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Falz & Vector Passed A Message With “Yakubu”

Nigerian rappers Falz and Vector have just dropped a classic. Both rappers who are well known and respected for their charisma and lyrical tendencies decided to come together for a record and it turned out lovely.

Yakubu“, a song released under the Bad Guyz Entertainment Platform sees both rappers flow seamlessly over a jumpy rap beat, addressing the just concluded general election in Nigeria.

Yakubu Explained

On the song, Falz calls out the Nigerian Independence National Electoral Commission Chairman, Mr. Yakubu who was responsible for heading and controlling the process that led to the lots of over 200 million Nigerians’ choice of who the country’s President should be for the next four years.

Falz also asks what the 300 billion Naira budget for the election was used for, as believes the election was not worth its budget, a view that a lot of Nigerians share.

READ ALSO: OdumoduBlvck Scores Another Top Ten Entry

Falz has always been a very vocal civil rights activist, he has continued to stand up against injustice against Nigerians and is now a notable ambassador for civil rights amongst Nigerians.

Falz who is a barrister himself was a popular Obidient during the recent election. He believes the elections were rigged in the favor of the APC flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was declared by the electoral body as the incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Notorious Nigerian thug, MC Oluomo was also called out by Falz. Falz left no stones unturned, as he also touched on the currency scarcity that rocked the election period, a move that the federal government said was to combat vote buying.

Vector Tha Viper

Vector Tha Viper on the other hand made through his verse explained the distinctions between the personality of the INEC chairman and a former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, who was Nigerian head of state during the military regime. He also rapped about how the INEC Chairman does not need to carry a gun to oppress.

Generally, the song is a great tune, especially because of its rock slow instrumental, which helps both rappers maintain their usual progressions and cadence on the song.

Falz has a long history of speaking out against corruption and injustice in Nigeria through his music, and “Yakubu” is no exception. The track is a powerful example of the role that music can play in holding powerful politicians against their words when they fail or disappoint does who elected them into office.

The video for the song also emphasizes the situation of the elections carried out in Nigeria. It gives a visual explanation of the song and further amplifies the message being passed through the song.

However, there is also news of both rappers having a joint project on the way. A move that we look forward to seeing. Let’s keep enjoying their songs while we await what they have in store for us.

Stay Low Delivers Ginger Trill’s #NoPaperwork Freestyle

After much anticipation, we finally get to witness Ginger Trill set the bar higher in his No Paperwork freestyle, courtesy of Stay Low.

Rapping over the classic New York State of Mind instrumental, Trill shows off his flawless and impressive rapping abilities while laying low and spitting like there’s nothing to it.

You know the rules and you ain’t gotta ask, the truth, I’m a polygraph – I leave the booth with a body bag.

Ginger Trill – No Paperwork Freestyle

Fans have lost their minds over the freestyle, crowning Ginger Trill as one of, if not, the most potent and prolific emcees in the country with a catalog to back it up.

Watch the freestyle below and tell us what you think.

Watch #CnrJutaAndDeBeer By Lwazi Madonsela With Thatiso “Vuittots” Dube of GALXBOY

GALXBOY, that’s culture.

In the latest episode of Cnr. Juta & De Beer by Lwazi Madonsela, we’re introduced to Thatiso “Vuittots” Dube, the founder of the independent South African streetwear brand, GALXBOY.

Brought up around 2008, Thatiso saw an opportunity to create a label that represented and targeted the youth of South Africa.

I didn’t really have a plan, whatever happens, happens.

Vuittots

Vuittots touches on his time working for AMA KIP KIP, getting his first t-shirt sample made, growing the GALXBOY community, and making his first million rands.

Totts further speaks on AKA’s co-sign on Lemons (Lemonade), sharing words of wisdom for aspiring fashion designers and entrepreneurs, and continuously refining the brand to be more relatable to today’s youth.

AKA in GALXBOY

Listen to the episode below:

Skwatta Kamp Announce Album Release Date

Legendary South African Hip Hop group, Skwatta Kamp, is set to release what is said to be their final album and we finally have a release date.

Skwatta Kamp

The group, now comprising of remaining members Relo, Shugasmakx, Slikour, Bozza, and Nemza, has kept a close bond with one another while working on keeping the legacy of Skwatta Kamp alive through their music.

They’ve announced that their forthcoming album, SVN, will be released on 27 April, following months of preparation and single releases in anticipation of the project.

Skwatta Kamp, SVN cover

It’s been a very long journey for the group; having transitioned from analog to the digital age, going through a slight separation to pursue solo careers, and ultimately parting ways with member, Infa due to irrefutable differences. They would suffer another loss in 2015 with the untimely passing of fellow Kamp member, Flabba (12 Oct 1977 – 9 March 2015) and then years later, Nish (20 August 1978 – 5 February 2021).

With so many years passed since albums like Washumkhukhu and Bak On Kampus, fans are still yearning for the old Skwatta Kamp kasi rap style that cemented their place in SA Hip Hop history.

We can’t wait to hear what they have in store for us. In the meantime, pre-order SVN and get ready for the Kamp.

Look Out For Ginger Trill’s #NoPaperwork Freestyle

Half man, half ill as s#*t.

Ginger Trill may have burned his bars after reading but this time he’ll require no paperwork for his latest Stay Low freestyle episode.

Coming off a successful release of his critically acclaimed project, The B.A.R (Burn After Reading) Album, released last November 2022, the good folks over at Stay Low called up the Potchefstroom emcee to drop a freestyle for their No Paperwork freestyle segment.

Having been kicked off with Tyler Linkman, followed by Tyson Sybateli and then ZuluMecca, the No Paperwork freestyles have already picked up momentum in the streets, with many Hip Hop heads buzzing from the bars and infectious beats.

Ginger Trill’s freestyle is expected to drop this Thursday, 30 March, so be sure to check back when Mr. “Top 5, dead or alive” hits the streets.

KWEKU SMOKE – EYE RED REVIEW

The Ghanaian rapper’s EP is stacked with an inoffensive watered-down drill that sums up a youth’s daily life. Kweku Smoke is easily one of Ghana’s most original rappers, teaming up with Bosom P Yung to make some of Accra’s finest hip hop records. “Eye Red ” is a relatively by-the-book 6-track EP that highlights his stone-faced raps and melodies, with a series of Asaaka raps that sums up a proper Ghanaian hip hop project.

Listen to the EP on Spotify

The album kicks off with “Yawa”, a typical youthful anthem that sees that rapper startling bluntness and raw desperation about the country’s current economic crisis, he sounds playful, thanks to his hyper-prolific approach, but rapper upgrades his fidelity and sharpens his focus, adding bits of motivation to inspire the country’s youth. It pretty much sums up the EP’s title, as “Eye Red” is a Ghanaian jargon for a serious citizen or a relentless one. Alongside his conspiratorial bars and non-stop flow, the production soars on the project, with all songs produced by Hordzi, the Ghanaian producer is completely focused on creating drill with crossover appeal, and he doesn’t miss at all. “Asaaka” pays homage to one of Ghana’s fastest-growing sounds. It is the best pure drill cut on the EP; he gets fairly introspective over Hordzi’s  jumpy bassline, and with a handful of catchy chorus, there’s enough standout moments to do right to Asaaka’s sound.

Despite his government approach, he still makes time for his love life, on “Loving You”. he has the charm of a catcaller as he flirts with his lover, and assures her of a soft life. In all his crooning, there’s still drill’s signature elements like the sputtering drums and gliding 808s, and his singing tenders the beat, it’s the type of song you can get sturdy to at a wedding, that is if you are really about that drill life. He takes it back to the trap from the bedroom on “I’m different”, a song where he flexes his muscles as a refined Ghanaian rapper, transforming into an MC,  commanding the audience to put some respeck on his hustle. There’s only one slot for a feature, and who can do it better than Asaaka’s best lyricist? He recruits Kweku Dmc for “ Trapper of the year”, probably the hardest song on the project. On a technical level, their forms complement each other well, with flows and funny lyrics that describe a typical trap house in Ghana while highlighting the pair’s complimentary gifts. Kweku DMC’S captures enough of the verve and strategically enigmatic storytelling that has made him a fan favourite for rap over the last two years. Kweku Smoke ends the EP with a hard heartfelt song, it’s actually a funny yet cute record. On “Fall”, he expresses his love for a girl in the loudest way possible, with a chorus that sounds like layers of bis voice, the song’s strong-hold is it’s sing-along trait, and with raps that reaches vast new emotional depths, it balances his vulnerability and gansgterism perfectly.

The rapper sounds free and at his best on “Eye Red”, the contrast between his whimsical side and the increasing poignance of his writing makes the expression of sincere emotion land harder, but then again, that is a typical trapper for you. Untamed and definitely not fazed.

Follow @kwekusmoke_ as he just announced another project and we are anticipating this over here at Hiphop Africa.

Blxckie Shoots Visuals For #Ronda

Blxckie took a trip to Lost Angeles a couple of weeks ago for his SXSW debut and was generous enough to give us updates on his trip.

During his stay in California, in between sightseeing and visiting the popular Ice Box jewelry store, the rapper got to kick it in the studio with St. Louis producer, ChaseTheMoney, as well as Nelly Furtado.

Now, Somnyama looks back to his 2022 offering, THE4MULA, to shoot visuals for Ronda.

“RONDA. SOON,” shared Blxckie on his social media pages. The post was accompanied by pictures from the shoot with the rapper draped in denim and a ski mask, posed in front of a backdrop of high, rocky mountains and dunes.

It’s evident Blxckie has reached a new level of artistry that his supporters are beyond excited about. “This one needs an Oscar! Motion picture of the year,” admitted his tour Dj, Dj D Double D.

Blxckie also shared a short teaser rapping along to an unknown song. “7 second snippet just to bambel,” said the rapper.

Check back soon when we finally get more from Somnyama.

OdumoduBlvck Scores Another Top Ten Entry

Odumodublvck

Barely hours after making his first entry on the Nigeria Apple Music 10 Chart. Nigerian Hip-hop star, OdumoduBlvck who currently holds the No.1 spot scores a second entry to the top 10, this time at No.10.

His song, Picanto, which featured the self-acclaimed World President, Zlatan, has reached its highest peak position of No.10 on the Apple music chart months after its release.

The song which initially introduced Odumodublvck to the mainstream audience has enjoyed a relatively high level of airplay. It also enjoyed high social media referencing, especially on Twitter.

It was initially predicted to happen by Fresh L, another of the trio that makes up the DRB Lasgidi, where Teezee, the owner of Native Record is also a member. Fresh L predicted both songs will hold the Number 1 and 10 spots on the chart.

READ ALSO: ODUMODUBLVCK: From An Unknown Hip-hop Underdog To The No.1 Spot

The year is looking great for the Port Harcourt raised hip-hop talent. Looks like his record deal with Teezee’s Native Record is paying off.

While we continue to enjoy both records, we look forward to what he has in store for us in the coming weeks.

ODUMODUBLVCK: From An Unknown Hip-hop Underdog To The No.1 Spot

In the last couple of days, we have seen a very lovely script play out on the Nigerian hip-hop scene. Odumodublvck a Port Harcourt-raised Alternative Rap artiste has been on everyone’s lips and all over the timelines.

His new song “Declan Rice”, which he released last week has had a blissful ride climbing all the way up to the No.1 spot on the Nigerian Apple music chart.

Now for everyone who is very conversant with the Nigerian music scene, Declan rice is the fastest song by a rapper to clinch a position on the top 5 of the Nigerian Apple music chart in years.

It’s been a great turn of events. The trajectory has played out in such an interesting way. Especially because to a lot of Nigerian music lovers, Odumodu Blvck did not exist before Declan Rice.

The rapper started the year with his Zlatan assisted single “Picanto“. A song that did averagely well on the charts and introduced a lot of new audiences to the Rapper. It also received moderate airplay and club rotation before it got quiet.

Declan Rice

Without wasting time, the rapper who signed with Teezee’s (A member of the Alte frontline group DRB Lasgidi) Native Record in 2022, quickly announced his next single. The song which he proceeded to reveal will be titled “Declan Rice”.

The rapper finally released the Declan Rice on the 24th of March 2023. A song that pays homage to the footballer, Declan Rice has now gone ahead to clinch the No.1 spot on the Nigeria Apple music chart. Becoming the fastest song by a rapper in years to achieve that such fit, only 2 days after its release.

READ ALSO: The Superstar Called Zlatan Ibile

A fit that was made possible due to his nonstop commitment to seeing the song become huge. The rapper has continued to push non-stop and solicit support from everyone possible since the song got released.

Declan Rice: Further Supports

On clinching the No.2 spot on Apple music, he reached out to singer Adekunle Gold whose song “Party No Dey Stop” had continued to hold down the No.1 spot for days to kindly help solicit and crave the indulgence of his fans to let him have a taste of the No.1 spot.

A move that must have paid off, because Adekunle Gold had immediately lent his platform and solicited the indulgence of his fans to help the rapper reach the No.1 spot.

However, it is important to note that Nigerian singer and Afrobeat top dawg, Wizkid had also lent his platform as a form of cosign, by sharing the song with his over 16 million Instagram followers.

Following a solidarity post by OdumoduBlvck in anticipation and honor of Davido’s forthcoming Timeless album, the 001 himself has also gone ahead to follow the rapper on Picture sharing app, Instagram.

This is a big win for the Nigerian rap community and has also pointed to the possibility of reviving Nigerian Hip-Hop glory, with the right approach. We look forward to what the rapper has for us after this since he has been balling nonstop since the year started.

Espacio Dios releases “The First Kind” EP announcing his new sound

Espacio Dios is notoriously known for being private. The last two years have seen him craft “The First Kind” EP. “The First Kind” is the first of four EPs to be released throughout the year. The four Cradle of “The Fourth Kind” EPs describe the different stages of falling in love. From young love to old love, there is a process of negotiating, learning and trust.

This journey is the core theme of the project, a conceptual body of work that ties all four EPs together. Going into this project Espacio wanted to create something that felt more like home. Upon first listening, Espacio captures the listener with the intro track named after the album. A beautiful way to introduce his new direction.

“I was going for a mellow, more minimalistic feel with this album. This record is not as heavily drum influenced as my previous work. This is my take on what African RNB is, infused with my Motswako influences, traditional and electronic music.” he references the new direction with this project.

Following the releases of two singles, “Pelo” with Maglera Doe Boy and “Collapse All Rules,” Espacio Dios says this is the first instalment of his series titled “Cradle Of The Four”.  With the focus track being “Lenna”.  Sitting down with Hiphop Africa Espacio Dio further goes on to explain the rest of this project in further detail.

01 THE 1ST KIND:

“I wanted to make a song about how you feel when you first meet someone and fall in love,” says Espacio Dios. The instrumental track describes love at first sight and Espacio Dios creates the feeling of ululating as a young immature person – the first time they saw someone who could be their person. Majestic female vocals accompany a soft bassline, held by soft shakers and occasionally a piano. Additional manipulation of strings and electric guitar (90 BPM). Instruments: Synth, Pipa, Flute, Piano, Kick, 808, Snare, Shaker, Vocals.

02 Lenna:

Further elaborating on the first sight, they see their new love as an angel and scream it out to the world – this moment describes saying it out loud for the first time, communicating this wonderful feeling of love to the world. ‘Le Nna’ is a seductive melody accompanied by claps and soft shaker, supported by layers of vocals and minor-toned distorted organs (90BPM). Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Bass, Caribbean steel drum, Bongo drum, Conga drum, Shaker, Kick, Claps, Vocals.

03 PELO featuring Magleradoeboy:

‘Pelo’ flips the good news as a question to the lover, seeming to ask: “can you take me – can you wash off my heart, accept me with my faults and help me cleanse myself?” Pushed on the top by the organ and with the powerful bassline in the chorus, the track pans to the beat with the organ consistent throughout, inciting a driving steady rhythm (90 BPM).

Instruments: Organ, Marimba, Persian santoor, Synth, Kick, Bass, Claps, Snare, Hi-hats, Vocals.

04 COLLAPSE ALL RULES:

The artist declares that he would do anything for his partner. It is a celebration announced with conviction, put forward in a 4-count beat complimented with a wavy bassline. The echoing back vocals play with smooth vocals, while the melody carries an intricate yet cool energy to the song. The beat is carried by a heavily manipulated ukulele guitar that resembles a distorted hang drum (90BPM). Instruments: Ukulele, Hang drum, Shaker, Bottle, Door bang, Kick, Bass, Snare, Claps, Shaker, Vocals.