What do you do when life gives you lemons? Oke Emmanuel, better known as Emaxee, is a young creative that sets himself apart with the level of critical analysis and thinking that goes into his creative process. As such, he’s of the opinion that there’s so much more we can all do with the proverbial lemons than just lemonade. And it’s that premise that forms the foundation of his debut project, “Oranges & Lemonade,” a 5-track EP that preaches and explores the concept of creating more from less.
Since starting his music career officially in 2017, Emaxee has grown in more ways than one. The difference between “Oldest,” his debut single, and “Time & Chance,” his last single before the release of his debut project, is palpable. Although “Older” and the songs that immediately follow are not lacking in quality, the clarity in his artistic and sonic direction makes his sound and style stand out more than ever. His decision to infuse more of his real-life experiences into his music and less of generic tales played a major role in his growth and development. Take 2020’s “It’s Not My Fault” as an example, a track on which he critically dissects the faulty educational system in the country.
However, if there’s one thing everyone involved in our music industry will agree on, it’s that selling records in this part of the world goes beyond great content. Melodies, rhythms, and flows are pivotal to retaining the audience and creating the replay value needed to keep songs relevant. Fortunately for Emaxee, he’s quite proficient in that area. He possesses an ability to sing and rap in equal measure. By switching between them every now and then, he maintains the much-needed qualities of unpredictability and versatility. From going in hardcore style on “Get Up Ten” to doing a bit of both on “Jangilova,” you can never be too sure what method Emaxee will employ in his bid to entertain when you press play.
Now that you are armed with the information on Emaxee, you are now ready to dive into the world created on “Oranges & Lemonades.” You shouldn’t be too surprised when you hear him launch into introspective and intense Hip-hop mode on “What If Not,” only to switch into a loverboy on “Defender.” You should be able to flow seamlessly with him as he gets you in your dancing shoes on “Balance” and “Skido” before dropping the tempo to the simple head-bopping tune on “Silicon Valley.” You shouldn’t be surprised at all. After all, you’re dealing with an artiste who believes there’s no limit to what he can deliver and achieve, who believes there’s always more to be made from the lemons thrown at him by the universe.
https://music.apple.com/ng/album/oranges-lemonade-ep/1630512009?ls
