It’s another Friday and with the heavy influx of new songs and projects, it was quite the job to pick a Top Ten. But here you’ve it, my Top Ten Pick
Tekno – Old Romance
I’m sorry, but SURPRISINGLY, Tekno’s album is VERY good. Yes, I’ve used the word “surprisingly” because I honestly did not expect it to be this good. Tekno is a certified hit maker, yes, and he was always going to have bangers here and there on his album, but making a wholesome body of work, a body that is thematically okay? Tekno has surprised me. ‘Old Romance’ tells it’s own tale, with no stress. From the album art, you can tell what it is. Detailing the ‘process of love’, it goes from ‘meeting to chasing to falling in love to getting married’ and the full process. A predominant Afro-Pop tape, Tekno’s forte ‘ponpon’ jumped out. With tacky lyrics made better by melodies here and there, Tekno’s style never went missing on this project. It really is a good project, well put together. You can tell he put in conscious effort into making his debut project.
Joeboy – Celebration
This lad knows how to make a record! The timing of this release, it’s content, the premise, the song itself — all perfect. Putting out a song that basically screams ‘gratitude’ and ‘hope’ at the end of the year is great thinking. If this song does well, it might end up becoming an evergreen, one that will be rinsed every now and then when you’ve to give thanks or pray for something. It’s that type of song that has very resonating lyrics, lyrics that you want to steady say out loud. They are so sing-along ish too, which makes replay value very good. The instrumental from ‘TypeA’ is mind blowing. The bounce on it, the keys, the beat itself screams a bit of festivity.
Psycho YP – National Anthem
What a way to cap off a personally eventful year, YP. Brilliant. Psycho YP’s year was basically; a new feature almost every week. His work rate this year was just mad. Even if at some point I thought the features were becoming too much, I got on board when his joint tape with Azanti dropped. Two new singles out now (in one pack), with very interesting features. ‘Flex and Ball’ features Azanti and Lyta, ‘Attention’ features Oxlade and Merry-Lynn. Two different but amazing songs. ‘Flex and Ball’ is closer to Hip-Hop, I like the bounce and rhythm on this one a lot. Lyta and Azanti went spazzing with their verses, and all through Lyta was giving the joint life with the melodies, humming all through. ‘Attention’ with Oxlade and Merry-Lynn is such a bop, the rhythm and the bounce is sending me, it’s that type of song that would have you dancing in the club. I love that Merry-Lynn is on this joint, I’m a big fan.
The Cavemen – Who No Know Go Know
They’ve successfully endeared themselves in the hearts of good music lovers, and they’re just affirming their place in their hearts with this new single. For me, their sound is more like ‘Ghanaian Highlife’, such sweet sound. This sound will become a fan’s favorite and The Cavemen would be proud to say they championed its rejuvenation. It’s highlife with a bit of modern funk, that funk that gets you moving, so you don’t get bored on the absence of lyrics. The hook is so catchy, that even when you’re moving to the instrumental, you’re ready to scream “Who No Know Go Know” when it comes on. It’s highlife at it’s best.
Liya – Melo
Man! This song! This song! I love this song so much. A lot. It is such a sweet jam. Her voice, her melodies, the back up vocals, the chants, the Angelique Kidjo sample — everything about this song is just perfect! I don’t want to be too quick to say DMW struck gold with Liya, because this could go two ways — she could go on to become one for the biggest female voices out of Naija or they could fumble the bag on her, like most labels have done with female talents. I’m so scared for her and for Davido. I really want this signing to work, because she is so talented. This song is the perfect way to announce yourself on the big stage. The melodies on this song are heart-melting, the composition is perfect. I really hope she blows up big, she’s got everything to do well.
Soundz – Cinderella
This lad can sing sing, you feel me? His compositions are always different even if they’re patterned in the cliché genre. He has his way of putting his songs together. He does things with his hooks and bridges, like he’s done with this song. The bridge is a native Yoruba folklore sample, the hook is a nursery rhyme sample, but the way he’s made them sound, different and appealing. His flow on this IamBeatz production is instantly alluring. He does things with his melodies, his backup vocals. He basically knows how to make a record. One of my favorite underground acts, he has the talent to go toe to toe with a lot of established acts. 2021 I need a tape.
Reminisce – Toxic ft Adekunle Gold
I like that I can almost immediately align the timeline of when this song was made — was made when they made ‘Original Gangster’, the OST for the ‘King Of Boys’ movie. When ‘Original Gangster’ dropped, AG tweeted that he needed to do more Hip-Hop records and I totally agree. I like this ‘Toxic’ joint a lot. Everyone knows that Reminisce thrives different when he has the perfect hook laid by amazing vocalists. This could actually be the birth of a new tag team; Reminisce-Adekunle Gold. The hook is so sweet, and Reminisce is on the verses with witty and raunchy punchlines. ‘…jen tusi, tryna find my way down south, Pearl Thusi’ started his verse so well, then you hear him go ‘…stay strong, word to my penis’. These lines embodies Reminisce’s confidence level when he’s got fire hook playing.
Tomi Thomas – Who Knew
I’m sorry, but Tomi Thomas’s sound is not for everyone. And I’m not trying to be condescending with this. He has this unique sound that can only be appreciated by a few. With a delivery almost bordering on patois/reggae, he has a fine feel to his songs. ‘Who Knew’ is an almost tropical vibe and it’s just smooth and pure.
Chop Life Crew – Hurricane ft Mojo, Tim Lyre
Tim Lyre is a gem that should be protected at all cost. That man deserves a lot more flowers. Everything about this song makes me happy. The beat is so chilled, the hook is so catchy, Mojo was Mojo on it. Sounds like an Afro-House record with very chilly vibes, it’s the type of instrumental that really allowed Mojo and Tim Lyre take their time with their lines. Tim came very correct with melodies on his hook. I like this record a lot.
Anonymous Music – Oge ft Badboy Timz
Badboy Timz is on a roll! He is having such a great year. Right now, he literally can’t put out a bad song, everything he puts out, instantly bangs. While you might argue that, for now, he’s yet to top ‘Loading’, he’s put out solid solid joints and this new one ‘Oge’ is so solid. It’s the exact wave out now. Released as his label’s single, ‘Oge’ perfectly sits in every DJ’s club and party playlist. Imagine doing the zanku and stuff to this song, bliss. His delivery is unrivaled, you can’t deny that and it is very evident on this song. The hook is just so good for me, I like how you can still sing along with throwing your zanku. Magicsticks was spazzing when he made this beat! What?!
