TillDayBreak’s new EP, Life in the Trenches, is not merely a collection of songs but a raw, unflinching audio documentary of urban survival. From the first track, the project establishes itself as a profound exploration of the human condition within a demanding and often unforgiving environment.
With a sharp, narrative-driven approach to his songwriting, TillDayBreak acts as both a storyteller and a social commentator, guiding listeners through the gritty realities of relationship turmoil, financial desperation, and the heavy weight of societal expectations.
The project opens with Shege, a melodic track on which we hear TillDayBreak tap Adam Srae and Layo Isaac. He raps about the relationship wahala that he has seen with his eyes in the trenches, giving a detailed lyrical description for listeners to paint a picture of the struggles that a particular girl faced in an abusive marriage and the reality of many who don’t speak up against the abuse they face. Shege is a lyrically rich track that addresses domestic violence worldwide, conveying the message through a melodic chorus by Adam Srae and the soft, soulful touches of Layo Isaac’s voice.
Cashapp, the second track on the EP, tells the story of a university student who was focused on his studies and on his way to becoming a doctor, but lost it all when he got mixed up with bad friends. Now he is into internet fraud, a quick alternative to making money, using the excuse of the slave trade to justify the exploitation of the foreign people. TillDayBreak revealed to the listener the outcome for this individual: his life came crashing down, and his friends left him, serving as a reminder that everyone is ultimately on their own in this life.
Sapa Nice One builds on the existing concept of the previous tracks of struggle, but with a twist: the TillDayBreak lover leaves him for someone else because he is broke. He reflected on this heartbreak by expressing the pain he felt and how he comforted himself, hoping for better days and to become a better person.
Black Tax, produced by GRNDMSTR, is that hard-hitting track that got TillDayBreak reflecting on how draining it can be to carry people’s burdens, and how many will leave when the money runs out. One interesting thing about this track is the way TillDayBreak gives a real-life experience on the track.
Lagos serves as the final track on the Life in the Trenches project, and as the title suggests, it’s a track about Lagos state. TillDayBreak took the time to share his story of life in Lagos, highlighting the struggle and fun in the state, and the street-smart knowledge needed to survive in the jungles of Lagos. OluwaMillar serves as a featured guest on this track, using his sleek flows to provide advice that will keep you on your toes in Lagos.
Life in the Trenches stands as a remarkably cohesive and impactful body of work. TillDayBreak has successfully crafted a project that feels both deeply personal and related to many, moving seamlessly from the specific trauma of domestic abuse in Shege to the systemic pressures of Lagos. Each track serves as a crucial chapter in a larger story about resilience, moral compromise, and the search for self amidst chaos.
GRNDMSTR’s production on all tracks is evident and well-felt, as it complements TillDayBreak’s voice and narrative for the Life in the Trenches vision. The EP doesn’t offer easy answers, but it provides something more valuable: a clear-eyed reflection of reality. It ends by leaving the listener with a sobering truth: that in the jungle of life, survival depends as much on street smarts and financial stability as it does on maintaining one’s humanity.
Life in the Trenches masterfully blends lyrical depth with melodic resonance, creating a soundscape that is both thought-provoking and engaging. This is an EP that doesn’t just want you to listen, it demands that you see, feel, and understand the complex struggles of everyday life in all their vivid and sometimes painful detail. Life in the Trenches is more than an EP; it is a powerful testament to the power of hip-hop as a medium for storytelling and social witness, firmly establishing TillDayBreak as a compelling voice with a crucial perspective.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Standout track(s): Shege, Black Tax, Cashapp, Lagos
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