by Mira Oto
Geoxpress starts out his project with REAL NIGGAZ. His storytelling prowess shows forth over eccentric yet catchy 808’s. Painting a vivid picture of a young hustler who’s been backstabbed.
The song tells a tale of immense betrayal from those considered “blood”, you hear the pain he feels as he sings “no be so real nigga’s dey do”.
Done with the sting of betrayal, Geo eases us into a much calmer, yet equally toxic zone. One that doesn’t reek of pain, hurt, or accusations; but is rather filled with joviality, playfulness, cruise, and a hint of sensual vibes.
Cruise Riddim is focused on the tale of two people in a relationship for reasons other than love. Tonee C complements Geo’s sultry vocals and lyrics with bars of his own, and the collaboration is cosmic, as is expected of the two.
The transition from Cruise Riddim to the next track is seamless. We’re smoothly transported from Cruise Riddim to Grime Riddim. 365 paints a picture of a hustler whose heart has been broken.
Geoxpress sings “I was so dumb, I gave my all to you”. You can easily point out the pain of a person whose entire hustle was to make life easier for his significant other, yet gets served breakfast.
High Tension lifts the mood of the project, beginning with attention-grabbing trumpets, its fast rhythm of the drums is certified to get you on your feet. Afro Caribbean vibes with a dash of rawness in the lyrics. Be prepared to samba, and salsa to this one. Of course, Tonee C delivers a smooth verse.
High Tension feels like it’s laced with drugs, molly to be precise, and laughing gas. Not sure what that combo could do, but you get the point.
Still in the vibe of quick tempo Afropop, and slowed down log drums, Tantrums requests you to put on your dancing shoes, and swing your hips from side to side whilst you whip your hair around.
“Life na one
Make you jam up
Make you shake your body
Make you wiggle and turn
Forget about the noise and all of the tantrums
Just make you have fun
As you jam my son” Geo states the deal for this song, in case it wasn’t clear from the onset.
We’re brought back down from the high just in time with the sixth track. Fool4U is the perfect sober up track. Following two dance floor tracks, Geo is done trying to lighten up and is back to the reality of his heartbreak. “All of my daily bread, I gave it all to you” “things you do, I’m a fool for you”, he sings and I’m inclined to agree.
In the last track of the project, Geo declares “me no want drama“. He’s taking a step back to evaluate his situation over the course of six tracks and in this seventh, he’s arrived at the distinct conclusion that despite everything he’s had to face, despite everything he’s had to share, he really just wants to move on and without any drama attached to the process.
No Drama is a perfect close to the album.
Going through the motions of life, sharing it all with the listeners over the course of 7 tracks, Xpress Riddim lives up to its name and we’re shown several faces of Geoxpress. The Artist splashes his project with a little bit of something for everyone to relate to. You’d at least have to connect with one or two if not all.
“Production quality and choice of beats is top-notch as *TNT Baby* delivers the choicest combination of instruments, skillfully interwoven to aid the experience in the project. As a matter of fact, I’d say that whilst Geoxpress came correct with his lyrical deftness, the producer was not caught slacking in any way. Each beat was faithful to its sound, unique in its way, and there was no hint of a guiding template.
Overall, the Xpress Riddim is a project targeted to take you on a journey, through the highs, lows, laughters, tears, and screams of a soul navigating life as best as he can. The best part, it delivers on its promise.
