It’s a New Friday and as usual, we’ve been blessed with lots of new music. I’ll be reviewing my personal Top Ten Pick from the numerous new songs that dropped.
Wizkid — Smile ft HER
The internet broke when Wizkid finally announced Made In Lagos would be dropping. 16th of July (Wiz’s 30th Birthday) was thought to be the official date but a single was officially confirmed for that date; SMILE ft American star HER. The song however, has drawn divided opinions all over, but personally I feel it’s unfair to call this song “mid”. The reggae infused R&B joint comes as a surprise to some, but Wizkid has never been one to ride trends. Wizkid makes whatever music he wants to make. HER brings a calming vibe to the song, she literally synched perfectly with Wiz. They made magic. I personally can’t wait for the album.
Adekunle Gold — AG Baby ft Nailah Blackman
AG Baby, unarguably has one of the hardest transformations this industry has seen in a long time. Gold came up as that R&B singer with the fro, comb and adire outfits. We loved him. But now we love him more. He has successfully transitioned into a pop star. He now rocks con-rows and braids, has a sexier physique now, not scared to let his buttons fly to show his broad chest. His music also, too. This self titled song (off his upcoming Afro Pop album) features Trinidadian star, Nailah Blackman. For me, it’s a perfect way to announce an album called “Afro Pop”. It’s the perfect pop song.
Niniola — Addicted
Niniola has found a way to perfect and own the “House Music” scene, she’s the Queen of Afro House. I always look forward to every new Niniola release, she outdoes herself every single time. This song is that type of song you want to start your baecation with; perfect tempo and pace. You can hear her sultrily sing out to her mystery man. I’d really love to see “Addicted” do well on the charts, it has all the markings of a hit song
DJ Cuppy — Jollof On The Jet ft Rema, Rayvanny
Jollof On The Jet is the second track on the upcoming 12 track album, Original Copy. Cuppy really has not hit the ground running with the music but expectations are kind of high for this upcoming project. I like this particular song, however. It has the default playful feel to it, but I’m most impressed by the feature pairing; Rema and Rayvanny from Tanzania. Cuppy found a way to make this pairing work. I might just be ready to listen to the full album.
Ycee — Quarantunes
Ycee found a way to put “Zaheer and Ycee” together on his Ycee vs Zaheer album, and he continues that chemistry on this two track project. I particularly love “Money I Dey Find”, I love the confidence, the braggadocio. He’s got that mojo back. “Tell Nobody” is the Ycee with all the juice and melody. Two good songs on one tape.
Krizbeatz — African Time (Album)
Krizbeatz The Drummer Boy has shown that he is a producer that is not scared to put out projects (he now has 2 albums and one EP). His first album ADM did good, maybe not so good but I’m just betting on African Time to do one better, just. This album has some great features on it; Teni, Mr Eazi, Vanessa Mdee, Falz, Reekado Banks, Phyno, Yemi Alade, Tekno and couple others. I’m particular impressed by the Falz track, Ogede, and African Time ft Teni. However, I think 14 tracks is a stretch and then 19 artistes on one tape? Man
Black Beatz — Dobale ft Mojo
Mojo never misses! He is yet to miss! Personal singles? Features? Never. He totally made this song his with his customary “street-alte” yoruba delivery. Black Beatz (who I’m honestly listening to for the first time) held his own too. Dobale might just be my jam for the week
Forevatired — Thos Kids Next Door (Mixtape)
HOW. AM. I. JUST. HEARING. ABOUT. THEM?! I honestly can’t believe I have slept on boy band “Forevatired”. They are what you can call Alte Rappers, they make distinctly different music. Fader said “Devil Fruit is music that sounds like Pierre Bourne took a trip to West Africa” and I totally agree. This mixtape is super amazing and refreshing. Stand out tracks for me are West, Film Trick and Devil Fruit, but trust me the entire tape is really nice. From what I can see they’re signed to Kimani Moore and I can say they’re in good hands and I really hope they go on to do great things, in a time where there’s a dearth in boy bands around here.
Sosa-E — Kungfu Sosa EP
Sosa is very talented! He’s equally controversial. And he perfectly opens this three-track EP with a song taking shots at some of his “Twitenemies”. Kungfu Sosa is a blend of great and fair, for me. First track “Hop” is so perfect for me, then Si Vous Plais plays and it doesn’t do it for me. Pre-Marital Flex ends the tape and it’s a good ending. In all, Kungfu Sosa is good.
Tosing — Sugar Puss EP
I was driving through the Lekki Admiralty Circle Plaza Toll Gate the other day and the electronic billboard displays Tosing’s EP. It excited me a lot, having listened to Tosing’s previously released Do You Know. Tosing’s music is different, she is different. She has this silk, velvety voice and she sure knows how to flex that. The EP opens up with “Money” and you can tell straight up that it is “Yoruba Owambe” themed, but where the magic happens for me is the third track, “Oh My I”. Oh my! What a joint. I love the tape
