Album Review: M.O.P (Shadybizniz /Jumar/Hench/Dugod) - M.O.P Africa Album

 

 

 





Nigerian's Hip Hop/Rap,R&B &Producer Shadybizniz /Jumar/Hench/Dugod  Popularly known as ''Movement of the People (M.O.P)'' have released a joint album titled ''M.O.P Album'' and it consist of seven (7) tracks and was released in 2017. This project is certainly a welcome development for the Nigerian music scene because we often don't see successful joint albums or even any at all executed in Nigeria. Therefore, making the ''M.O.P'' album a unique one for the industry.  

Low Life: Kicks off the album with this number titled ''Low Life'' and it has this modern day trap mixed with some soul on the chorus as ''Jumar'' brings the hook to life with ''Dugod''  and ''Hench'' kicking in with amazing bars about real women who keep it real regardless of the status of the ''Low Life'' hommie they are with. ''Shady Bizniz'' came correct on this record with his production skills as he gives the record a mix of the hip hop and R&B vibe that gets listeners ready for a good listen.

Tell A Friend: Now ''Shady Bizniz'' comes hard in a subtle way on this beat as both ''Dugod'' and ''Hench'' layout amazing lyrical wordplay on ''Tell A Friend.'' On the other hand ''Jumar'' brought that modern touch on the track with his vocal texture and delivery, giving the track that overall balance for it to have made this project.   

 
Lokaci (Time): This is by far the most interesting track of this album and most likely my favourite. ''Lokaci'' which means ''Time'' in Hausa language encompasses that overall hard-core hip hop/crunk vibe and we see ''Hench'' and ''Dugod'' go hard on their verses. This is an easy favourite number for hustlers as the record talks about time being money and doing the needful to achieve that and in the case of ''M.O.P'' the creative art is that means so don't waste their time. Lol. The production skills by ''Shady Bizniz''  was incredible and ''Jumar'' chorus adds extra value that the song deserves.

 
Love Over Hate Feat. Maka: ''M.O.P'' recruits ''Maka'' on this track titled ''Love Over Hate'' giving the record that alternative sound as she delivers that funky vibe on the chorus with the hook holding sway for listeners attention. This is a true hip hop record as ''Dugod'' and ''Hench'' are painting a perfect picture of staying positive in a world full of hate. This is one of my favourite records of the ''M.O.P Album'' as the artists convey a positive message in a  hip hop world full of booty and twerking.


 
Night Train (Ride In): ''Jumar'' brings on his 'A' game on ''Night Train'' was we see him display is vocal prowess on a ''Shady Bizniz'' laidback beat laced with heavy strings of the bass guitar which gives the record a solid baseline that draws you in easily with the soothing vocals of spoken word which added great dynamics to this love record. This is by far the best record off the ''M.O.P Album'' and it sure deserves a visual to unveil the creativity of this track.


Never Give Up: This is yet another uplifting record off this project as we see ''Hench'' and ''Dugod'' tells a story to everyone with a dream to ''Never Give Up'' as there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and the track reminds you never to forget where you coming from. This is an instant classic of this project as great attention was paid to details on the production, the content of the verses, down to the adlibs on the chorus and verses. The record certainly deserves a well thought out video to interpret this great hip hop jam.  


Give Thanks: ''Jumar'' kicks off this record with his verse and afterwards he goes straight into this very catchy chorus and then he holds sway on the second verse before ''Dugod'' drops his verse at the end of the track which was accompanied by the alluring strings of the bass guitar. This was a well thought out song because I like the arrangement and the content of the record and what a way to end this project.

Here are my final thoughts on the album review for  ''M.O.P Album'' I enjoyed listening to the project and its certainly a great first effort from this young MCs and producer, however, this project grew on me over time because it wasn't such an exciting first listen. M.O.P album is an above average project considering the quality of work put into the project and how they showed versatility in the concept of a joint project to deliver this embodiment of work. The production effort by ''Shady Bizniz''  was brilliant but for the sound engineering skills I would say not top-notch and it could have been better maybe the reason my first listen wasn't so exciting and easy to listen. The ''M.O.P Album'' had only one (1) feature by ''Maka'' which was valuable to the project and not misplaced and reasons in my conclusion I would rate ''M.O.P Album'' a 6.5/10 because of a few hit and misses and based on the fact that this project should have been tagged as an extended play (EP) and not an album based on the length of the body of work. ''M.O.P'' are some artistes to watch out for, both as an entity and as individual artist in the Nigerian music scene and beyond.

I look forward to more material from M.O.P in 2017 and beyond.

In case you haven't listened or downloaded M.O.P Africa Album by Shadybizniz x Jumar x Hench x Dugod -  Please download it for free here: 
DOWNLOAD HERE

DyDy - 2 Can [Official Video]

''Known to her followers as @OfficialDyDy, Bad Gyal DyDy, or just DyDy, Dyrana Mcintosh has built a name with her witty, expressive, and comically lewd videos on Instagram, where she comments on topics ranging from relationships to personal hygiene. An advocate for women with her “Fi Di Pum Pum” movement, her fledgling music career has allowed her to bridge the gap between Insta fame to actually becoming an artist. But, as she told us, “the aim has always been music. That was the whole point of making videos, to build a fan base for music.”

DyDy, who we recently featured in our Top 10 list of female Caribbean artists on the rise, now has a certified hit on her hands with “2 Can,” and Mhmmm, the video for the single is finally here. It is directed by Megaboi, and features cameos from U.S.-based Afrobeats artist Gabzy (a member of One Nation Records, to which Dy Dy is newly signed), who plays Dy Dy’s boyfriend; and David Francis, better known for his comedic videos on Instagram under the handle @Prnc_Charming, as the guy she is messing around with.

Shot in New York by Super director Megaboi, the video starts with Dy Dy in bed checking a message on her man’s phone, which appears to be from another woman. She then confronts him and an argument ensues, during which Dy Dy tells him “2 Can play that game, and anyting you do, mi can do ten times better…”

The song is an expression of Dy Dy’s own personal experience: “I got my heart broken. I explained it to my producer, Trackstarr, and the song came about.” It plays up the theme of romantic disloyalty, termed by Jamaicans as “bun fi bun,” with lyrics like “two can play that game… You bun me, me a bun you back.”

In the video, we see both her and her boyfriend being disloyal to each other, with her guy entertaining another girl, while she consequently sneaks around with Prnc Charming. She is the same fun, sexy and confident Dy Dy that we love from Instagram, and her creativity and humorous personality translate effortlessly in this video. Her authentic self shines through: She even has a pineapple with a wig posing as her – a known symbol for her “Fi Di Pum Pum” movement. You saw it here first, peeps… “2 Can” by Dy Dy.''

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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

Ray Okpara - ‘Blue Hunt’ EP

 

 

''Following a hugely successful joint release from Chris Carrier and Gauthier DM on AMA Recordings, boss man Ray Okpara steps up with the ‘Blue Hunt’ EP to commemorate the landmark 30th release on his very own label.

Deep, dubby and aimed firmly at the dancefloor, title track ‘Blue Hunt’ is Ray Okpara at his best. On the track, Ray said, “I was inspired while listening to my track ‘Green Hunt’, so I’ve started a series of ‘Hunt’ tracks. I found some old jazz vocals and chopped them up, turned on my Minimoog for some bass and the ride began …”

‘Espionage’ is much in the same vein, and hits hard in all the right places. According to Ray, “I found this whispering vocal and started to play around with beats and samples. This weird synth sound gave me a dark feeling but at the same time a funky, happy feeling and there it was.”

On remix duties, American producer Brett Johnson, who’s released for Eats Everything’s Edible and The Martinez Brothers’ Cuttin Headz, steps up to give ‘Blue Hunt’ a tribal feel. German drum & bass outfit Bassline Generation turn ‘Espionage’ into a lethal bass weapon of a track.''

 

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Ric Hassani - Only You [Offical Video]

 

Ric Hassani releases visuals for his 2017 leading single ''Only You'' as we anticipate this debut album ''The African Gentleman.''
Check on it!

Directed by: Adasa Cookey
Published by: Riverland Records

NuRu - 'Mali Zani Remix' Feat. Camp Mulla, Keko & Stanley Enow

''AFRIMA nominee and X'treme Music rapper, NuRu is here with a mind blowing remix of his song 'Mali Zani' which originally featured Ghanaian rapper, Edem and produced by Fortune Dane.

Nuru decided to go beyond the extreme by putting artistes from Kenya, Uganda and Cameroon to re-bake the jam into something monstrous for radio and their respective fans across Africa and the world at large. The remix holds the voice from Shappa Man (member of hip hop group, Camp Mulla) representing Kenya, KeKo from Uganda and superstar Stanley Enow from Cameroon.

As usual, NuRu did justice to the song rapping in his Ghanaian local dialect, Dagbani. Commanding a huge fan-base especially in Central Africa, Stanley Enow in his verse also dropped some wavy lyrics in English and French. Shappa Man delivered his bars with a mix of Swahili and English whiles Keko dropped hers in English.

Mali Zani Remix is produced by Ojah Drumz, Mixed and Mastered by PossiGee at MoB Studios, Tema - Ghana. 

Enjoy this piece from NuRu and connect with him on social media;

Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @thisisNURU''

 

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

1da - The Banton EP

''Squareball Entertainment's 1da Banton releases his highly anticipated extended play titled "The Banton EP". The stellar 10 tracker set features Timaya, Harrysong and Tim. Boasting production and engineering credits from Masterkraft, Foster Zeeno, Pimpsbeat, Eddieroll, Doka Shots, Jaga Marqai Mixx and 1da Banton.

 

"The Banton EP" is a colourful body of work, which showcases the talent and craft of 1da Banton and places him in league with the greats of African music. Mister Banton skillfully fuses afro-pop, reggae and dancehall music to create a ground-breaking masterpiece. The extended play is available for streaming and download on Soundcloud, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and other platforms.

Enjoy the "The Banton EP" and follow @1dasound on social media.''

Check on it!

DOWNLOAD HERE

JAY-Z - The Story of O.J. [Official Video]

 

 

Jay -z in his genius has released a beautifully crafted animation for ''The Story of O.J.'' off his 4:44 studio album which dropped 30th June, 2017. This visual depicts a very thought provoking classic Disney character/concept of ''Jaybo'' a twist to the original work titled ''The Story of Little Black Sambo'' as he relates it to the black community in the 20th century and how they had to survive and I must say this video is a perfect synergy with the lyrics of a ''Nina Simone'' sampled vocals as we see Jay - z kick knowledge on this  soul/hip hop track.

Published by Roc Nation.

Check on it below!

LK Kuddy - Keys To My Heart [Directed by Unlimited LA]

 

''KKTBM fresh pop act LK Kuddy drops his first official single under label KKTBM; after the massive success of his hit single “With You” featuring label mate Yung6ix and the remix featuring Wizkid.

This time LK Kuddy is blowing the love hearts with a solid number titled “Keys To My Heart”.

The budding smash is produced by GospelOnDeBeat and arriving with a visual masterpiece directed by Unlimited L.A. Enjoy!''

DOWNLOAD HERE