Smash (or Pass): Dope-I-Mean and Boutrouss Bring the Game to Life in New Club Anthem
Dope-I-Mean, also known as Shambala Boy, is a versatile vocalist signed to the ADF music label, the home of Boutrous, Jovie Jovv, and Groovy Jo. His ability to rap with a punchy shrap cadence or sing softly has seen him incorporate a number of melodic sounds into his pop-leaning music, as evidenced by his 2018 project Shambala. One of the most consistent ADF musicians with regards to releasing music, Dope-I-Mean teamed up with Boutrouss to produce the club anthem Smash, a playful take on the adult game of "smash or pass". The song is a light-hearted chronicle of the sexual escapades of two famous rappers in Nairobi. The beat evokes tension, underscoring the theme of seduction and flirtation present in the song.
The production of Smash is impressive, with KK Muskat producing a trap beat that captures the essence of the song. The melody of the beat is made from an eerie sounding high-pitched keyboard boosted by a similarly played flute. A heavy drumming pattern spaced far and in between is used, while another set of light drums is played much more regularly in the fashion of trap beats, giving the beat its identity. Background sounds are also present, and the song’s instrumental is punctuated by Dope-I-Mean’s does a laugh and cough
The theme of the single narrates the sexual escapades of two famous rappers in Nairobi, with the word smash colloquially used to mean the act of intercourse. The two rappers give a quasi-realistic account of their experiences in dating, mentioning the names of girls and traits in a clever way while rhyming the lines. This method of songwriting is not new to Kenyan hip-hop, as a few genge rappers like Jua Cali and Nonini back in the day made songs mentioning names of women or towns. ‘Smash’ is obviously adulterated, offering a window into the psyche of young heterosexual men in Nairobi and how culture influences what they deem desirable in a partner. This song is is a certified club anthem that will get the ladies moving and grooving.
The visuals are directed by Nezzoh Montana, a seasoned DOP who has worked with many rappers in the industry. The video is set outdoors during a day party with a sizable crowd of young, sexy adults who have come to cool down on a hot day, sharing food and drinks as they swim in nearby pools. There is music, and part of the gathering dances along carefree. The rappers performing in the video shoot from various spots within the same location and change outfits at least three times.The D.O.P uses the cameras cleverly to capture as many angles as possible, making the video feel interesting despite being set in one location. Nezzoh captures some great shots, using a drone to highlight the beauty of the lush green location. Close-up shots are angled cleverly to capture the bespoke fashion on the rappers and wide-angle shots that capture the collective youthful spirit of young people just living life carefree. Overall, the visuals of "Smash" tell a story that complements songs storyline making it a complete masterpiece. Watch Here.
