now ready for an upgrade to a CBN board-appointed Bank. Kel has upped the standards for Naija’s Hip-Hop game giving a new voice to Girl Power in this male dominated industry and is definitely gonna fall the walls of female marginalization in Naija’s Hip-Hop game.

With so many guest appearances (and so many of her advance warning buddies), this is the true Collabo album (sorry Dee Bee) which in the end still puts Kel in the limelight. She’s definitely one for the present and the future. Let’s hope her stocks keep rising and don’t forget to INVEST in her album. I daresay this album is far better than most of the albums out there. MALE or FEMALE

This album MAKES THE iPOD.

DURELLA – KING OF THE ZANGA

2009-07-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Naija’s Listening E.A.R. (Essential Album Rating)
A strong review of Naija albums

19/07/2009 Oyebowale ‘oyeakd’ Akideinde

GENRE: Hip Hop
LABEL: TC Records
Year of release: 2009

1. Intro
2. Merciful God
3. Enu O Se
4. Gunners Anthem
5. Smash It
6. Queen Of My Zanga
7. Shayo
8. Wiskolowiska
9. In The Zanga
10.Take It Off
11. On The Floor
12. Queen Of My Zanga (remix)
13. ?????

Using the Google Maps to find ZANGA leads us to Mushin where another Zangalese gem has been unearthed. Throughout 2008, Durella dominated the Naija music circuit and generated the biggest buzz for an artist without a released album. Four massive singles in 2008, being crowned the Winner of the MTV base Advance Warning Artist in December, 2008 and armed with a 5 million Naira prize money, the stage was set for Oluwadamilare Okunlaja a.k.a DURELLA to blow up like Ikeja Cantonment. Even a continuous comparison (ENEMIES!) between him & D Banj only gave Durella more attention and as 2009 commenced, everyone was hollering “2 Gbaski!” This is the album review of KING OF THE ZANGA.

After a not so impressive “Intro”, Durella starts his album with the best way to start everything, giving thanks to his Creator in “Merciful God” which samples the chorus of KSA’s old song with the same title. The outstanding heavy-hitting “Enu O Se”, my favourite track on the album, is next and has the recipe to make even old folks mime the words “Enu O Se, Durella" while dancing in their wheel chairs. He spits his signature line in the 2nd verse “...that’s why they call me Omo Yapayaski, Durella Miskiyaski - 2 Baski” . It’s a perfectly moulded track that fuses with his energetic flow.

He then declares himself a Gunners for Life Fan on “Gunners Anthem” which while not trying to be biased (ManUtd till I Die), was below par and the only thing that appealed to me was the lovely beat produced by the talented Dr Frabs. Surely all Gunner Fans will have a contrary view to mine and will keep bumping this track after every Arsenal Win this season. “Smash It” combines Durella’s raw energy with well-produced beats and destructive hooks, an average track at best and is certainly an album filler.

The smooth “Queen of My Zanga” is an okay track. It’s like a diamond in the rough because it’s the only slow R & B track on this high-octane packed album. The 1st verse shows us Durella’s toasting skills:
Girl you know the reason why I want you to be my zanga queen / You too baski and like so you be like ice cream / You the one I want to give my love to, I am telling you / You too beautiful and at the same time you are so wonderful / I dey appreciate you, I dey gba dun you from your head to your toe / I dey feel so right when you are right beside me
Though lyrically weak, it’s still got a melodic tune that ladies can slowly and sexily twist to in the comfort of their bedrooms. Things get better from here and we get hit by “Shayo”, a party track that in my own opinion has the Best Original Video done by any Nigerian Till Date. With spitz like “I dey Shayo with ma Paddy, my baby/ e no affect anybody na my money”, the track will make you higher than even the drink you’re sipping. ID Cabasa’s hard-beating fast tempo salsa-like beats will definitely make you get your swagger (or alanta) on.

Durella became a household name with his 1st single “Wiskolo Wiska” and the reason is evident from the moment the track starts, it shows a hungry MC eager to make a name quickly so as to fill up one of the few empty spots left in Naija’s Already Overpopulated Hip-hop scene. Durella drops witty rhymes with a laid back flow to OJB’s top-notch production. Durella comes lyrically correct on this track.

ID Cabasa clearly makes you all bounce on the track “In the Zanga” where Durella tells a story about he came through and how all kinds of trips can be found in the ZANGA. “Take It Off” is a very suggestive track about his women should take it all off. It is a track for the clubs and bars. “On the Floor” disappoints because with a suggestive title that defines the track as a floor ripper in the Clubs, it fails to deliver on material. The beats for this are very elementary and sound like your typical Naija beats making it sound all grimey and ghetto-ish but still lacks the Durella Energy. What’s an album without a Crunked-out beat? “Queen of The Zanga(remix)” outshines the original in terms of lyrics and delivery. It’s another gem on the album.

With 11 tracks, The King of the Zanga delivers a good debut album produced by four very talented Nigerians – Cash 11, Dr Frabs, ID Cabasa & OJB. Aside from the Powerful Producers on board, Durella pays a lot of attention to track structures and even when not everything fits, nothing sounds as if it was thrown in as a filler track.

Outstanding Tracks: Enu O Se, Shayo, Queen of The Zanga(remix), Wiskolo Wiska
Disappointing Tracks: On The Floor, Take It Off, Gunner’s Anthem, Smash It

VOCAL DROPS Rating System
VERSATILITY: 7/10
OPINION (Personal): 6/10
CREATIVITY: 8/10
ACCEPTANCE: 7/10
LYRICS: 6/10
DELIVERY: 7/10
RHYTHM: 7/10
ORIGINALITY: 6/10
PRODUCTION: 8/10
SKIP FACTOR: 6/10

THE VERDICT: 6.8/10
Enemies may continue to hate on him calling him a D Banj Wannabe but after dropping hit after hit from his debut album with the same consistency, the self proclaimed King of the Zanga clearly stands out as an Original Act because of his catchy hooks, mad slangs and energetic delivery on his tracks. While Durella lacks the lyrical prowess and mic presence of an MI or Fela (R.I.P), he has wedged himself into Naija’s Hip-Hop class by keeping it in the Zanga. A 2 Gbaski effort!

BUY this album & SUPPORT THE ARTIST

WANDE COAL – MUSHIN 2 MOHITS

2009-06-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Naija’s Listening E.A.R. (Essential Album Rating)
A strong review of Naija albums
06/06/2009 Oyebowale ‘oyeakd’ Akideinde

GENRE: R n B
LABEL: Mo’ Hits Records
Year of release: 2009

1. I Know U Like It
2. You Bad ft D’banj
3. Se Na Like Dis
4. Kiss Your Hands ft Ikechukwu
5. Confused ft D’banj
6. Se Ope
7. Now It’s all gone ft D’Prince
8. Bumper to Bumper
9. Who born the maga ft K-Switch
10. That’s wots up
11. Bananas ft Dr Sid
12. Taboo
13. Jehovah

Bonus Tracks
14. Ololufe
15. Ten Ten ft Mo’ Hits All Stars
16. My Grind ft Mo’ Hits All Stars

His ‘angelic’ vocals have blessed hooks for D’banj, Naeto C, Ikechukwu & of course the Mo’ Hits All Stars’ Curriculum Vitae album (the biggest benefactor from his soulful singing). Yes it’s the Blackest Of Them All from the Mo’ Hits Crew – Wande Ojosipe (uh?? Did u really think his surname was Coal). In 2007, we heard our first Wande Coal song, ‘Ololufe’, a powerful & soulful love song. The whole Naija community realised that this former Choir Boy was ready to be the next big thing in Naija’s R n B. 3 years on after being signed to Mo’ Hits in 2006, a debut album finally surfaced. Make you follow me review W Ceezy’s MUSHIN 2 MO HITS.

The opener “I Know U Like It” throws us off a little from what to expect from this album. The beats are nice sounding like Naija meets UK Garage but the actual song doesn’t show off his vocals and it makes him kind of laid back riding out Don Jazzy’s rhythmic beats. It leads into “You Bad” a club jam for the DJs’ playlists. It’s a true Hiphop track made for the ‘Lepas’ & ‘Orobos’ with its catchy hook “C this lepa, lepa to bad o / orobo, orobo to Bad o”. The track features an almost invisible D’Banj who gets fully draped by Wande on this track (well done WC, it’s a feat most people don’t accomplish). With a lot of average lyrics, there is a memorable 1st verse – “U be hunter, u continue hunting/ and dats 1 thing will lead to 1 thing/ and dat 1thing will lead to something/omo I dey gbadun how u no dey fronting/straight to the point, u no get time 4 long thing” which showcases his versatility. “Se Na Like This”, the next track comes as a bit of a surprise as it sways off the game-plan into a clear narrative message of the present situation in Nigeria and the hopeful future. A Kid’s voice gets smacked on, which becomes that little conscience which keeps knocking on our souls.

Then the gem of a track, “Kiss Your Hands” which features IkeCHUKWU. It’s Wande ‘falsetto MJ’ Coal on Don Baba J’s finest work on the album. The track makes you wanna ‘moon-walk’ again. Ikechukwu spits some bars which unfortunately get swallowed in the instrumentals giving you 2nd thoughts if this track was fully mastered. All in all, the track is a collector’s mp3 item.

“Confused”, a filler track is an upbeat track with a 90’s feel and the Standard D’Banj verse. Then it’s back to the playground with my favourite track “Se Ope”, a simple track that shows Wande’s versatility once again & Don Jazzy’s ability to transform a child’s sing-along song into an awesome track. It touches on how you should praise God for what you have been blessed with, nothing is too small. “Some can sing but have no beats, some have beats but cannot sing, WC can sing & has Don Jazzy’s beats”. Then comes the disappointing Jagged Edge-inspired “Now It’s All Gone” track with D’Prince’s average verse.

“Bumper 2 Bumper” is your typical Club Anthem & is a certified banger among the radio stations’ countdowns. The switch to Juju beats during the song is pure genius (Take a bow Don ‘Timbaland’ Jazzy). “Who Born the Maga”, I personally like because it showcases a re-invented K-Switch (On CV, he was rapping) with a Jamo-flow. Imagine him & Pype on the same track.

“That’s Wots Up” is a nice song with a good hook that grows on you. “Taboo” is another Club Anthem and has been in rotation since last year and we just love seeing ladies dancing ‘Alanta’ to the vibrating beats with the ‘Kileyi! Ileke’ catchy hook. On “Jehovah”, we have a very well thought out track that gives Thanks to God. It is a beautiful Piece; just try listening to it in traffic on your way to work to fully appreciate the track.

With 13 + 3 Bonus tracks, Naija’s new falsetto King (YES! someone finally takes the crown off Dizzy K Falola) pushes Naija RnB to new abstract heights thanks to Don ‘Na who do the beat’ Jazzy. With so many praises heaped on Don Baba Jay, I started thinking that the album ought to have been called ‘Thank You Don Jazzy’.

But can you really blame Wande Coal, Don Jazzy comes through again as he has done on his previous works …but this time fusing modern hiphop beats with ‘Ijinle’ (Motherland) rhythms allowing WC to switch between languages without the listener even realising it.

Outstanding Tracks: Se Ope, U Bad, Kiss Your Hands, Bumper 2 Bumper, Jehovah, Ten Ten
Disappointing Tracks: Bananas, Now It’s All Gone, I Know U Like It

VOCAL DROPS Rating System
VERSATILITY: 8/10 (Falsetto magic)
OPINION (Personal): 7/10
CREATIVITY: 7/10
ACCEPTANCE: 7/10
LYRICS: 7/10
DELIVERY: 8/10
RHYTHM: 8/10
ORIGINALITY: 8/10
PRODUCTION: 9/10
SKIP FACTOR: 8/10

THE VERDICT: 7.7/10
With a much anticipated album, Wande & Don Jazzy create the perfect ‘safe’ chemistry for another successful Mo’ Hits album. Though some pieces of this album have been influenced by International Artists (uh, MJ), WC displays energy and versatility lacking in Naija’s music industry. Lyrically, it doesn’t deliver as expected but it’s a strong debut album that is way better than what is out there. Let’s hope it kick-starts WC’s promising Career and we look forward to a more creative and lyrical masterpiece from him.

Wande Coal represents the Great African R n B Hope and with more work + Don Jazzy’s production, he should become World Renowned.

This album MAKES THE iPOD.

2009-06-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

MY M.I. ALBUM REVIEW GETS PUBLISHED IN THE NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

At last my work gets noticed. Yesterday, my review on M.I.'s album got published in the Nigerian Tribune (well it's a start). Watch out for reviews coming your way

BTW Thanks Efe ...I owe you big

2009-06-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

MI – TALK ABOUT IT
Naija’s Listening E.A.R. (Essential Album Rating)
A strong review of Naija albums
25/05/2009 Oyebowale ‘oyeakd’ Akideinde

GENRE: Hip Hop
LABEL: Chocolate City
Year of release: 2008
1. An Outrageous Intro (skit ft The President)
2. Anoti ft Gabriel
3. L Boogie Intro (skit)
4. Short Black Boy
5. Teaser ft Pype
6. Talk about It ft Leony
7. Safe ft Djinee
8. Random Guy Buying (skit)
9. Blaze ft Jesse Jags, Ice Prince & Blaise
10. Area ft YQ
11. Fast Money Fast Cars ft Wizkid
12. A Short Discussion (skit)
13. Money
14. Forever
15. Jehovah ft Eben & Lindsey
16. Hustle
17. Thank You’s & Ova Ish (skit)
18. Crowd Mentality

The Album is called TALK ABOUT IT so let’s talk about this 13 track scorcher which includes 5 unforgettable skits that this lyrical & very versatile short black boy who lives in Jos, Plateau State delivers along with his brother Jesse Jags (let’s not forget now, Kraft also produces a track)

The Naija Hip-hop scene was getting stale with the same old ‘bum shaking’ & ‘dollar making’ tracks. Along came an artist like no other willing to change the game; very versatile …we 1st heard him on his single – Crowd Mentality from his 1st album – Pyeri Boy (Yes boss, this is his sophomore album) sounding like a revolutionary ready to shake up Naija’s Hip-Hop scene. We waited patiently for him and he didn’t disappoint with his much anticipated album.
Jude Abaga better known as ‘M.I. (Mr Incredible)’ turns the game upside down; not your typical Naija emcee, MI is a true story teller with an effortless laid back flow, smart delivery, punch-lines and crazy rhymes.

After his brief skit with Mr President asking if ‘we go feel am’, M.I. explodes into the hard beat-driven “Anoti”. This UNBEATABLE track goes hard from the moment the beats drop, introducing himself before he spits bars with the opening lines “They call me MI with a brand new jam/brand new song/brand new feeling I can’t go wrong/It’s the incredible Mr/fast & fury coming thru your transistor/Saw this sista…” and proceeds to deliver the rhymes in a manner that is unparalleled in Naija Hip Hop today. His style shifts and changes on the drop of a dime and he works his breath control effortlessly "I got the magic static/I got the chrome automatic/so systematic/you ready/for this so melodic/neurotic/chronic/so supersonic/bionic/u could get on it ". He doesn’t slow up after “Anoti”; instead he proceeds to accelerate his craft on each and every track. He lays it all on the line on “Short Black Boy” that’s laced with a soft bumping beat which allows you to hear delivery after delivery of his lyrical depth; combines effortlessly with Pype on the ragga infused “Teaser” to spit more venom “Hello mamacita/You’re a sexy chicka/I’m a gal teaser/so babe let me please ya” and takes it home on “Talk about it” where he talks about the ish, crows about our Government along with Leony.

He then decides to integrate all the current Naija hits into one head-nodding “Safe” where Djinee practically laces on his melodious voice to make this track an instant classic; drops Party tracks for the DJs “Area” ft YQ and “Fast Cars” ft Wizkid. With an album this good, he can’t but give thanks to his Creator in the sweet sounding “Jehovah” which features Eben & Lindsey

Talk about It would probably take forever to discuss each track (even the skits are good), what is even more astonishing is that I didn’t skip a single track. With a wide range of featured artists (The popular Djinee & YQ to the less known Pype & Ice Prince) who don’t crowd the album but rather complement the album giving the tracks they are on, special tune-ups. MI uses his creative genius to take us on a journey of narration only found amongst the US artists (Slick Rick, Jay Z, Biggie, Nas, Rakim & Mos Def). Mad props to him; never thought I would be comparing a Nigerian artist to my fave emcees.

And what would a lyrical emcee be without the perfect production? MI, his brother - Jesse and the Executive Producer – Audu Maikori are able to create a sound haven in Chocolate City that captures the essence of MI’s being without the use of big-name producers for sure shot hits (with the exception of the Kraft-assisted “Fast Money Fast cars”). It’s a “risk” to create an album with this much anticipation without the big names, but the producers do much more than just hold their own as they support this short black boy’s style extraordinarily well.

Outstanding Tracks: Anoti, Area, Teaser, Hustle, Safe, Short Black Boy
Disappointing Tracks: None

VOCAL DROPS Rating System
VERSATILITY: 9/10
OPINION (Personal): 9/10
CREATIVITY: 8/10
ACCEPTANCE: 5/10 (unfortunately only about 30% of the Nigerian Population is into Hip-Hop but I expect about 20% or more to be converted once they listen to this album)
LYRICS: 9/10
DELIVERY: 10/10
RHYTHM: 9/10
ORIGINALITY: 9/10
PRODUCTION: 7/10
SKIP FACTOR: 10/10

THE VERDICT: 8.5/10
MI isn’t ahead of his time, it’s what the Game’s been yearning - the day that someone will take Naija Hip Hop upon their shoulders and heave it into the next level, fear not because the future is here and he comes in the form of Jude Abaga known to us as M।I.

This album is an instant CLASSIC. Only sore point is the CD Jacket which is just like the rest of Naija Jackets …Cheap & Tacky. Guess he decided to play safe with that one.