INTRODUCTION
Consistency, Longevity, Music Royalty. These are the words (and more) anyone would use in describing Olamide Adedeji’s involvement in the Nigerian music industry, and Afrobeats in general. Focusing on the first word above mentioned, the legend has released his 9th studio album (the most by a Nigerian artiste yet), emphasizing his excellent consistency and dedication to giving his fans great music. Olamide has come a long way in the industry after releasing his breakout single “Eni Duro” in 2010 and also his debut album ”Rapsodi” in 2011, which began the massive buzz on his undeniable talent. Olamide is music royalty in Nigeria, Africa, and the world in general, as he is an active pioneer and stronghold in both Afrobeats and in the Nigerian rap industry, a true legend in his own lane.
One thing constant with Olamide’s albums over the years is, an assurance of at least one smash record. In fact, it is in his nature to wet the fans appetite with a song or two in anticipation of his upcoming projects, and usually, those songs are certified hits that gets you prepared for what’s coming. Going down memory lane with a few examples, “Infinity” (featuring Omah Lay) off the album ”Carpe Diem”, ”Wo” off the album ”Lagos Nawa”, and more recently, “Rock” off the “UY Scuti” album, all of which immensely took over the airwaves.
Unlike the rest of Olamide’s albums, this project(UY Scuti) doesn’t feature the legend rapping as much much as he usually does, as the seasoned hit maker delved a lot more into Afrobeats more than the regular Afro-hiphop he is known for. This sudden change has caused a reaction from the fans, as he attempts to prove his dedication to making hits whether rapping or not. One thing that can be certain from an Olamide album is the growing attachment the listeners develop for most (if not all) of the songs on each and every project, after listeners give it time to brew in their eardrums.
TRACKS REVIEW
This article would highlight 5 tracks off the 10-track album to look out for. These carefully picked out songs in the writer’s opinion sufficiently expresses the change in genre and style Olamide underwent in the creation of this masterpiece.
ROCK (Track 3) –
This was the first song to drop off the album, and as mentioned earlier, is a certified banger. It has topped the charts for weeks since it dropped and ushered us rhythmically into the new sound Baddo had in store for us. The soothing feel of the well-crafted beat, and the artistic blend provided by Olamide’s vocals makes the song such a “rockable” top-quality product.
PONPON FT FAVE (Track 7) –
Through the years, we have seen Olamide collaborate with several artistes, and the judgement ultimately would be that he knows how to pick who would provide a perfect blend with the tune he intends to create, and in turn gives birth to various fire features. This song is no different, classically introducing us to the amazing vocals of the star artiste Fave. This in addition to the enticing hook and catchy lyrics which has been the consistent norm for Baddo over the years gives way for this perfect collaboration, and a top charting banger.
CUP OF TEA (Track 8) –
The legend gives us a taste of some vintage Olamide with a classic singing masterclass. On this calm but piercing beat, he rolled back the years, presenting us with a tune that makes you want to move your head to the rhythm. The catchy chorus, which is a consistent emblem of the artiste makes the song of strong replay value.
SOMEBODY (Track 9) –
Over the years, when you hear Olamide & Phyno are on a track, you presume to hear a highclass hip-hop rendition as seen in the song ”Ghost mode”, and other projects they have worked on together. In contrast, as in the nature of the album generally, he has presented us with the opportunity to witness the vocal excellence that could be produced if the rappers deviated a bit from rapping. Phyno did justice vocally to the track, just like he would do when rapping, while Olamide maintained his world-class consistency seen throughout the album.
JAILER FT JAYWILLZ (Track 2) –
In another case of the perfect collaboration, Olamide delivers us with the closest thing to a danceable tune on the album. The vibe is reminiscent of the energy present in Carpe Diem, where he got talented artistes to sing the hook/chorus, while blessing with a fire verse. Jaywillz did what Omah Lay, Bella Shmurda and the likes did when they had to be on a song with the rapper, he annihilated the hook. You cannot go through the entire three minutes and forty three seconds of the song without moving your body half of the time at least, replay value assured.
ALBUM SUMMARY
The Album consists of ten songs and is twenty eight minutes long in total. It features the likes of Phyno, Fave, Layydoe and Jaywillz. In this album, Baddo deviated a bit from his conventional rap style, and majored on singing and flowing seamlessly with the beats and artistes on the tracks; something much more different from the Olamide we are used to.
FINAL REVIEW
Sequencing – 1.4/2
Delivery/Execution – 1.6/2
Production – 1.5/2
Enjoyability – 1.6/2
Songwriting – 1.4.2
Total – 7.5/10
Standout Track – Rock