July Rap Jumpstart
July saw the release of some very dope projects and lovely singles. We feature Effji, a young femcee, who is quickly winning over fans with her confident delivery. Le Ru, Jakk Quill and Big Yasa all dropped EPs and we've singled out a song from each for our list. NJERI,an R&B artist earns a surprise mention on this list for her latest single. Other songs from multidisciplinary artistes Mau From Nowhere, Chxf Barry and many more are featured. Enjoy!
Tom Mboya - Octopizzo
Octopizzo's new approach to music has been controversial if put nicely, but alien to many fans who have voiced their opinions. The punchline dropper of yesteryears has evolved into an artist that is keener on performance art, its presentation and alternative ways of expression. Octopizzo has also developed an affinity for tackling conscious themes as evidenced by this very song. Tom Mboya talks about the man, a thinker and politician of Kenya's independence era that was assassinated. The rapper mentions other African leaders from the same era and beyond that - eulogizing the likes of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Milton Obote of Uganda. He uses sheng(slang) as a symbolic gesture to show that the youth, especially those from disadvantaged urban areas, can and should engage in political conversation. The use of slang allows him to shine at word play skillfully. He uses a complex yet thoroughly refreshing rhyme scheme. The production is clever; with samples from an old choir song reminding us to remember our history and varying of the beat tempo and intensity at various points standing out as delicious treats for the ear. The later technique pronounces the delivery of the rapper, making his cadence more appreciated.
You Got It - Chxf Barry & Lagum the Rapper
Chxf Barry links with compatriot Lagum the Rapper for this amazing feel good jam. Chxf Barry taps into Lagum's current dalliance with afroswing, a rap subgenre modeled on afrobeats,and tuses African instruments in production. This song, for instance, employs shakers and drums,enhanced by electronic synthesis. The slow tempoed instrumental with a hint of house music elements, enables Chxf Barry's melodic delivery as well as an exaggerated deep voice for Lagum's verse. They preach about body positivity,and encourage their listeners to dance and blow off the steam.
Mbona - Khaligraph Jones
The O.G is not slowing down, despite releasing his sophomore album in March of this year. He has dropped two anthems since then, this Mbona as well as Blue Ticks featuring femcee Femi One. Mbona is undeniably a success from the sonic and poetic points of view. The instrumental is produced by the talented Vinc on the Beat,who seems to have an understanding of what Khaligraph needs in a beat.
The song , although not parody,is written to be comical. Khaligraph pokes fun at popular Ideas about sex and relationships. Mbona, is Swahili for why, a question the rapper asks about what he feels are unfair expectations men and women demand of each other in dating and in marriage.
Wasp - Big Yasa
Mad Clan's Big Yasa just gave himself a new nickname - Wasp. It sounds lovely,and suitable. His claim that he 'spits on the mic' like a wasp is believable,and a worthy flex. The rapper makes the flex worthier, by categorically stating, his skill was nurtured painstakingly, basically saying hardwork beats talent. He took time to build his craft,and writes his verses along the concept. Wasp is part of an EP called BIGGS that the Kibera based driller released on his twenty-second birthday.
Fucc a Flashbacc - Jakk Quill
This song comes off the Finding Flows EP, Jakk Quill dropped earlier this month. In his typical way, Quill jumps on an unconventional beat and does justice by showcasing a range of rapping techniques. His cadences are dynamic, following different patterns that he transitions into with flair. The lyricist made a song that was thematically loaded, almost all over the place,but in his defense, the EP is meant solely as a book of rhymes. Fucc A Flashbacc talks about the rapper's romantic interest, his aspirations as an artist as well as his art,and being present in the moment. The EP has a skit and two other songs, one of which is a refix of Jack Harlow's Churchill Downs Freestyle.
Go Keisha- NJERI
NJERI totally surprised us with this one,as we're used to seeing her sing love songs. Her R&B album Dear.Romance.U.Got.Sweet , was released earlier this year and is getting love from fans and positive reviews from critics. Go Keisha is a short, fun song that talks about partying. She uses minimalistic trap instrumentalsto encourage Keisha, a young woman to go party and to enjoy life. The use of a minimalist trap beat to make a party song is unique. Most party songs are made following an easy formula that uses mainstream approaches. The song is also refreshing as it tells about partying from a young woman's perspective,in a pop-shere that frames partying from the perspective of a heteronormative male.
Mafeelings - Colossal Music & Effji featuring Mbithi
Like a bee that found a new pollen source, Effji' s (E-ff-y)name is buzzing in the Nairobi scene, following the release of the song Money. The video for money stands out for it's unique cinematography that is exciting and creative and rekindles a 'nu - nairobi' spirit that has felt MIA for a while now. Mafeelings , from her debut album,Colors, evokes the same feelings and contains the same essence as the one in Money. This song is from a diverse rap album that takes from a range of sub genres but still manages to embody the attributes of old skool hiphop. Mafeelings is performed on an emo inspired beat and the theme discussed by the rappers as well as the melodic delivery style go hand in hand like a lock and key. She starts off, telling the story of a person helplessly be-smitten, and was patient until a friendship evolved into more. Mbithi, the Kamba boy, gives an uncharacteristic but melodic verse as well. The cadences ,when summed up with the theme, make the song a great love number - the type you'd want to dance to slowly with your significant other .
Bliss - Le Ru featuring Taio
Le Ru hasn't dropped music in a minute and so the release of The Ride EP had her fans excited. Bliss is part of the short project that explores the ups and downs of love.The song specifically talks about the bliss of being in love. The rappers however question that feeling, should it be trusted? Is it rooted in ignorance about the past actions or weaknesses of a romantic partner? Le Ru is famously revered for her versatility in the world of R&B and hip hop. This song beautifully brings them together- with silky ,dreamy vocals for the hook and the bridge. She performs her rap verse with skill and confidence. Taio's verse goes hard, contrasting that of Le Ru, balancing the mood and energy of the song.
Fireflies - mau from nowhere
mau's mind is an interesting place to be, and he invites us in ever so often. Although he has claimed severally that he makes music for himself, his experiences are relatable to many young people. He employs hyperbole in this song not only as a poetic device but also to tell his story. He includes a conversation with his grandmother at the end of the song, telling her of the hard choices he has had to make lately to make ends meet. With that conversation as context, and assuming that it is what the song is about ,you start to see how the rap verse is an exaggeration. This can be explained by the tendency of gen Z to use exaggeration and irony to talk about mental health, a subject Mau From Nowhere explores a lot in his music. It enables the multi-disciplinary artist to speak about feelings and how people react to change ( in this case adulting) in their lives. Fireflies is going to be part of the rapper's upcoming studio album and his fans are loving his headspace.
The lo-fi instrumental featuring dragged out heavy drums to create rhythmis self produced but the vocals are mixed and mastered by Lukorito.
Kilipesa - Juice Mann featuring CKO & Nare
Shrappers Juice Mann and CKO havebeen part of the genre's journey from its underground days of Shrapnite.Kilipesa is a derivation of Kilimani, an estate in Nairobi, and pesa , Swahili for money. Kilimani has in recent years made the news as an operation hub for white collar crime masterminds or people with shady business dealings. The rappers tap this vein for material for their song.With obvious irony, they take on personas that plot illegal activities to get money. The song reflects an ongoing conversation in Kenya about corruption in politics and business and the whole morality of it. Much less ironic, is a lyric in CKO's verse that talks about getting money by any means,a sentiment that is believed to express what many young Kenyans think. The beat is fast paced with a reccuring pattern of guitars and drums that brings hype.
