SH*TTER! --by Kreed

www.vibe.com

Have you heard Remy Ma's 'Shether'? Yea, I know this gist is a bit stale right about now but I couldn't just resist writing about it still. Would've probably done it when the gist was still hot but due to some circumstances beyond my control (procrastination), I couldn't just jump in the mix at that point. Anyway, it is even better I'm doing this now. At least I don't get to compete for attention. *tongues out*

I've never really been a fan of beefs—like quarrel between two people. In fact, I hate being around when shii starts escalating because it's always a matter of time, before dirty secrets start pouring. I hate being involved in one as well, not because I have secrets (no, mine isn't dirty), but because anybody can just cook up anything at that point and you'll be left to repair your image afterwards. However, when beefs are put into a song like Nas' Ether; Eminem's Nail to the Coffin; Nico Gravity's I don Finish (naaaah, I didn't like Nico's diss track) like once that happens, you've got my attention.

Don't get me wrong, I don't fancy animosity between two folks. However, I can't help but admire when someone pours out his or her emotions into their lyrics. That is the art called Music. From start to finish, in my opinion, almost every line was on point. Like it's been a while I've heard so much hate or anger (hate in this case) in a track. Then there was Nicki's response...let's just leave it at that. Her diss song was just that flat in my opinion. More like Drake's initial response to Meek Mill, in the track '----'. Though he salvaged his reputation with '---' (shout out to bitches wifing niggas...not going to forget that line in a hurry), something I really hope Nicki will do.

It is also important to note that this Remy Ma/Minaj feud has some traits of the Nico Gravity/Timaya beef. ‘I don finish Timaya’ was lit and so is 'Shether' Nico's track which got most of us excited but then, when the dust eventually settled, we all realized who the better musician was. Really, asides 'Shether', the only other song I heard Remy Ma, was 'All the Way Up'. I did like her energy in the track but her lyrics? *Thuuuuud*! Glad it was short. What she should focus on is building on this track, not by dwelling on it (like Nico did... ‘I Don finish Timaya’ suddenly caught the Nollywood flu...part 1 - Part 2billion), she should focus on making another great song that will have nothing to do with this beef. If she doesn't, truth is, 5 years from now, only few will even remember this track or that she even exists in the industry. Jay Z got thrashed (pardon my use of the word, it wasn't that bad) by Nas in my opinion (if got a penny for every time I said 'in my opinion'...*sighs*), but his career didn't end there. You know why? Because he is a good musician and he produced more hits thereafter. Losing this battle might have little or no effect on her career because when this is all over, in my opinion (see that, I used it again), you and I know that Nicki will make another Hit. It is almost a constant and we will all forget that this even happened (I won't).

There is a popular African Proverb that goes thus, "If you're good at making diss songs, be great at making ordinary songs". After he finished Timaya, Nico stopped selling and Timaya never looked back. I really hope Remy has some more or other Hits for us. I really hope she'll make hits without using the 'queen's' name (Nicki said it, not me). If not, then she's just #Shitter

*drops mic*....*jumps into the crowd*

MUSIC REVIEW::: DADDY YO OR DADDY NO?

 

Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting. As promised, below is our opinion of Star Boy Wizkid’s single “Daddy Yo”.

We hope you enjoy your stay.

 

 

 Daddy Yo came at a time when we thought Wizkid was going to take a break from his normal style and make us feel the influence of the Western world in his singing style. There had been news of Ayo Balogun collaborating with foreign acts and there had been music videos to buttress these gists.

However, it is said a fox never loses its spots; as such it was not a surprise to hear Efya’s endless repetition of:

“Daddy Yo make me dance, Star Boy make me dance”.

For an easy read, we have decided to split this review into the following subheadings.

LYRICAL CONTENT

I particularly enjoyed the hook on this one, as it is easy to remember and rolls off the tongue without any hassles. However, the verses were too watery (no disrespect to Wizkid music lovers) for the level of achievements that Daddy Boluwatife has attained over the years in the music industry.

“1,2  I love the way you dance”

“I love your kitty dance,

I love the way you dance”

3,4 knocking on the door

Whine fi mi baby

Girl gimme, whine slow

Girl; 5,6 tip on your toe”

And blah blah”

 We believe that Starboy could have done better if rolling with the likes of Drake, Chris Brown and other international acts had any effect on his sound.

 

GENRE

If asked on the spot, we would usually classify the Artiste behind this song as an Afro-Pop artiste, however he decided to give us a reggae dancehall feel on this one. Talk about evolution!

PRODUCTION

Maximum respect to the producer on this joint. Although we did not get to hear his name or signature on the sound. You just have to bob your head to the rhythm of the tune.

The drums were and bass lines were out of this planet and everything was almost done right. I did not really enjoy the delivery/recording on this one, probably due to the laxity with which the sound was attacked. Efya really sounded boring.

CROWD APPEAL

It is no rumour that Wizkid is notorious for knowing what to give to his fans at any time. All he needs is a beat and a hook is manufactured in his head within seconds. And even if he coughed on a beat, a lot of people would buy it.

Skits and viral videos are on social media platforms to support this claim.

It is no different with Daddy Yo ;as every beer parlor, barbing salon, events and other public places for relaxation have this song on repeat. You need to observe the excitement in people, when the song comes on. One would think it was the Pentecost.

Daddy Yo is definitely a hit for a major part of the populace.

LONGEVITY

Over time, we have discovered that the maximum life-time for hurried, commercial, dumb or Kpangolo music is usually six (6) months. Therefore, it is worthy to note that we may barely remember lines to this song in some months from now. Except for heavy on-air rotation and sold out events at the end of the year.

 

Rating: 3.0/5.0

 

-Slick

Thank you for reading. We really appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Kindly tell us what you think of this song and how you would rate it in the comments section. We would love to hear from you.

 

DISCLAIMER: The above written article are solely the writer’s view/opinion on the highlighted music. It is in no way written to discredit or tarnish the image/efforts of anyone. Kindly read with an open mind.

GistCreek Team

 

MUSIC REVIEW: WIZKID FT DRAKE- HUSH UP THE SILENCE

 

I was overly excited when I saw that Ayo Balogun had dropped a new tune which featured Champagne Papi Drake. This was a collaboration come true, since Wizkid's vocals would not be low key as it was on Drake's "One Dance". It was time to show these Yankee folks how it was done in Africa.

Hush up the Silence had to be the best collaboration for the New Year. However to our dismay, the tune was unusually below par.

With due respect to Daddy Yo, a lot of things did not come out right. The hook for example did not even relate to the title of the song. It was practically boring and empty for an international collaboration.

One would have to pinch himself to realize that this were the same duo that made a scintillating remix of Ojuelegba

One would have expected the " Pakurumo crooner" to have made up for his boring delivery on Justin Skye's "U don't Know". We quite understand that Wizzy is trying to switch his style, but to little or no avail. If you follow his new sound, you would observe that he is struggling hard to fit into the reggae genre with his usual habit of free styling instead of writing. (He should give up already..)

However, the production was full of enjoyable percussion and strings. Such that If it was blended  with proper lyrical direction, composition and delivery would have made an instant hit song (with the exception of promotions and radio rotations) instead of spending thirty seconds at the intro on bragging for no reason.

We all know you are Starboy and we do not have a choice than to listen to you (even if you were to cough all along on the song)

Drake was on however on hand to give us a reason to enjoy the song bit. He once again displayed his singing prowess just like he did on Contralla. He was able to give the song a direction as he was able to tell us that the song was about a damsel even though this did not in any way relate to Silence.

Wizkid has reached a height where he ought to be classed in the category Trey Songz,, Jeremiah or even The Weeknd.. He is obviously Nigeria's biggest music export to the world.

Our criticism here is not to write off Hush Up The Silence as a complete waste of studio session, instead it is aimed at saying that the song could have been done better.

It is okay to do some research on how great hooks are written and sung in order to generate the right kind of listening appeal.

This is time for us to expect more from Daddy Yo instead of the normal “bread and beans music” he has been feeding us with. A lot of new school folks are springing forth and are giving us a feel of what good music should sound and feel like.

In solidarity, we are asking that Wizkid makes us trust him again like we did when featured on Kardinal Offishal’s “Reppin for my City”

I believe with proper composition and meaningful lyrics, Hush up the silence would have done better. For now, it's just one of those songs you hear.

However, we trust our dear lovers of Tanko music to promote this song and make it stick in our memories.

Rating : 2.5/5.0

Kindly tell us what you think of this song and how you would rate it. Feel free to use the comment box below.

Thank you for reading.

Written By Slick

THROWBACK TUNE OF THE WEEK: N WORD- ICE PRINCE (PROD BY DON JAZZY)

 

 

Dear reader,

Thank you for stopping by. Your presence here is greatly appreciated. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Today we will be going back in time. Yes! All the way back to the year when Panshak “Ice Prince” Zamani’s second studio album dropped. It was in the year 2013 and everybody anticipated a follow up to the Jos born rapper’s debut album. He did not disappoint as Chocolate City put out the Fire Of Zamani” album into the market.

However, Track 7 on the album had been a favourite tune even before the album found its way into Alaba international market. The Don Jazzy produced track came as a surprise, as one would never have expected the Mavin Boss to have produced a rap song. I was completely taken aback when Iceprince whispered “And its Don Jazzy again”.

The production skills of Don Jazzy on this song were above par. Beautiful samples, strings and kicks that could heard even on the worst set of headphones or speakers. You would have to be exceptionally wack as a rapper not to be able to deliver on this magic sound created by the wonderful hands of Michael Collins.

The song was carefully crafted and laced with an exceptional rhyme scheme. It is more than fair to say that Iceprince brought on his A-game. However, a couple of repeated listens showed that Iceprince was taking lessons from Meek Mill. Similar punchlines, word play and style of delivery.

This would however not take the shine off the song, it was and is still a banger. It is no surprise that N-word was followed up by delicious remix that featured South Africa’s revered rapper A.K.A.

A.K.A’s verse on the remix was sick and did not need healing. The chemistry between both rappers on the track was exceptionally interesting. They both understood what they needed a remix to sound like. The remix sounded like a new song entirely.

For dessert, Iceprince served us with a dope video which showed cameo appearances by Don Dorobucci, AKA and his South African family. I especially enjoyed the funny dance steps displayed by the Mavin Boss and Iceprince on set.

In general, N-Word was a gift from Mr Zamani to his fans and lovers of rap music.  It’s been four (4) years after, yet N-word is still a tune for your rap playlist.

How would you rate this tune? What is your favorite throw back tune? We would love to hear from you. 

Feel free to drop comments and suggestions in the box below. Thank you for reading.

Please visit  again!!

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Written By: Slick Michael

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN --by Slick

(image source: hooverlibrary.org)

So I read somewhere today that a popular Nollywood actress from the South-South was appointed as Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Tourism. I just laughed and quizzed myself on the basis for her appointment. Was it because she featured in movies, because she paid eye-service at political rallies, or because she was a regular face at the Calabar carnival?

Deep thoughts huh? I thought so too. Call me whatever you like, but I think Ime Bishop a.k.a Okon Lagos or some other person would have understood the purpose of that kind of office in a state that has more special assistants than secondary schools. If you ask a Nollywood faithful who gave Akwa Ibom exposure in the entertainment scene, he or she would whisper “Iyammi” in your ears. From the movie hits he made, Akwa Ibom was seen in a different light. You don’t know the feeling we get when we hear someone say “That una Calabar guy funny die!”

Secondly, this lady we are talking about is yet to find a balance when it comes to matrimony. Yet I heard that the former Governor ensured that all special servants, sorry Special Assistants under his administration were married. Thus enforcing and instilling in them a sense of responsibility. If person no sabi siddon for toilet, na nyash e go sabi clean? But the Iyammi crooner has shown positive potential in this aspect as he is married with a beautiful daughter to crown it.

Think about it, the only time we see this Aunty is when there’s a state function or Carnival at the end of the year where she would come to show us her new sneakers. Aunty, people like us do not care about that. If you must be an ambassador to a state as beautiful as Akwa Ibom, then availability is important. Stop treating yourself like the eclipse of the sun where we see you once in a very long time.  Uncle Okon is ever available when we need him. All na phone call o. No be to dey beg you for follow back for twitter.

Ime is an Amana Isong (son of the soil), who knows the terrain and crannies of Akwa Ibom. One who knows what needs to be done to win the hearts of people. No formings, raw as he can get. What better person to expose Akwa Ibom to the society at large! Everyone would want to identify with the place that this bundle of laughter and entertainment originates from.

At this point, you are probably wondering who I am referring to. Well, it’s that Aunty whose name translates as Time in English. Yeah! Now you got it.

POPULAR NIGERIAN RAPPERS THAT ROCKED 2015- By Slick

Today, we bring you a comprehensive list of popular Nigerian rap artistes that did well or as the title of this post says rocked the music industry in the year 2015. For purpose of clarity, this list is in NO order of hierarchy and neither is meant to discredit the efforts of other fast budding Nigerian rap artistes. With that in mind, let’s meet our favourite rappers for 2015.

                                       Jude ‘M.I’ Abaga

Chocolate City Boss, Mr Incredible lived up to his name and did incredibly well last year as he dropped an album that contained singles that rocked from the streets to clubs. A good example is the ‘’Bullion Van’’ song on which he featured Runtown on the chorus, Phyno and Storm rex and another titled ‘’Monkey’’ on which he featured popular comedienne Chigurl.  The list is endless. The videos to some of these singles were exceptional particularly because they were directed by big names in the world of cinematography.

                     Lanre ‘Vector Tha Viper’ Ogunmefun

 

V.E.C as he is fondly called my fans across Nigeria did well in the year 2015, particularly with his popular hit single ‘’King Kong’’ which has over two remixes as well as ‘’ Shiga’’ on which he featured On –air personality Toolz . The 31 year old rapper was also an awardee of the just concluded prestigious Headies awards ceremony, where he clinched an award for Lyricist of the Year 2015. By the way King Kong snap backs are currently on sale.

 

                                                         Olamide

 

King Olamide Baddo, the self acclaimed voice of the streets did not disappoint at all in the year 2015 as he kept delivering hits upon hits. Thug music or not, his versatility in the rap game has earned him features in songs by other popular Nigerian artistes and his performances have been above par. In the year 2015, he dropped the popular hit single ‘’Shakiti Bobo’’ where we learnt a new dance move from the YBNL boss. Despite his recent rift with the Mavins Records boss Michael ‘Don Jazzy’ Collins, he also carted away over 5 awards at the Headies awards ceremony. Sweet eh!

 

    Phyno

 

The connect crooner, Chibuzor Nelson was also on hand to deliver in the year 2015. Releasing a hit single towards the end of the year titled ‘Connect’. Currently signed to Sput Net, Phyno has also been featured in several songs by other musicians in the Nigerian entertainment scene. Congrats to the indigenous rapper.

 

                                                                       Iceprince Zamani

Okay, arrange yourself for the boss. Iceprince who has suddenly found a knack for singing also impressed in 2015, with collaborations featuring South African artistes and others around Africa. He dropped a classic party jam titled ‘’Boss’’ featuring Tekno on the production. The delivery of this song was off the hook.

                                                     Lil Kesh

Another Indigenous rapper signed to the YBNL Nation record label that rocked 2015 was Lil Kesh. Nominated for the Next Rated Category at the 2015 Headies, he dropped the popular hit singles ‘‘Efejoku’’ and ‘‘Is it Because’’. These singes have individually done well are currently on rotation in radio stations as well as in the clubs. I can imagine how many Loudspeakers have banged these tunes endlessly.

                                                 Falz Tha Bad Guy

Yipee! Falz made the list of rappers that rocked the scene in 2015. The only rapper that raps and talks in a funny Yoruba accent dropped hit singles like ‘’Karishika’’, ‘’Time Difference’’ and ‘’Celebrity Girlfriend’’ as well as the release of an album. Though a new comer into the scene, one can say that he has only just begun. Congrats Falz.

 

                                                          Ycee

Rookie of the year Ycee also made a name in the year 2015, with his hit single titled ‘Jagaban’. Research showed that the word Jagaban was dubbed from the statutory title of the Ambassador for music and arts, Senator Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The Jagaban song also has a remixed version featuring Olamide.

 

So there you have it; our list of popular Nigerian rappers that made us jumpy in 2015. 2016 has only just begun and new joints are beginning to roll in. Get ready for some action!!

Feel free to comment and share your own list with us. Its Gistcreek baby!!