Adekunle Gold - Catch Me If You Can [Album]

 

The highly anticipated album by the talented act Adekunle Gold is finally out and it is definitely worth the wait. The forth studio album by this music maestro is titled Catch Me If You Can and it was released on the 4th February, 2022 and consist of Fourteen (14) track and Six (6) guest features which include: Davido, TY Dolla Sign, Fatoumata Diawara, Lucky Daye, Stefflon Don and Foushee. Check on it!

Production Credits: Uber, BigFish, Pheelz, Tay Iwar, Spax, and Blaise Beatz.

STREAM HERE  

E.P. Review: Tems - If Orange Was A Place

 

Nigerian born Alternative R&B/Soul/Afrobeats singer, song writer/producer Temilade Openiyi popularly known as ''Tems'' releases her 2021 E.P consisting of FIVE (5) tracks as unveiled on the (14/09/2021). Now here are my thoughts on the extended play brought to you by Tems. She's currently signed to RCA Records. 

Crazy Tings: This is a great way to kickstart this project as we hear Tems introduce listener's to a mid-tempo record with a vibe and  background to a hip-hop snare. Crazy Tings is a liberating breakup record about moving on from a toxic relationship into a life of freedom. The layering of the content immediately draws you into the dilemma spoken/sung about in that subtle vocal prowess mixed with that afro vibe and also wrapped around the strings of the bass guitar making it an wholesome record worthy of introducing listener's to the project. Produced by: Guilty Beatz.  

Found feat. Brent Faiyaz: This record shows us Tems soulful persona in how alluring and powerful her vocals can be as she sings on a soothing basic strings of the box guitar and with the help of American act Brent Faiyaz who compliments this record lyrically and vocally to give it that sweet melodious vibe that can make this record a instant lounge hit. Produced by: Guilty Beatz.

Replay: This is a super experimental and well written record by Tems. The song has all the right elements (a good hook, groove, lyrics and a beautiful song buildup) to be a radio hit in a very subtle way with the song arrangement. A well executed video can pop this record up on a different level. This is by far one of the favorites off the EP. Produced by: Jonah Christian.

Avoid Things: This is one of the leading records of the ''If Orange Was A Place'' extended play as we see this mid-tempo hip-hop beat ushers Tems into the lead, as she puts some reggae vibe to the chorus on Avoid Things. This song has an infectious way it gets to you and makes it easy to fall in love with the record. Avoid Things should be naturally become a radio hit if well promoted with a music video. Produced by: Guilty Beatz.

Vibe Out: This is one of the only upbeat record, as well as the longest track of 4min: 57sec in the project. The record sees Tems playful side with her trying to get at her love interest but at the same time just trying to keep it cool. It is an obvious fact that Vibe Out is the best track off the extended play. Why? because the beat is dope, infectious, the harmonies is outstanding, the adlibs is catchy and unforgettable, the hook is appropriate and Tems lyrical prowess is unmatched. The best way to wrap up a project is definitely a Vibe Out. Produced by: Guilty Beatz.

My final thoughts on the tracks analyzed  above for the ''If Orange Was A Place'' E.P. is a super SOLID effort by Tems and deserves a 8.5/10 and of course listener's could have only wished for more tracks on this project because the song selection, sequence, guest appearance and arrangement is almost perfect, showing that Tems is indeed in control of her space and ideas. Then the producers and sound engineer in the person of Spax did a brilliant job bringing Tems vision into life with the compliment of their production, mixing and mastering skills of the records to give it the level of satisfaction fans or a listener would appreciate. Excellent effort!!! 

In case you haven't  listened or streamed Tems - If Orange Was A Place E.P. please do so it below:

 DOWNLOAD HERE

 

Tems - If Orange Was a Place [EP]

 

The top female vocalist out of Nigeria at the moment in the person of Tems has released another extended play she dubs If Orange Was a Place. This EP consist of Five (5) tracks and a guest feature from Brent Faiyaz. Check on it!

Production by: Spax, Guilty Beatz & Jonah Christian.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Flavour - Flavour of Africa [Album]

 

Flavour has graced 2020 and the listening pleasure if his fans with the release of his 9th studio album he dubs Flavour of Africa. The album was released on the 4th of December, 2020 and it consist of Sixteen (16) tracks with guest apperances from the likes of; Beenie Man, Fally Ipupa, Tekno, Phyno, Larry Gaaga, Odujeme, Waga G, and Biggie Igba. Check on it! 

Production Credits: Spax.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Tekno - Sudden [Audio]

Tekno releases visuals for Sudden, a conscience record about the reality of an average man in Nigeria, Check on it!
Produced by: Spax.


DOWNLOAD HERE

Album Review: Show Dem Camp - Clone Wars Vol. IV

Show Dem Camp (SDC) returns with their fourth (4) installment for Clone Wars and this album is dubbed ''These Buhari Times'' Clone Wars Vol. IV. So with a subtitle like that we should expect to hear a lot of content based on the recent recession the country Nigerian has been faced with. The duo are no strangers to our reviews and it it exciting to see them keep the tempo going by being back again with a new body of work. The Clone Wars Vol. IV ''This Buhari Times''  was released on the 1st January, 2019 by Show Dem Records and Fatherland and it consist of thirteen (13) tracks with one (1) bonus track. The journey of this review starts now!

(Intro) Center of Excellence: Ghost kicks off the album with the introduction of his verse on this glorious sound and he did a good job in keeping listeners glued to what they had to say on the record dubbed (Intro) Center of Excellence. The producer Spax did an amazing job with the production and the progression and arrangement of the record. He laid the foundation of this song on the keys of the grand piano giving it the classical touch which gives listeners an opportunity to hear the lyrics of the song in all its clarity but still maintained that hip hop vibe with the choral music concept on the chorus. 

Savage (feat. Ladipoe): The Savage record has to be one of the best diss records i have heard and one of the best song on this album.The track gets you hooked from the start and with those witty lines and wordplay of both Tech, Ghost and of course the icing on the cake, was a Ladipoe verse. The grit and soul in the sound is the purest form of hip hop anyone can get and it certainly abetted the flow of the rap, giving it that all round solid hop hop record. 



Respect, Loyalty and Honour (feat. M.I Abaga): A mid-tempo and chilled sound of Spax on a song title like Respect, Loyalty and Honour we can expect nothing but a piece of conscious rap in a whole world of different realities and who else to help them deliver on this responsibility? other than M.I Abaga himself. The track gave us a glimpse of all three rappers experiences/perspective in a society like Nigeria which added depth to the record and this can be considered as one of their best hip hop records produced till date. Great concept!  


Duade (feat. Cina Soul): Tec kicks off this record with a narrative of what a typical African (Nigeria in particular) society expects of us which is pretty much stereotyped as opposed to what we/you feel inside as a person. This narration sets off the tone for this beautiful hip hop/soul song with Cina Soul as her name implies, lending her soulful vocals to the chorus that gives it that richness a fusion of genres deserve. SDC's story telling on this record is such an amazing blessing to Nigerian music and as an average citizen who would listen to this record  and can relate to their stories on so many levels. Duade shows how dynamic and brilliant this duo are and they certainly know how to make the perfect feature on a record.  



Shadow of Doubt (feat Tems): Tems brings a different vibe to the track Shadow of Doubt with her alternate sound on a Spax's dark expression of sound to depict an equally dark story of different experiences in a country like Nigeria where hope can be bleak every now and than and of course Ghost and Tec delivered brilliant bars to bring this vision to life. This is a solid conscience record that gives listeners proper enlightenment right from the intro of the record which had an Artificial Intelligence (A.I) poetry excerpt to the concept and it really added depth to the record.  


Epigenetic (feat. Ozone): This is a perfect title for a song that reminds us about the distorted mindset/orientation we got as a people and it definitely feels like it is part of our DNA but should certainly not be. This has to be an alteration maybe due to the high level of poverty in the land and the quest for survival. The record is a perfect ingredient for Tec and Ghost to re-emphasis the crux of the Clone Wars Vol. IV 'This Buhari Times'' and what better choice for a feature other that Ozone? who brought his A game on the record to remind us of who we can be as a people with the use of metaphor to drive home his message. 



Packaging: This is one chilled out record off the LP that is characterized with some witty lines and a twist of humor attached to the storytelling of the rap. Packaging in a typical Nigerian context is usually refereed to as making an impression of what you are not just to get ahead in life, it is kind of like a survival strategy in a difficult environment. Solid track!


T.D.V (Trust The Vibe): SDC towed the path of that early 2000's hip hop vibe on T.D.V and as we  see the record being complimented by their brilliant wordplay, it made it a likable and easy to listen record with a very catchy hook. T.D.V is an appropriate track to have been selected to make the album  but i wouldn't say its the best record they have made. 



4th Republic (Feat. Dap The Contact & Vector): The rapper Vector takes the lead on this brilliantly produced record by Spax and the track is dubbed 4th Republic, with what sounds like a freestyle by the dope rapper in his lines like; ''Many claiming This Buhari Times/if you only carry rhymes/you go soon carry arms/its a cold world and you can't afford a cardigan/ but the Siberian husky has really taught you to chill and adapt.'' Excellent flow to get the record started and to keep the pace going, Dap The Contact did not disappoint either with his mellow and crystal flow that gave the record some form of balance and of course Tec and Ghost closing up with an excerpt of what sounds like a government official/politician who seems to have no clue what's most important to move his constituents forward. This is by far one of the best record off the Clone Wars Vol. IV and a rustic visual telling this story will be the icing on the cake for this track.  



+234: This is one upbeat record that rarely took a mainstay on this project and we are loving +234. This is certainly a great way to rep what we can call our area code, a code used to reach Nigerian's on the phone from overseas. The Nigerian spirit is always proud and resilient regardless what they go through and SDC just laced it on this record.  




Hunger Cries: This is indeed a heartfelt record as the title of the track implies, hunger certainly cries in Nigeria and it always seems our leaders are making no effort to make a difference for the common citizen. SDC did poured out their heart through their lyrics on Hunger Cries and you can tell that this record maybe be one of the crux of this entire project and we are loving it. There is no better way for this duo to have delivered an impressive conscience/revolutionary record than in Hunger Cries.  


 Everything I Love: This record pricks listeners with that consciousness about what matters to them the most with excerpts of what appears to be a female voice note on the lush sounds of a piano and the horns of the trumpet giving the record the jazzy touch and trill. Tec kicks off Everything I Love with bars for his love for Lagos, friends and everything in between and Ghost kept the space going on this record with his experiences that lead to his love and passion for what he does. This is one great record produced by Spax. 



No White Flags (Feat. Phlow, Tems & Rotex): Producer Spax took us to church with that heavy influence of the organ giving it that inspirational touch. And we also see SDC featuring Tems for the second time on this project with a dope female MC Phlow and Rotex of course. I must say all three features added so much depth, quality and that positive vibe the record requires and what better way to end the Clone Wars Vol. IV ''This Buhari Times'' with No White Flags. 

Bonus: 


Tipping Point (Boogey): The bonus track which wraps up this project featuring prolific rapper Boogey and all three rappers outlined problems that lead to a Tipping Point in our/their lives in This Buhari Times and of course some proffered solutions to get out of this state of mind/situation by the rappers. This is indeed a perfect way to end a conversation that pretty much dominated the content of the body of work and i must say Show Them Camp nailed it. 



Here are my final thoughts on the album review of  ''Clone Wars Vol. IV These Buhari Time'' I enjoyed listening to the project and it was certainly a reminder, wake up call and revelation of the things we face in our society on the daily basis and a need to come out of it stronger as a nation. SDC  have succeeded in putting out a very SOLID concept album that reflects their present state of mind and that of the country as well and they pulled this off with only Spax on the production and he understood every record as an individual tracks and did not give us a stereotyped or similar sound that could have easily bored listener out. The duo also did a great job in their featured selection with appropriate verses from the likes of: Vector, M.I Abaga, Tems, Ladipoe, Boogey, Rotex, Phlow, Cina Soul, and a host of others. Therefore, based on all that has been said I would rate ''Clone Wars Vol. IV'' a 9/10 on this review. 

In case you haven't listened or downloaded Show Dem Camp - Clone Wars Vol. IV Album please download it for free here: DOWNLOAD HERE 

Funbi - Turn Me Around Ft. Ladipoe (Prod by SPAX)

''Funbi releases Turn Me Around, a sweet summery tune featuring Ladipoe. This infectious track harks back to the musical synergy between the two artists as heard on their previous collaboration, Adore Her.
Turn Me Around is an ode to love, a dedication to the special person that inspires you to be better.
Spax's production is the perfect fusion of R'n'B vibes over highlife sounds. Turn Me Around serves as Funbi's first release of 2018 and is a precursor to his upcoming Serenade EP.''

DOWNLOAD HERE  

EP Review: Ajebutter22 + BOJ - Make E No Cause Fight

Ajebutter22 burst into music scene smelling like a breath of fresh air with his distinct bass vocal texture and his witty lyrics and style, simply making him one of the most promising new school acts to watch out for. On the other hand,  Boj is that eccentric and dynamic artist who was a member of a 3 man squad popularly known as DRB LasGidi  and he brought that new school vibe that was undeniable hard to overlook. Now both talented acts; Ajebutter22 & BOJ  have decided to combine forces to spice up our 2018 with an extended play titled Make E No Cause Fight. The EP was released on the 17th May, 2018 and consist of Five (5) tracks with one guest appearance from Teezee (DRB)  with a combination of both artist the EP promises to be an epic one. 

24: Ajebutter22 & BOJ  introduces Make E No Cause Fight EP with a record titled 24 which is a brilliant depiction using the popular action series 24 to describe different daily life experiences and having God being in charge of it all. The record also had a word or two for those ladies out there that are only out for the paper. This is a very solid record that has that relaxed vibe but with very heavy words that grow on you but keeps you on your toes. The production skills on this record is beautifully delivered making it one of the most sort out records off this EP.

 Taxi: Ajebutter Kicks off this record with an interesting storytelling on a Spax inspired beat which has that chilled and alluring production tact to it. This is a typical booty call kind of record and it is creative to see Boj & Ajebutter title the record Taxi,which is a perfect sync and depiction to the theme of the track. Taxi can easily end up as your favorite record because of the chilled vibe stemming from strings of the guitar making the record very easy to digest.

Yawa: Ajebutter The wordplay on this record is everything and makes it one of the best records off the EP. Yawa which translates to (Trouble) in English is a record for the streets, meant to teach you how to watch your back and not get into trouble. The creative combination of both artist is unmatched on a record like Yawa laced on a Spax  produced beat and with  those melodious adlibs  which made it the icing on the cake.

Tungba: Now with a Boj lead hook and chorus for a brilliant record titled Tungba, we see Ajebutter accompany this record with his unique deep bass tone vocals to fill up the verses of a beautifully produced track by EKelly. Tungba can be likened to the rhythm of a man's heartbeat one he feels for a lady and is willing to sacrifice anything to win her heart over.  This is by far the most radio friendly record off the Make E No Cause Fight EP and deserves a scintillating visuals for listeners to grasp the wholesomeness and awesomeness of the record. This is by far the best record off the project. 

Amala Feat. Teezze: This is a record that features Teezee a former label mate of Boj (DRB Lasgidi) and the only feature on this EP. This is a track with that modern hip hop/trap vibe laced with that smoking Teezee rap bars, making it an appropriate feature on this project. Amala is the essence of why Boj & Ajebutter did a collaborative EP and it was worth it. The record has that authentic new school fresh sound and with their songwriting skills/ concept made Amala one of the best collaboration of 2018. Absolutely brilliant!!!   

The Make E No Cause Fight  EP by Ajebutter22 + BOJ  is great collaboration long overdue based on the synergy of their vocals and style of music. And with a track list of only Five (5) songs you can only wish for more songs on this EP. The EP had just one guest appearance by Teezee making it possible for listeners to feel the essence of a joint project. The EP also had ace productions from the likes of Spax and Ekelly and with a brilliant sound mix production making it a solid project. Therefore, I would like to rate this EP a 6.5/10. The rating for  Make E No Cause Fight  EP could have gone up based on all the above mentioned and also a creative artwork which describes the theme of the EP but i expected more connection with the listeners through skits or interludes from both Boj and Ajebutter to fill up the Five (5) track project. But 2018 wouldn't have been complete without this two collaborating and it is great to see artist out here do experiments like this and it is also good for the growth of the industry both musically and for the music business.





in case you haven't listened or downloaded Make E No Cause Fight by Ajebutter22 & BOJ please download it here:

DOWNLOAD HERE

Ajebutter22 x BOJ - Make E No Cause Fight (EP) [Video]

The talented new skool cats Ajebutter22 and BOJ have released a joint EP titled Make E No Cause Fight with one guest appearance from Teezee. The  five track extended play also has a line up of A list production by E-kelly, Spax, Platinum Toex of Studio Magic. Check on it!

DOWNLOAD HERE

SDC x Ladipoe x Ikon - More To Life (Prod. by Spax)

 

''To mark the start of another year, SDC x Ladipoe x Ikon release 'More To Life' A song reflecting on some of the lessons they picked up over the past year and their mind state for the year ahead
More To Life follows on from a successful 2017, which saw Ladipoe signing to Mavin records, Ikon completing his debut album 'Hungry 2 Live" and SDC releasing their popular Palmwine Music EP and rounding off the year with the Palmwine Music festival.
More To Life is produced by Spax who was responsible for SDC's Palmwine Music.''

DOWNLOAD HERE  

Mojeed – In Search Of Higher Frequencies EP

 

 

Ace rapper ''Mojeed'' releases his extended play titled ''In Search Of Higher Frequencies'' and it consist of six (6) tracks which include some notable features and production credits. This EP promises to be a good listen so I urge you to hit the play button.
Check on it!    

DOWNLOAD HERE

EP Review: Show Dem Camp (SDC) - Palm Wine Music EP (VOL. 1)

''Show Dem Camp (SDC)'' Releases a brand new project in less than a year after the release of their Mixtape - ''Clone Wars 3: The Recession'' and this extended play is titled ''Palm Wine Music EP (Vol 1)'' which consist of seven (7) tracks and was released on the 19th June, 2017. Follow me as we take a trip inside the mind of ''Palm Wine Music'' and see what ''SDC'' have got for us on this EP.


Up 2 you Feat. Funbi (Ikon Mix): The producer ''Spax'' kicks off the EP with an amazing number with the alluring vibe of the strings on the guitar, accompanied by the soothing vocals of ''Funbi'' which captures the essence of this ''Palm Wine Music'' concept SDC has got to share with the world.... a laid back/feel good track filled with soul as well as the core of rap. ''Up 2 You'' is the lead single of this extended play which has an amazing retro type of visual to it and it can easily become one of your favourites off the EP.

 
Compose Feat. Boj: ''Compose'' takes us deeper into the life blood of ''Palm Wine Music (Vol.1)'' as ''Boj'' holds sway on the hook with his edgy alternative sound and ''SDC'' rap verses adding weight to the record. What captures you on this track is the influence of highlife and jazz laced with the ''SDC'' lyrical prowess.  



Wahala Skit: This is a very relatable topic and more like; battle of the sexes as both opinion can be said to be valid on the skit. However, its important for everyone to know who you are dealing with in a relationship. The concept of this skit is so creative as the message hits the hail on the head with a very simple and precise delivery that has a call in radio type of concept to it.  

 
Independent Ladies Feat. Ajebutter22: As the name implies ''Independent Ladies'' is a song about women who work hard to get it on their own and do not have to depend on a man to survive. This is a solid track off this EP with heavy Highlife/Afrobeat influences as we see ''Spax'' production skills comes into full effect and an appropriate ''Ajebutter22'' feature. The brilliance of ''Tec'' and ''Ghost SDC'' verses expresses the reality of being an independent lady which can have a flipside but its all a choice and the wisdom of keeping a balance in knowing her place in the relationship makes her a winner/keeper.


She Wants More Feat. LadiPoe: ''SDC'' recruits ''Mavin Records'' rapper ''LadiPoe'' who kicks off this record with brilliant wordplay as ''SDC'' completes this beautiful soulful track with verses of attraction towards the opposite sex. This is definitely one of the best records off this EP that adds value to the ''Palm Wine Music'' vibe/concept.

 
What You Want Feat. Tomi Thomas: This is by far the best track off the ''Palm Wine Music EP (Vol.1)'' ''Spax'' who has been amazing throughout the production of this body of work, takes it a notch higher with this upbeat number ''What You Want'' and it features ''Tomi Thomas'' of LOS who is spot on with his vocals on the chorus giving it that Jon B like 90s vibe. SDC certainly knows how to keep listeners spellbound with their content which includes; lyrics, features, and production. Nigerian hip hop music is certainly in good hands with the quality of work that the likes of SDC keep putting out. 

 
Popping Feat. Boj & Odunsi The Engine: This laidback record has ''Boj'' featured for the second time on this EP and it has ''Odunsi The Engine'' as well, who puts a bit of the modern trap vibe to it as SDC spit on a retrospective level bringing the ''Palm Wine Music EP (Vol.1)'' to a closure. But with great expectation for a volume 2 because it seems the journey just began with SDC.



Here are my final thoughts on this extended play ''Palm Wine Music EP (Vol.1)'' it is a chilled out EP, the kind that you listen to at a lounge or when you are chilled with good company and I am sure that was the aim of this project. ''SDC'' pulled off what can be considered as a concept project and the idea had all the right elements and with features from ''Boj'' ''Ajebutter22'' ''LadiPoe'' ''Funbi'' ''Tomi Thomas'' and Odunsi The Engine who all added an amazing quality to the project giving it that all round kick. Therefore I would like to rate ''Palm Wine Music EP (Vol.1)'' a 8/10. However, I have my reservations about the work arrangement as I would have expected that this EP should have been a little bit longer at least two additional content like an additional skit and maybe an outro or intro but great job in total.

In case you haven't listened or downloaded Show Dem Camp (SDC) - Palm Wine Music EP (VOL. 1)  please download it here:
 
DOWNLOAD HERE