Ruggedman reunite with 9ice, Boogey is dark and fiery, illbliss goes hard

RUGGEDMAN FEAT 9ICE:RELIGION
Ruggedman and 9ice got together again after a few years of beef to create this hot song,an exchange between both artistes over time has always been hot,be it their first collabo,their twitter beef and music beef.This new song  titled Religion,delved into d subject of doing music d 9ja way,using pidgin and making Lotta money off it,while they deserve accolade for the song in itself and a dope production,some lines in the song reeks of sarcasm and subliminals. Ruggedman seems to forget that he started his career with this style he's criticizing,note to point,his "What if" song from way back,even though he wasn't patient enough or had belief in it,doesn't mean the people who did are fools. Music is more than making money,fame,awards and endorsements. Music is the tool that a person uses to send his/her thoughts across in more ways than one. There are alot of artistes who don't use English yet are given worldwide recognition because of what their sound represent and what they represent as artistes. Be it trap,rnb,rap or rap n b as Rugged rapped,the content is what keep an artiste going over time,else when u drop the mic,u become a memory not worthy to be brought to life. Doing music with english isnt exclusive to americans or britons,so critizing Nigerians who chose to use the language to pass their thoughts and messages to the world is a lame attempt to judge harshly people who are just trying to rap.
BOOGEY:INCOGNITO
Boogey,the rapper who has always dropped dope and super songs from his endless fountain of knowledge has blessed us rap enthusiasts with another mixtape titled 'incognito', words alone cant describe this tape,its dark,its deep and it's brilliant. Boogey really dug deep to bring this body of work,I wonder his state of mind while recording this tape but one thing I know is Boogey has never failed to impress and this mixtape just increases the respect we have for this man. You can get the tape on www.boogeythat.com
ILLBLISS:FORTEM AND ILLY CHAPO
Illbliss dropped two hot scorching freestyle,titled fortem and illy chapo,in anticipation to his forth coming album ILLIGATY. Gotta say,illbliss hasn't been this hard for awhile and reminds us of his thoroughbred days,when Oga boss chews words and spits lyrics worthy of citation word for word. Seems alot of people think phyno who is under the Goretti management company is bigger than illbliss and more successful,therein lies the narrow mindedness of some people who see money as the highest form of success. Well Oga boss calls himself 'label boss,composer,thought planner'.... He really went hard,well its a good prelude to his forthcoming album.

Read More »

Nas:The man, The music, The legacy

When you hear the name, Nasir,the first thing that comes to your mind is,is he Nigerian?...that was what I used to think those years we didn't have a vibrant and robust research platform. Nasir 'Nas' Jones is an American rapper with deep roots in Africa, having made his mark in the rap game for 20 odd years and been one of the few rappers who has positively influenced me,I find it befitting to write an ode to him. Who is Nas? A rap sage,a rappers rapper,godson,Escobar,an introvert,....people have contradicting perceptions about this man,but one thing is certain, He is one of the most intelligent  man you would ever listen to. I remember hearing,"I carry the cross,if virgin Mary had an abortion,I'd still be carried on the chariot",and I wondered,who does this? Over the years,challenges has come his way,from his publicised divorce to his tax evasion problems,but he's always smiling and using every challenge as a wake up call to his fans through his music to always grind hard,never give up.."3:45am can't sleep,cant dream am stuck,money problems pop,how will I survive"?...you wonder just how much the tax problem is weighing on his mind,but then you hear "whatever happens happens" and it uplifts your spirit to not ever give in to the struggles of our daily life.
Nas gives alot through his music,educates,mentors and guides, and through non profit programs for youths with artistic abilities. He is referred to as Contemporary rap's greatest innovator in storytelling, he weaves words together into a basketful of knowledge where you can tap from, a fountain of intelligence, simplicity redefined, a man who accepts his faults. On one of his greatest track, he said "she looking at me like am not the coolest father figure but she rocking with it", an admittance of failure in his fatherly duties. Over the years, Nas has made mistakes,created timeless hits and records,been in dire financial crisis but one thing remains the same, his ability to accept,learn and believe in positivity. With over 7 albums,countless features,collaborative album,charity works, Nas has touched my life in more ways than I count,and words doesn't really do justice to what he has achieved both personally and professionally.
He has cemented his legacy in the hip hop scene by been a visionary, a believer of truth, a man who isn't fazed by riches and fame,awards,plaques or sales. He turned 43 today but still looks 20, on his way to been a billionaire by investing in budding young people who has great ideas but little or no funds to execute these ideas.
Studying Nas is like a maze,with endless tunnels and turns...
All said and done, I hope he lives many more years and bless us with his rich knowledge through his songs.

Read More »

Nas Is Back With a Bang!!!

For y'all who are rap heads like myself,when an MC like Nasir Jones aka Nas drops a song,u know its gonna rock d rapshere(is there a word like that?),aniways the queensbridge rapper has been on hiatus from rap for awhile after his last album in 2012,delving into the corporate world of business and building his clothing/shoe line(story for another write up)..fans has been on his neck to drop another album after his Life is Good album and i guess he has heeded to that call cos this new song is straight fire. At least we now know Godson has started recording a new album which he said is done,did I hear right?Nas's album is done,maybe not....funnily that is the title of this new joint,"Nas album is done"...jumping on DJ khaled's 'Major key' album,Nas unleashes straight venom reminiscent of 94 illmatic..well no long story,if u love rap,u must love the joint

Read More »

PSQUARE REUNION:At what expense?

News filtered in about psquare's reuniting after a bitter quarrel,accusations and counter accusations were put forth by the twins and their manager/producer elder brother. It showed lotta cracks amidst the family biz,with secrets been spilled on the internet,fans were surprised by their action and prayed for an amicable settlement. Fast forward a few weeks,they announced different names, management team and even signed up some upcoming artistes. Well on one hand I am happy they came back because aside the revenue they make as a brand,the music the duo create is beautiful. Something nags my mind tho,at what expense did they make up?what sacrifice has been made?has the bad blood been purged out or is it strictly because of the money?how about the trust issue,the lack of recognition(as said by peter)? I seriously hope they had a thorough understanding of each others role and also handling of their finances. I hope they drew the line between family and business. Thank God for them and hopefully they will churn out hits like they always do.

Read More »

R.I.P MAMA BUKKY AJAYI

Multitalented nollywood actress BUKKY AJAYI is dead. The multi lingua actress who features in both English and Yoruba movie died today. Though details are still sketchy concerning the cause of death. Mama Bukky celebrated her 82nd birthday a few days ago.
R.I.P MAMA we will miss you

Read More »

5 songs you must have

Everyday different artistes release songs, from different genre, different styles. Some stand out, others are slept on while some just sound same old same. Here are 5 songs I think every Nigerian must add to his/her playlist,because they are unique, cool, different from the everyday kinda music, from their instrumentals to the message to the rhythm, everything about this songs just soothes me. Here it goes in no particular order
1. Simi: Controlla (drake cover): Hmm what can I say about this chick, is it her voice?her penchant for an almost perfect delivery or her finesness. This song is coming off her 'love don't care' song which did her alot of good and increased her already big status as a wonderful songwriter. She jumps on this song already done by drake (FYI I haven't heard d original), but lord, the song sounds more like a remix than a cover, Simi gives a new meaning to doing a cover for a song. Her voice, d delivery, the sampling of drake's voice over hers, so perfect. The second verse gives u the feeling of a perfect combo if drake ever features this Nigerian wondergirl. If u haven't heard this song, you are on a long thing.....
2. Timi Dakolo ( The vow): I have been a big fan of Timi since the days of West African idols, and he hasn't disappointed ever since. On this song, Timi takes us on a journey of love, the song makes you want to fall and stay in love. Timi sings, "I promise to be true, to give my all to u,no matter what they say,this heart belongs to you"...makes you wish every man would love and cherish their wife the way Timi does. When you hear words like,"there's nothing in this world compared to the joy I have when am around with you", you just want be in love. A worthy ode to his wife as they celebrate their 4th marriage anniversary. Production is top notch,video is bloody good. Just listen and enjoy
3. Reminisce (Cypher session): First thing I noticed about this song is the guest list, Cdq, Vector and Ola dips. I wondered, then you hear the shout underneath, reminds me of Joor remix by Jahbless. It's a playful song, rappers just showing off their skills on a dope beat, none failed to impress but Cdq did quite well judging from his recent works. Words like, " English Yoruba nigga, I fuck two ways", just makes u laff. This songs just reminds us rap enthusiasts of a dim light in a dark tunnel. I hear more rappers would be featured in subsequent session since this is just vol 1, looking forward to that. Big up's to Alaga ibile
4. Mista Books feat Modenine (shady industry): This Pherowshuz produced joint just defines a dope hip hop song. Mista books, a talented underground rapper from enugu state teams up with mode9 and what do we get, "they got me sinking in quick sand", screams mode9, "my skills never left me like most of my loyal fans did", you just feel his pain. "breaking the barriers and the barricades of the game", Mista books start. The song gives you an in depth knowledge of what goes on behind the limelight of naija music industry. "who's better than who,music is not a tournament" closes the verse of Mista books. Sampling jay-z's hizzo, this song will make u bump your head and wish for better things for our rappers.
5. Modenine (My country): When modo speaks, rap heads listen. On this track, he featured uchie the African rockstar (an oldie) and Amuta stone, an abuja based singer. Modenine is cool, suave and fearless in his delivery, talking about our current security challenges in Nigerian. Amuta does the 'My country' chant all through the song and Uchie backs her up. Starting and ending with sentences about the country's security problems, mode9 takes it easy. "police turn a blind eye when u feed them with crumbs" speaks clearly about our so called police force. "My only consolation,man no be God", gives hope to the common man. Chordless does wonders on the instrumental and I am hopeful modenine would shoot a befitting video to this beautiful song.

Read More »

OJB: PRODUCER / SINGER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Just today, I was enthusiastic about mode9, celebrating a living legend, only to hear on radio that producer extra ordinaire BABATUNDE OKUNGBOWA aka Ojb Jezreel has passed on. Its a difficult topic to write on because I have experienced pain and despair and I know what his family would be passing through. Ojb is one of the few people who shaped the Nigerian music industry to what it has become today. He took production to a whole new level, had a beautiful voice to back it up and released classic songs. He directly or indirectly affected the careers of 80% of the artistes we have today in a positive way. Tuface, Faze, jazzman, Ruggedman, Goldie(R.I
P), amongst others were amongst the recipients of this gifted man's creativity on the boards. Remember 'Stylee', the Lagos anthem, guess who produced it?..He made Shitta an household name, everyone who listened to him knew he had a special gift. I pray that God will give his family the strength to bear the loss of the great Nigerian
R.I.P BABATUNDE OKUNGBOWA OJB JEZREEL

Read More »

I THOUGHT I HEARD WRONG.... OJB JEZREEL IS REALLY DEAD

RIP OJB JEZREEL.....

Read More »

MODENINE: THE MAN, THE MUSIC, THE LEGEND

Its early 2005, Stv just started broadcasting, music Africa one its most watched program at that time. Same video played almost everyday, you see the guy, in baggy jeans, tee shirts, timbs and head band. Its mode9, elbow room is the song, d flow grabs your attention,the attitude,reminiscent of those new York G's but the guy is Nigerian,location is Las gidi. That was the beginning of what has turned out to be a curvy bittersweet career of Africa's foremost MC.
Born in the Uk, grew up in Lagos, this man has a razor sharp memory, can mimic just about anybody, remembers names, dates and places, loves dogs, arsenal, caps and books. He holds the record of the highest recipient of Nigeria's most coveted award ( Headies). In 2007, he had 6 nominations with the song 'cry', the year before, he won 3 hiphop world award, 3 channel o award (biggest win for any artiste)...modenine isn't about awards, commercial reception or financial braggado...
Having listened to him for so long, he is a man filled with passion, passion for Hiphop, to use music as a tool, to share knowledge, to promote the importance of perseverance. He has performed alongside the best, Guru(R.I.P), Wyclef, Akon, Junior Reid, Kanye west, T pain, LL Cool J, Nas, Talk kweli. He shared the stage with Nas, in hiphop, that is a mighty feat. Alot of people think success is synonymous with money, but mode9 dosent share that sentiment. Mode9 is respected in the continent and with 7 albums, 5 mixtapes(all free), he's got nothing to prove. He has worked with producers from Uk(Mills), south Africa (Alias), just to mention a few, featured artistes from different countries in Africa. Hmmm, I remember a song in his second mixtape,a song critics say is the greatest rap collabo,'spazmodic' which he featured terry d rapman, the video had cameos of a young M.I, Jesse jags, Ice prince and Kel. I wonder how these artistes would feel if they watch that video today...the first time I heard d name 'jesse jags', it was a mode9 song,also heard the name M.I and Ruby,mode9 was a legend at that time yet he gave props to an upcoming M.I who hadn't released an album..Caninus, an American rapper known as the 'battle rap' king was featured on AGL, mode9's last album, most rap enthusiasts were waiting to see how mode9 would cope with such high profiled rapper on a song, guess wat, he came out unscarred...many would argue, he is broke, blah blah, at least he doesn't pay to rap( he owns his own studio), he has a British passport, opens for killah priest in Germany every fortnight.  With songs like,'Hip hop is me','tales of the pots','tears of pain','random thoughts',Mirage',Goodbye','Where Una dey','my skin is black','outside'you', amongst others,mode9 has shown rap dexterity like no other.with a line like,"you cant comprehend d cyphers we say cos we stay away from everyday cliché",makes one understand how this man thinks. He commands respect, enjoys legendary status and has cemented his legacy in an industry that is known to chew artistes to pieces. Do you know that he used four foolscap sheet while writing 'Deathblow', recorded two parts,no one ever heard the second part,no even kraft who was the first person to hear the part one,even the part one was cut because it was too 'gully', according to modo, the part 2 was destroyed accidently after he and ruggedman squashed the beef. His latest single gives hope to us as Nigerians and how we should look beyond the quest for material wealth, all in all, Olusegun Babatunde aka Modenine is a god of African hiphop.
Happy birthday boss, God bless you for your continual belief in 9ja hiphop.

Read More »

Songwriting: An untapped goldmine in 9ja

Writing generally has always been a gift, a way of telling the world that which you feel deeply in your heart. For those of us who ain't gifted with such, we look with envy at those who do it with ease and finesse, putting the right words into sensible sentences. In hip hop, we call it PUNCHLINES, lines that stand out, thought provoking lyrics, that makes one think twice or even thrice as the case may be. In America, writing songs doesn't necessarily mean you are a musician, we have great and wonderfully gifted songwriters who wrote and co wrote timeless and classic songs for icons in the music industry.
Christopher 'Tricky' Stewart wrote the monster hit 'Baby' for Justin Beiber and also Beyonce's 'All the single ladies'. Nadir 'Redone' Kharat a Moroccan co wrote most of lady Gaga's hit singles like 'just dance ',' poker face', 'bad romance' just to mention a few. A Swede named Max Martin is the genius behind most of Taylor swift's monster hits including 'Blank Space', Britney spears song 'hit me baby' which had a number 1 spot in billboard 100 was also written by him.

These are just few examples of people who have "a powerful act of self denial", people who let others take the glory while they stay in the shadows. Using this as a yardstick, its surprising that our own 9ja music scene, things are a bit different. You see an artiste write, produce and exec produce, also arrange and compose his/her songs. A popular saying goes " No one is an island", this is one of the reasons why our music industry seem stagnated even though its more commercially viable. Lyrics is one of the most important component in making music, whether its inspiring or not, it shouldn't be disjointed, disarranged and hastily put together. Writing is a joy to some and a pain to others, we need to have an organized platform where people (ghostwriters) are paid their dues as agreed and everyone knows his/her function. I know we have gifted writers in 9ja,at least have met few and also read about others. Abeg I sincerely ask our esteemed and loved artistes, be yourself, if u no fit write music, no be bad tin, get the services of someone who truly does, have a written agreement that both parties would abide to, pay the person accordingly. Make una spread Una wings so we can all fly.

Read More »

Good Music:Why we need it

It's been a depressing day, more like a depressing week even,decided to take a walk and clear my head. Headphones on, playlist starts and Tupac's 'keep your head up' starts playing, a deep sigh escapes my lips and I imagine how one can achieve that in such dire conditions...fast forward twenty minutes later, after series on songs from Nas, Sade and Timi dakolo, the feeling of hope starts brewing. Dmx's 'slipping' comes on and I wonder again, will this ever end? I imagine what Nas was feeling when he wrote the song 'warrior song' sampling our own icon,Fela but alas at the end of the song I can feel his message when he said,'to everybody that lost their mother or father, never give up'..touching words you would say, Inspiring too. Walking back,I felt free and hopeful,energized and influenced by the deep words of intelligent and creative musicians,whose goal is to touch hearts with their music. Music nourishes the mind,is food for the soul and entertains the spirit. Gives us a sense of belief,walks us through difficulties. In the past decade, 9ja music has grown in tremendously across the globe, our artistes are headlining events in Europe and America,their fame and fortune almost immeasurable but....the content, the growth, the spirituality is almost gone. It's a case of financial gains and fame been the driving force for most aspiring musicians. Listening to Fela,Sunny okosun, Onyeka Onwenu, Tupac, Talib kwali, Proverb, Sade, Timi Dakolo,Bez, amongst others, you get the feeling of succour, a feeling that you are not alone in your travails. Ofcos, we like been entertained, loosening up after an hard week, clubbing and just having fun generally, but that should not be our main source of motivation /inspiration...there is a saying that Thoughts becomes actions and actions becomes habits', if our thoughts centres around money,women,drugs,living the fast life,...it makes us lose the core moral values that makes us better people. A musician can entertain and teach,the content shouldn't always have a negative connotation just because Demand brings supply'...we as the audience deserve better than our Nigerian artistes are giving and if we don't speak up, a time will come when everything will be measured about the number of cars,houses and blings a person has,instead of improving our values that should preach love,unity, togetherness and living a life worthy of emulation. Please say no to the bandwagon of material things and be inspired so you can inspire others. Buy their cd's either physically or on one of the companies that stream them, support these 'worthy' musicians, go to their shows. Life is nothing but a journey, and everyone has a stop, lets make it count.

KEN ALU

Read More »