If you don’t like Erigga for his profane outbursts and obscenity when rapping, his latest album – The Erigma II is definitely not for you.
On his 2017 album – A Trip To The South, the south-south rap god tried to refine his sound a bit. On this new album, Erigga goes back to his crude and grimy style.
If you ever thought Erigga is the best storyteller in the Nigerian rap scene, this album; a sequel to his 2012 debut (The Erigma) may have just turned your thoughts into facts. Only a few Nigerian rappers can tell more authentic stories on this scale.
On the intro track of the album, Welcome To Warri raps about the city that made him, his childhood and travails.
“Wetin concern signboard and who day sell weed man? Dry bread and sardine plus igbe* Fanta na im we dry chop after we don smoke for downtown,” Erigga raps.
Igbe Fanta refers to a bottle of Fanta offered up as a sacrifice on the road.
Area To The World features his former protege, Victor AD and starts off with Erigga rapping about what will possibly happen if he dies right now. The celebratory tune of their current status is characterized by them juxtaposing the past and what the future holds.
On the third track of the album, Alleluyah Boyz Entertainment singer, Oga Network delivers a brilliant chorus as they join forces to mock those who criticize Erigga’s style. Definitely the most obscene song on the project, even the title advises you to go the Next Track. “Ashawo die, toto rest … wetin I wan talk way Snoop never talk before?” Erigga wonders as he raps away. Watch out for Oga Network guys.
With the right video and push, Two Criminals featuring rave of the moment, Zlatan might become the most commercially successful single off the album. This one is a potential street banger from the original bad men.
“But you know got a wifey. What do these bitches want from a nigga?”. Magnito and Sipi join Erigga in asking an important question on Home breaker. This song is a perfect anthem for the league of side chicks. It will be great to have more Magnito and Erigga collaborations in the future. Their synergy on this one is admirable.
Once more, Erigga puts on some very good singers on this project. Graham D and Sami particularly seem well poised for massive success in the near future.
On Oyo, Graham D steals the show. “OYO! This life is personal, everybody dem dey run their race, OYO. You are on your own if you no get anything wey be your own. OYO!”. Not even the verses from Erigga and Vector could dim his shine.
Yungzee Onos joins Erigga to remake Mike Okri’s 1988 hit, Ayeme and they do justice to the song as Erigga celebrates his lover who stood by him from the days when he had nothing and was nobody. Hopefully, the song was properly cleared and won’t lead to any social media drama or legal tussles.
Without the song credits, you may think Mavin Records star, Rema is the one who took the chorus on Head Pan. The song urges the listener to focus on only their business and what pays them. Powerful chorus by Prinx Emmanuel to complement some stellar verses from Erigga.
The title track off the album features M.I Abaga and Sami. “No insult but Erigga and M.I na GOATs,” Erigga proclaims greatness. Time will tell if this collaboration between the two rap pugilists meets the expectation of their fans.
On Hookups Only, Erigga raps about commercial sex workers, drugs and unfaithfulness in relationships. “Smoke loud, use Jehovah Witness dem catch cruise… DM girls wey dey shake pussy for IG. Lagos own too dey cost, order from IB. 30k for short rest, 70 till dawn,” Erigga advises. Once again, Sami delivers a perfect chorus.
Cold Weather should be rated 18+ or ‘Couples Only’. A perfect song whenever the weather is perfect for two consenting adults.
“Half my squad don kpoof, the rest dey prison”. On Victims featuring Funkcleff, Erigga pays homage to his comrades who he has lost to the struggle for success, fraud, police brutality and gang-wars. Quite an emotional song especially if you have friends or family members who have been victims of the ‘street’.
In this age of short-attention-span, it seems almost impossible to keep fans listening to an 18-track long album but here’s a solid and credible attempt by Erigga Paperboi. Depending on your realities, here’s an album you can listen to without skipping a track.
This album gives multiple references to the gossip blog, Instablog9ja. On at least four tracks, Erigga mentioned the notorious platform.
Erigga has definitely come of age for a while now. He might not be recognized as a heavyweight champion across the nation but he will always be an integral part of the Nigerian Hip-Hop scene.
This Is Not Even A Review!
Duration: 1 hour, 4 minutes
Features: Dr. Barz, Funkcleff, Graham D, Iceprince, Magnito, M.I, Oga Network, Prinx Emmanuel, Sami, Shuunbebe, Sipi, Vector, Victor AD, Yungzee Onos, Zlatan
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