I don’t quite know who’s behind this album, nor do I know who M.I is or what his real name is (ok, I think I made it out to be Jude from one of his lyrics), or what his story is (I also made out that his parents are evangelists and he’s from Jos) or what his earlier claim to fame is. But I trust that more will unfold as we get to know him better. I’ll do more homework on that later. But he’s literally outta the blue and he’s a smash hit already. His entrance into the crowding Naija music scene reminds me of when Jill Scott first came out with ‘Who’s Jill Scott’ back in 2000 and I remember being in the HMV store on Walnut Street back in Philly with a group of friends pawing the album all over and were literally like “who “is” Jill Scott? And the rest as they say is history. The ENTIRE M.I. album rocks and is a perfect antidote for a ride through maddening Victoria Island traffic with your air-conditioner straining for relevance through the scorching Lagos heat. Turn up the volume in your car and you will find yourself bobbing your head from side to side with people in the car beside you wondering what the heck you’re so happy about. M.I. really does make it all ok, at least for that moment. I know I refer to traffic a lot in my music reviews, but that really is the best time to listen to music as you’re stuck in it and there’s nothing else to do!
His lyrics are political, serious and playful all at the same time. I will continue to say and advocate if I must, that in new Nigeria, the cup of talent runneth over. M.I. along with some of my other favorite Nigerian artistes continues to attest to this. Grab your copy from your nearest ‘streetpreneur’, that’s if they have any left from the slam-fest that is this album all across Nigeria and beyond.
Favorite tracks on repeat:
13. Money (this I literally have on repeat permanently); 15.Jehovah; 16.Hustle; 4.Short Black Boy; 5.Teaser (this is a brilliantly done track with a unique blend of raspy dancehall and hip hop); 6. Talk About It (this track is a real hoot. Listen to the words carefully.)
13. Money (this I literally have on repeat permanently); 15.Jehovah; 16.Hustle; 4.Short Black Boy; 5.Teaser (this is a brilliantly done track with a unique blend of raspy dancehall and hip hop); 6. Talk About It (this track is a real hoot. Listen to the words carefully.)
Saymama gives 5 ***** (out of 5) stars for great effort.
.JPG)
