ALBUM REVIEW - Duncan Daniels - The Time Traveler

On "The Time Traveler," Duncan Daniels pays tribute to his origins, to the person he has become and to Port Harcourt Nigeria, the city that is credited as the origin of his musical talents.

On PurpleVille.
Duncan Daniels something I like to call the introductory track. While it pays homage to Port Harcourt, that’s not the only thing the track does. This is the one where you’re introduced to who the Artiste is. The storytelling gives credence to his ‘PH’ origins, from using popularized Port Harcourt slang like ‘Abobi’; the artiste takes us to the stories of his early days as an artiste in Port Harcourt. Duncan’s vocals are laid side by side, those of the choir I mentioned initially. The choir referred to here is Ara Muzicc Choir. And at no point in this song did they disappoint with the ‘ooohs’ in the lows or their harmony in the highs. Production credits go to Kulkeh Beats, a frequent collaborator of Duncan’s with production credits on at least 60% of  Duncan's most recent "S.O.L.O" Album. The song has strong potential to be Port Harcourt’s theme music, depending on the reception. 

On “Carolyn”
Duncan sends a message to a past love interest. Apparently, Duncan had been interested in Carolyn who didn’t pay him attention at the time. Carolyn does show up when she hears about his successes, however, Duncan is no longer interested. The song has a hook that doesn’t sit well with me as regards delivery however, Timi Dre assists in such a way, that the hook works after a few spins. Timi Dre proves himself beyond any pre-existing doubts that his vocal prowess should not be toyed with. His vocal texture is maybe only similar to Oxlade, or maybe I’m hearing other things. But the melodies are popping off and unpredictably too! No choir but Timi Dre is one person singing like 5 people. He handles the task. I feel Carolyn’s pain, she dropped the ball, big time!

On “Blood Pressure”

We quickly understand why Carolyn is yesterday’s news. There’s a rising blood pressure someone’s eyes is giving Duncan. Much like all of the songs on the project, the song doesn’t follow the fast paced tempo that the recent songs in the Afrobeats genre have made us accustomed to. Rather, this track takes a different direction that gives room for Duncan to flex his versatility. The production for me is reminiscent of production by Jesse Jagz. Except, the production credits for this groovy sounding slow jam goes to Peter Abdallah. Assisting on the track are London-based Chai T and another of London's finest; Mukhy. The intentionality of this song goes further as it features live saxophone by Norwegian-based saxophonist and wind instrumentalist Lady Albatross and UK bass player Jay Brown.

Whoever, Duncan’s love interest is, they shouldn’t end up like Carolyn. Make this song for no waste! Too lit!! - Peter Jev - AITC Africa 

To end the project, Duncan Daniel enlists New York City-based Nigerian rapper, Iceberg Slim who is considered a Nigerian rap veteran for “Show Me Love”. The track carries a simple message that tells people to give flowers to music creators when they’re still here. This one reaches deep into the soul, as it talks about life and all of the struggles that life comes with. It’s emotional enough to close the project. It carries with it a weighty truth that music veterans are not as celebrated until they’re not with us anymore. And this true for a number of artistes, not just Duncan Daniels or Iceberg Slim; a number of veterans have been seemingly forgotten. 

The Time Traveller either closes off for some or if you’re me, it’s on repeat! The project is solid and doesn’t struggle to conform to new sounds to fit into a specific box. Rather, experience plays a solid part; with an undoubted musicality to each track. While the EP positions itself as a travel through time, which the music rightly does as Duncan reminisces on his origins in the early days in Port Harcourt through to the end where he talks about getting his flowers for his 2 decade long career. 

The project should also get some credit for its exploration of the theme of love, from Duncan’s love for PH, to falling out of love with Carolyn, to the love that gives him a rising temperature and Blood Pressure. Duncan Daniels allows us to see him, in his element; he gives us a peek into his love life as well while reflecting on the time spent making music.

The production is stellar from Kulkeh Beats on Tracks 1,2,3,& 5. London based-Ghanaian producer Peter Abdallah takes on Track 4 and delivers his polling unit.

On the mixing and mastering end of things, Alex 'Crez' Creswell, adds this project to another successful outing with Duncan Daniels having previously worked on songs such as "Back Outside" and "Yard Party." with both songs getting considered for Grammy nominations this year.

"The Time Traveler" EP is available on all digital streaming platforms for your listening pleasure Friday, November 17, 2023. Stream until the tracks start to skip! Visit www.duncandanielsmusic.com

REVIEW: ODUMODUBLVCK - EZIOKWU

ODUMODUBLVCK-EZIOKWU is put together in such a way that, when listening, you’re sort of transported to Odumodu’s world. You can hear him gliding through his experiences in life while swiftly alternating between crass lyrics and smooth melodies and paying homage to his city, his friends and Teezee. The way everything works helps the listener understands the things that are most important to the rapper. On command, he doesn’t waste any time to drop his signature ‘Black Sheep for life, black sheep for life, Izgaaju till we kpeme, Antiworld Gangsters, GE records you get me?”

Odumodublvcks’ percussions and sax make and introduction as well as cushion his voice for this and it’s only the first 10 seconds of the first track. While the song is supposedly about a woman as he hammers on consensual sex in the adlibs and the verse; the music is as raw as you’d expect a rapper to actually put together.

The song which is made in Nigerian Pidgin English sees him open the verse with a line that leaves you questioning his state of mind in the studio. “…Fall into her k**kus like a beast…” you just know it already, the song is meant to be as relatable as possible. And for the average Nigerian on the street, this song would be too easy to vibe to. But aside his delivery on the verses, Odumodu delivers melodies so nicely that you almost miss the soulful backing vocal on the track. Right after the first track, we get into familiar terrain; Declan Rice. 

Declan Rice is named after the Arsenal midfielder; however, if listened to more thoughtfully, the song is more about the artiste himself and his relationship with the people around him. He flexes on his ability to thrive despite doing things differently. “I can do without their policy…” is a bold declaration as regards the way his behavioural pattern, has shaped the trajectory of his career. We’re given an insight on what his friendships look like, as he name drops his guys while simultaneously manufacturing lyrics that you can use to foil an attempt to achieve your phone on the streets. Declan Rice isn’t the only football player referenced in this song, as Onazi also gets a mention! 

On the third track we go off to Kubolor which features Ghanaian chanteuse Amaarae. The song which has some highlife elements is dedicated to Odumodu’s late father and doesn’t disappoint, it can easily be classified under his self branded Okporoko genre. His melodies are as original as can be and it is easy to see how this was a fan favorite before the release. Amaarae, is as infectious as usual, with the two piecing a masterpiece almost effortlessly.

While Odumodu is particular with his featuring his guys from Abuja on this project, Amaarae isn’t the only mainstream artiste in the project as Fireboy, Wale, Blaqbonez, Zlatan and Bella Shmurda all make an appearance alongside Bloody Civilian, Teezee, Psycho YP, Ecko Miles, Reeplay and Cruel Santino.

Adamma Beke sounds like the sonic representation of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, as Odumodu pulls melodies out of thin air. In all of these, there is no doubt as to his abilities. The production is covered by Ucee, who has been a frequent collaborator from the early days. It’s all magic! 

Shoot and Go Home is easy to skip at first, until you actually listen to it and realize this is probably the most defining moment on the body of work as to his prowess as a rapper. There are various rhyme schemes that balance out on the highly percussive beat that are expressive of his inclinations to Drill music. The vocals in the chorus sound like something you should run away from if you ever hear it on a lonely street at night. However, it is infectious enough for you to leave on repeat and start singing on your own too. This entire week, my reply to every unnecessary person is ‘Bigfoot who goes’. 

Tesla Boys is another one that had been previewed for months before release. It was highly anticipated and features Blaqbonez. Odumodu once again showcased his ability to make an infectious hook that would make afrobeats artistes green with envy. Blaqbonez who is equally a rapper that can craft dangerous hooks, delivers on his verse, the brag is heavy but he gives flowers to M.I Abaga with a line that is almost impossible to miss. At the end of the song, the message is delivered; Blaqbonez and Big Kala are not friends with Sapa!

Odumodu, On your feet!  MC Oluomo takes you up violently, perhaps in the somewhat perceived nature of the personality this song is named after. Initially released as a single, this tune is one of those that has caused several problems on X. However, the song is a quick reminder that Odumodu is a pioneer for Grime in Africa and he can snap like the fate of an entire universe depends on him. The controversies on this song can keep on piling up, but it remains a contender for fan favourite. 

The mixtape rolls on with a series of heavy weights and to close off the project, Picanto comes last in delivery. And for the first time, the track is hurtful to listen to. At this point, we want more, but it’s ending Zlatan delivers the assist with finesse, so does Ecko Miles. But the star of the show is really Odumodu and whatever Jimohsoundz sprinkles in the production. 

With Picanto, after listening, and listening and listening again, it might hit you how it has hit me; Odumodublvck is proof that an artiste can come from anywhere and make it happen.

At a time when rappers in Nigeria have failed to churn out music with the ability to hack the mainstream market, Odumodu comes to disrupt the entire system. Odumodu really has the mainstream audience listening to rap again. He is proof that an artiste can exist out of the policy and make music happen. Perhaps his strongest trait is in his lyrical prowess, in the way that his lyrics can make anybody that sings along feel his energy. In some musical context, the attitudinal transfer can be described as ‘spiritual’ and in Odumodu’s case you might not be wrong.

Odumodu might not be everyone’s favorite artiste but he proves himself on “Eziokwu” he proves that his declarations are not made to fall, wither and die. He proves that where you are doesn’t matter and that staying true to your art, your truest form of expression; can take you from your tiny spot to the most unexpected places. And while Eziokwu might seem like an amazing project, we need to believe that his best is yet to come.

Eziokwu is out on streaming platforms, STREAM HERE

I don almost forget to keep scores: Omo, it is 8/10 this side!

10 is for God.

9 is for me.

8 is for exceptional music.

Anything below 5 na mid sha.