Trouble looms when two rappers combine for a project, but now imagine two insanely-skilled wordsmiths going back and forth on a five-track EP.

"DOUBLE TROUBLE" looms.

And that's made clear as Ghanaian rap duo Amos K and Bravo release their maiden joint EP after years collaboration. 

There's no warning as "DOUBLE TROUBLE" lands and opens with the banging jam "ZANGELEWA" - a potential song of the summer. 

The two rappers take an unexpected route, kicking off the project with a fun Hip-Life record, sure to shake the dance floor anytime it drops. 

However, things take a swift turn when Amos K and Bravo remind listeners that despite the fun, they always got money on their minds like "EL CHAPO."

Neither do they forget to send reminders of their rap prowess. Bougee deliveries laced with impeccable confidence while touching on subject matters such as being goal-driven, money-making, and a "DREAMCHASER," produced by Selly Beats, which feature tough bars by another clutch wordsmith Farid.

The ladies aren't left out, for even the hardest of hard-core rappers in Amos K and Bravo ISR, have a softer side and the penultimate track does justice to that. 

On "FRESH BADDIE," the tone and rhythm changes to a more relaxed tempo. Bravo ISR switches to a sweet-talker and Amos K backs up later in the under two-minute record.

The duo tap out with a "BEAUTIFUL LIFE," having delivered flawlessly on this project. 85 Savage does justice on the mixing and mastering of the final song. 

Mixing for the first four songs was done by Amos K and mastered by Emunah. All songs aside track 3 were produced by the phenomenal Dab Beatz.

“DOUBLE TROUBLE” is out now on all DSPs.

Listen Here

Adedamola Adefolahan, better known as Fireboy DML, surprises everyone with the release of his fourth studio album, titled Adedamola. This 14-track album seamlessly blends rhythm, timing, and harmony, giving Fireboy the perfect platform to explore his romantic side and portray the bittersweet nature of love. Adding to the excitement, he features prominent artists like the legendary Lagbaja, Seun Kuti, Lojay, DJ Spinall, and the acclaimed American songwriter Jon Batiste. Notably, Fireboy is the third artist to drop an album under the YBNL record label, owned by Olamide, showcasing the exceptional talent nurtured within the label.

Iseoluwa – Adedamola Adefolahan pka Fireboy Dml launched his new album by expressing gratitude to the Lord Almighty. The title “Iseoluwa,” which translates to "The Act of God," reflects FireboyDML's thankfulness for his journey this far, emphasizing that he has put God first.

 

Call Me – The second track on the album Adedamola, titled "Call Me," showcases Fireboyin his romantic phase rather than his usual bad boy persona. Through his incredible lyrics, Fireboy captures the beauty of love and makes it even more enchanting.

Ecstasy ft. Seun Kuti – The third track on the album, "Ecstasy," reflects a profound sense of joy and pleasure. With the talented Seun Kuti adding his exceptional saxophone skills, the song gains a captivating depth. Kuti’s contribution makes it one of my top choices on the album. It’s also perfect for unwinding, making it an excellent companion for a soothing evening drive or a relaxing vibe.

 

Hell and Back – The fourth track on the album begins with a striking saxophone melody and energetic drums. While we initially saw Fireboyin his romantic phase, this song shifts the focus to a narrative of heartbreak, suggesting a possible change in his perspective. It’s unclear whether he's still in his lover boy era or not. We'll have to wait and see what the fifth track might reveal about his current state.

 

Letting Go ft. Lojay – Lojay starts the song "Letting Go" with his impressive vocals and lyrics. Fireboy matches this with his own captivating and melodious verses. The track further delves into Fireboy's current emotional state, revealing that he’s still processing past heartache, as he did in the fourth track.

Back and Forth ft. Lagbaja - It seems there's a special synergy between Fireboy and the saxophone. On the sixth track, he collaborates with the legendary Lagbaja, known for his exceptional saxophone skills and melodious voice. Lagbaja’s contribution elevates the song, and it’s clear that Fireboy has long admired him. Featuring Lagbaja is a remarkable and nostalgic choice, showcasing a deep respect for musical greatness.

Ready ft. Jon Batiste - Fireboy has a knack for selecting the perfect collaborators to enhance his music. On this track, he joins forces with Jon Batiste, the renowned American songwriter and singer, to create a melodious song that beautifully captures the essence of love.

Wande’s bop ft. Dj Spinall – DJ Spinall, "The Cap," is a celebrated Nigerian DJ and producer renowned for his collaborations with exceptional talents, including Fireboy DML. Together, they created magic on the 8th track, which is perfect for keeping the energy high.

 

Change your life- The ninth track, "Change Your Life," features a captivating sound that highlights Fireboy DML in his loverboy era, leaving no room for doubt. The song is enriched with a beautiful trumpet melody played by Julius Olabiyi, and Semzi's production elevates the entire experience.

 

Obaa Sima –Mu oti, Fagbo, dance away your sorrows Fireboy DML's "Obaa Sima" seamlessly blends Afrobeat rhythms with his melodic style, creating an infectious and resonant track. His smooth vocals explore themes of love and desire, complemented by sleek production that balances modern and traditional influences. "Obaa Sima" highlights Fireboy's artistic growth, offering a catchy yet emotionally engaging sound.

Need me - On the eleventh track, titled "Need Me," Fireboy DML showcases his versatility. It’s a clever nod to his debut album, "Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps," where the first track was "Need You." The playful switch from "Need You" to "Need Me" highlights Fireboy's subtle sense of humor. The transition between "Obaa Sima" and "Need Me" is seamless, further demonstrating Fireboy's genius in crafting a cohesive and dynamic listening experience.

 

Yawa- "Yawa" stands out as one of the top tracks on the "Adedamola" album, even though it was initially released as a single. It infuses themalbum with vibrant energy, and we're fortunate that Fireboy decided to include it. The song is made even more captivating by the incredible additional vocals from Baddo and Asake, making it an exceptional tune.

Everyday - On the track "Everyday," FireboyDML displays his outstanding songwriting, weaving poetic and beautifully crafted lyrics into the music. The song is further enriched by the prominent use of saxophone, a recurring element throughout the album, which adds depth and warmth to the sound. "Everyday" is a perfect example of Fireboy's talent for combining lyrical expression with captivating instrumentals, making it a standout track on the album.

 

Jon’s Interlude- On the final track of the album, Fireboy brings back Jon Batiste, an exceptional American singer and songwriter, for a piece titled "Jon’s Interlude." In this track, Fireboy not only showcases his remarkable songwriting talent but also demonstrates his deep understanding of music. The track features no vocals, just the beautiful sound of a piano, providing a perfect, serene conclusion to an outstanding album. What an Outro!

 

To conclude the review of Fireboy DML's album Adedamola, it's fitting to acknowledge the profound journey the artist takes us on, from introspection to celebration. The album resonates with authenticity, passion, and a deep sense of purpose, which is beautifully encapsulated in the first track, "Iseoluwa." As Fireboy DML reminds us, it is essential to give glory back to God, recognizing that our talents and successes are not just personal achievements but blessings that reflect a higher purpose. This album stands as a testament to growth, gratitude, and the power of music to uplift and inspire. Remember to stay Solid!

 

Yours Truly,

Ayo Fabiyi

The rising rapper’s debut EP sees him breathe life into Ghana’s dying art of raw, unadulterated Hip-Hop. Stream or download “It’s Only Us” across all major digital platforms here:

STREAM “Only Us” EP now

T1mmy might be young, but he has a wealth of experience in street matters. Since venturing into the world of rhymes, the Accra MC has been electrifying fans with his raw style, as evident on his debut EP, “It’s Only Us.” A chilling shot at the fakes, the rapper, who dazzled with singles like ‘Steeze and Vibes’ and ‘Nemesis,’ wants to make himself crystal clear. And he does. With two features and four songs, the rising rapper delivers like a 12-cylinder engine. He eloquently breaks his experiences in the trenches into quotables that the streets can’t do without, and we are all for it.

“Boys nyɛ real, never let that shit out of your mind” is one of the lines T1mmy delivers that deserves to be plastered on every street corner. His gritty opener, ‘Trust Issues’ (produced by Gloyo), quickly sets itself aside as a certified anthem for hustlers. If their opps thought they were cold, the T1mmy and SRT Gwalla are colder. The two captivate with well-pieced lines that put their experiences on the streets in perspective and their rivals to shame. UK-based artist SRT Gwalla, in particular, weighs in beautifully about his experiences in London, corroborating the insanity the two have had to live through despite being worlds apart.

Next up is the eponymous Faygo-produced, ‘It’s Only Us.’ T1mmy and fellow rapper Lord YG team up for this banging track, delving into why they distanced themselves from their wayward brothers. Like photographers in a darkroom, the two develop a vivid perspective for their actions, pitching the tent for the next song, ‘Won’t Understand.’ T1mmy goes solo on Hokatiwi light piano keys, wearing his heart on the sleeves. He maintains his aggression and grace on the self-explanatory track, drilling deep with lines that encapsulate why he’s scheming and leaving everyone puzzled. 

T1mmy saves the best for the last. The pre-released ‘Priceless,’ another surefire hit produced by Gloyo, completes the rapper’s scintillating journey from rocky paths to smooth roads. It’s a track that echoes the promise of T1mmy and highlights his growth, exuding a sense of satisfaction whenever he sings, “You know the feeling be priceless. When you got it all out from the gutters.” The rapper’s tale cuts deep, revealing his authenticity through articulate delivery and fascinating storytelling.

As far as dropping gems go, T1mmy is only getting started. He is committed to catching fans off guard and channeling his authenticity into something special. “It’s Only Us” is a victory lap for the rapper, setting the stage for a promising future. While that slowly unravels, Timothy ‘T1mmy’ Kpogo plots to go harder than before.

To connect with T1mmy on social media,

 go to:

 

Instagram | X (Twitter) | Facebook

Following the release of recent singles “Wave” featuring British rapper Central Cee and “Active” featuring American rapper Travis Scott, the president of Giran Republic drops his third studio album LUNGU BOY, a postulated trilogy alongside his previous albums, Mr. Money With The Vibe (2022) and Work of Art (2023). In an interview with Apple Music, Asake reveals that the term "Lungu" refers to "ghetto," and the album delves into his early background, his journey in music, and how it has shaped him into the person he's becoming.

The 15-track project is an admixture of rhythm, time, and genre, featuring a combination of different styles ranging from Afropop to Samba, which grants Asake the freedom to experiment and pushes him beyond his creative limits.

Start: The album kicks off with a sample of Asa's "Eye Adaba." Asake emphasizes the importance of his presence in the industry, starting with, "Mr. Money steady killing show, anywhere me I enter issa big intro." He goes on to advocate for maintaining a free mind with "Me I wan free mind, make I no yarn too much." Ultimately, this track sets the tone for what's to come.

MMS ft. Wizkid: On this track, Wizkid graces the track alongside Asake as they embark on a journey of reflection, expressing their deepest feelings on life. MMS stands for "Mr. Money Sound," and Asake narrates the evolution of his sound from the start of his career to the point where he finds "the sound" among many others, even though he doesn't have a name for it yet.

The chorus includes lyrics that reflect the philosophies of vanity. Wizkid begins his verse with "Wabillahi-taofeeq-gan," which translates to "Allah/God is the One whom we depend on for help and success," and continues by discussing how he found his purpose after losing himself.

In a nutshell, MMS is an appreciation to God for the journey of life from where they started to where they are now.

MOOD: Remember when Asake said, "Oya, hola, como estas?" on Joha? We should have known it was an experiment in how we'd receive Spanish lyrics—or maybe it was just a coincidence. On this track, Asake talks about his different moods. Some days he's jovial; other days, he's gloomy—a mixture of emotions. This illustrates that, despite rising from the bottom to feeling lonely at the top, he's still human, and his emotions are valid.

MY HEART: Another discovery on this album is that the President of Giran Republic is a lover boy. Here, Asake pours out his heart as he describes the kind of woman he desires. He gives us a glimpse of his romantic side with lyrics:

"Roses are red, violets are blue

I wanna fuck with you

Fly you to Bali, table for two

I love your attitude"

WORLDWIDE: "Worldwide, E don go oh."

Following the success of his last album and his Grammy nomination, it's clear that this Lungu Boy has gone global, and he wants us to know it. Asake's intention is to make a difference in music—not just in Africa, but globally.

ACTIVE ft. Travis Scott: Mr. Money teams up with La Flame on this one, showing us just how creative he can be. It's an absolute party banger, and the title speaks for itself. It's amazing to see Travis Scott hop on what seems to be a Contemporary-Fuji track infused with log drums and a sample of Jazzman Olofin and Adewale Ayuba’s Raise the Roof.

Suru ft. Stormzy: Mr. Money preaches patience here, reminding us that good things come to those who wait. According to him, if you're patient and focused, you will be rewarded.

SKATING: Asake has a new hobby, and we're not sure where or when he picked it up, but who cares? Skating is now part of his lifestyle. For people who grew up in the Lungu, skating might seem like a boujee sport/hobby, but Mr. Money is worldwide now, and he's made skating a part of himself. This song reflects the joy of finding fun in adulthood.

WAVE ft. Central Cee: You might say this is the twin of Active. There's so much flair from both artists here. All Asake needs is good energy and more money to take care of his mummy and flex in Germany. Meanwhile, Cench tells us how he went from selling Class A to the fiends to getting an 18-karat AP plus 8 cribs along with some AMGs.

"We dey ball it's a normal thing."

Mentally: Mr. Money is never having a dull moment. No matter how hard it gets, he's going to enjoy his life because there won't be a second chance. He refuses to slack or slow down, staying mentally sharp, strategizing, and taking charge of his destiny to ensure nothing stops him.

Uhh Yeahh: Faji lawa, Ma lo se jagajaga 💃

First off, Sarz is probably the greatest African producer of all time.

There's a reason why Asake is Mr. Money with the vibe. I mean, he fused Fuji and club music on this track, and you can't resist moving a part of your body. You no go dance keh? Dey play. Whenever you hear this at an event, head straight to the dance floor and "jo bi serpent."

I Swear: Yes, Asake continues his tales of enjoyment. "Mr. Money issa vibe; them know I'm a superstar." Now, let's skip to the second verse, where Asake tells us how he moved from a "somebo" to a "somebody," and now all the girls in America want him. Meanwhile, he's in a convoy with all his guys, and he smells amazingly nice now. What a guy!

Ligali: Are you looking for Asake? You can find him in California. Asake is still serving us Fuji in track 13, and it's clear the genre has a massive influence on him.

Ligali resumes the dancing and gyration. If you're a bad boy looking for the right girl in your life, appreciating her efforts to stay beautiful while traveling the world, having fun, taking risks, and being responsible at the same time, this is your track.

Whine: I'm unclear whether Asake said "Razor or Raise am" at the beginning, but that's not the point. Asake can do Reggae too? Or Dancehall. Whatever it is, he's a work of art. I honestly don't want to speculate on how sex feels to Asake, but it must be good enough for him to go this groovy here. Ludmilla joins Asake on this track, and they both go verse for verse.

FUJI VIBE: What's a better way to close a 15-track album than with a 5-minute Fuji record featuring traditional and modern drums, and the trumpet he was telling someone to blow for him on Ligali, including instrumental renditions of Adewale Ayuba’s Ijo Fuji and his breakout single Mr. Money.

In conclusion, Asake's Lungu Boy album is nothing short of a Work of Art.

To God be the glory, we have come to the end of this album review. See you next time. Remember to stay Solid!

Yours sincerely,

Finnix

ALBUM REVIEW  : Something To Live For - Phyno

We all know that the Beast from the East never disappoint and this album is no exception. The Album consists of different genres ranging from Highlife to Afro-Pop to Rap to Pop to Amapiano just to mention a few. The Album also featured his normal dose, "Feature of Both Olamide And Flavour" which is always refreshing to listen knowing that they never Disappoint on their tracks. 

The Album also had features from Naija Music's Next Waves with the likes of J'Dess, Jay Teazer, Pappy Kojo, BeePee, Anjulie, D'Smoke all making a Feature on the Album.

Our Favourite Track on the Album will surely be the First Track on the album "Chizoba" which featured The Cavemen.

"Something To Live For" is available on all Platforms