“This 26-year-old star is the embodiment of audacious creativity” – GRM Daily
“We’re not weighing in on that Best Rapper in Africa title, but Blaqbonez’s willingness to declare it, his unflinching drive to live up to it, and the skill of his execution — be it in the blazing in booth or cracking jokes on social media — is why we’re not mad at it.” – Rolling Stone
“The ever-rising profile of Blaqbonez has been inspiring to watch.” – Native Magazine
Award-winning Nigerian rap giant Blaqbonez is once again setting the stage ablaze with the release of his highly anticipated album, ‘EMEKA MUST SHINE‘.
Released via Chocolate City Music, the 14-track opus features recent singles ‘Like Ice Spice’,‘Like Bezos’ and ‘Cinderella Girl (Where You Day)’ with Ludacris, and showcases the Lagos-based artist’s multilayered talent and unrivaled versatility. Seamlessly threading together forward-thinking sounds and genres including Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Drill, R&B and Alté, ‘EMEKA MUST SHINE’ is a truly diverse body of work that pushes the boundaries of Blaqbonez’s sound to become his most ambitious undertaking to date.
Representing Blaqbonez’s triumph on multiple fronts, the album’s themes of success, personal growth, versatility and sheer determination to carry Nigerian hip-hop on his back are boldly showcased throughout. Blending musical personas, Blaqbonez has crafted a unique and captivating body of work that solidifies his status as Nigeria’s very own Drake.
Blaqbonez himself shares his thoughts on the album, stating, “With ‘EMEKA MUST SHINE,’ I wanted to create something that not only celebrates my personal journey but also showcases the immense talent and potential that Nigerian hip-hop possesses. This album is a testament to my capabilities and the resilience and creativity of our music industry, and I am proud to be a part of it.” – subject to approval
Across 14 songs, ‘EMEKA MUST SHINE’ includes an exceptional lineup of heavyweight talent from across the diaspora, featuring collaborations with Black Sherif, Projexx, Victony, Odumodublvck, Young Jonn, Zlatan and US rap legend Ludacris on ‘Cinderella Girl (Where You Day)’, which has over 4 million streams since its summer release.
Each track delivers a distinct sonic experience, with LP opener ‘Road Runners’ setting the tone as it chronicles his journey so far in gritty fashion alongside Ghanaian drill superstar Black Sherif. ‘Nyem Ego’ re-explores the themes within the album’s opener with Jeriq, whilst ‘6 Bizne$$ Day$’ with Projexx, ‘Kilo’, recent summer smash ‘Like Ice Spice’ and ‘Dollerz’ with ODUMODUBLVCK are smooth and silky offerings that showcase Blaqbonez vocal ability across a plethora of luscious, club-friendly soundscapes. Reggae joint ‘Naija Shawty’ deep dives into the beauty in Nigerian women alongside the unmistakable voice of Victony, whilst uptempo jam ‘Masquerade’ utilises a deep swinging bassline as Blaq reflects on how his fortunes have changed.
‘Shine Forever II’ takes Blaq into his rap flow, incorporating a J Dilla-esque 2000’s flow whilst ‘Bad Till Eternity’ keeps him in this pocket, With Zlatan’s signature street-rap style seamlessly complementing Blaqbonez’s lyrical prowess in an introspective, emotionally charged offering that deep dives into the struggles of the music industry. ‘Like Bezos’ offers pop-friendly feels whilst ‘No Sleep $$$’ injects Amapiano influences with Blaq and Young Jonn trading verbal blows as they divulge on their relentless work ethic. The dreamy, alté sonics on ‘Wait Let Me Get The Tissue II’ and ‘Cinderella Girl (Where You Day)’ Feat. Ludacris are intimate and heartfelt slow-jams that close the project out in sultry fashion, with Blaqbonez having successfully displayed countless personas with typically ballsy yet quick-witted lyricism.
On ‘Emeka Must Shine’ Nigeria’s most versatile musical star cements his status with another irresistible album.