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Album Review: A Critical Look at M.I.'s Talk About It

Written by UgoDre Obi-Chukwu

Sunday, 26 April 2009

I picked up this CD on the backdrop of a strong recomendation from my junior cousin. His impression is that we may have found the "messiah" for hiphop in Nigeria. I guess a lot of guys share the same feeling even though I believe rather than a messiah hiphop needs a leader a steady captain of the ship (even though I feel Mode 9 is currently stiring). So is M.I "M"essiah "I"ndeed??? We wait and see.

1. An outrageous Intro
The Intro is befitting of a much anticipated album. The level of expectation is demonstrated as the President (of Nigeria?) is notified of its arrival. A creative prologue that is supposed to sound comedic yet displays seriousness.

2. Anoti
“Anoti” introduces M.I as a brand new MC with a brand new flow that can move the crowd seamlessly and ever confidently. I like the way he uses adjectives to define his name and character. The delivery is masterful and makes good use of the beats. A quintessential Naija Hip hop anthem!!

3. L.Boogie
A PR stunt? Well sounds like a vote of confidence from the perspective L. Boogie. Don’t know what to make of it considering that I’ve just assessed 1 track. The background beat kinda makes you take him seriously.

4. Short Blackboy
For about a minute I thought I had heard this track before and then I remembered it sounded like Mims “this is why I’m hot”. Ironically he claims people think “he flow like Jigga but sounds like Nas” and then” Nigeria’s Kanye West........” Someone is confused here!! He sounds more like Mims, T.I or Lil Wayne. Kinda, close to the latter. The beat is off course similar to what the American south dishes out now and may be appealing to the younger generation of Hip hop followers. For Gents like us this cuts no ice and is easily lost in the abyss of hip hop mediocrity.

5. Teaser
A medley of hip hop and Raga is always a good match provide the acts are up to it. In this track they sure are!!! A Dance song that will make you bop to the beats anytime. The flow is silky and will definitely make dem girls quiver.

6. Talk About it
Don’t want to dwell on the guy who made the intro as he sounded like a wannabe!! “....well dis time around your not ganna listen to the lyrics of the song, you ganna....”. This must be nusery rhyme at its best. The chorus is a turn off and smacks of a puerile display. A supposedly politically conscious song is rendered tepid by an attempt by the producer to create a commercial track. A demonstration of how not to record a title track.

7. Safe
This is why I love Hip hop. This track is simply hip hop at its creative best. On this track he put hip hop on the summit and shows that it’s the only genre of music that can be creatively diverse yet musically focused. M.I demonstrates how an MC is should control the mic as he effortlessly rhymes using the lines and hooks from popular Naija jamz. The flow is heavenly crafted and crispy clear. This one is definitely one for the shelves.

8. Random Guy.....skit
A metaphoric attempt to relate Naija hip hop to scarce drugs

9. Blaze
Another commercially inspired song!!! The flow is once again on point and M.I makes it sound so easy. However, the guest acts were heavily assisted by the beats as their lyrics were no more than average. A club banger? Yes!! One for the classic hip hop collector? No!!

10. Area
Another club banger equally assisted by strong vocals. The song challenges anyone who thinks M.I can’t dominate. Well this is your response!! He announces his arrival in a celebratory and yet humble way. “I’m not saying I’m the best but who’s better”? Apparently he also affirms my earlier remark by saying “I’m the king of the south like T.I”. M.I has gotta realize Lagos is the Westside of Naija and right here he’s gotta contend with Mode 9 and Rugged, who have both shown what they got. Both Mode and Rugged won’t loose a single sleep for this track. Once again another song destined for the abyss of mediocrity, a one- time wonder!!

11. Fast Money
Whatever message this track portends to propagate is probably ruined by lacklustre vocals on the intro. M.I seems to prefer vocal intro’s before he starts rapping. One too many dawg!! The song attempts to tell a story of a typical material girl in Lagos who ably differentiates riches from an entertainer to that of a business mogul. And he explains that by comparing Jim Iykes fame and riches to that of Dangote. A lukewarm delivery thats way below average to me. The beat is horrible and can’t make it beyond our shores. Olu maintain will probably do a better job at this.

12. Skit –
No comment!!

13. Money
This is getting monotonous and a victim of commercial appeal. The tempo of the album has suddenly dropped and beginning to feel like I’m reviewing Olu Maintain!! The beat is smooth and very well produced, as it makes good use of musical instruments notably violins. An insight into the evil and good money brings to man. A slightly above average song.

14. Forever
This track officially rubber stamped this album as a commercially motivated album and as such I will base my final verdict on that. As usual he lets the beat run and vocals flow before rapping. A likable song that will satisfy any appetite craving for commercial hip hop. M.I is officially Naija’s Lil Wayne as this guy sounds pretty good on R n B laded songs.

15. Jehova
A gospel track taken from a hip hop perspective. M.I flows effortlessly and heavenly caresses the mic. The rhymes and flow is silky smooth and perfectly woven around the beats. One of the better tracks on this album, that will make angels rock.

16. Hustle
M.I once again takes control of the beat as he applies his masterful control of his voice and flow to a heavy bass song. It’s noteworthy that this track is without his trademark R n B laden chorus of the past tracks. This is street hop Naija way!!!!

17. Thank You
Listening to this “track” (yes track, cos it was on for over 6 minutes!!!!ve imagined what will happen if he is given a grammy. All the thank you’s would have been better served at the back of the CD as is usually done. The background beat is cool though!!!

18. Crowd Mentality
About time I hear a song that’ll make me press my repeat button over and over again. A glimmer of hope for a hip hop artist almost lost in commercial realm of music. A typical hip hop joint full of verve of tempo. M.I also spits fluently with high vocal intensity that perfectly complements the beat. Once again this track is not overshadowed by any R n B vocals!! This is one for the shelves.

Final Analysis

Often time’s new rappers are embraced and adored when they come up with materials that look well apart not in lyrical content but in commercial appeal. M.I cuts across as one to be loved by the record labels, passive hip hop fans, ladies and the average music lover.
However, for an ardent hip hop follower who adores lyrical content above the lure commercial appeal/benefits the rule is different. Hiphop has shown over the years that commercial success is easily eroded as quickly as its accepted. MC’s like Hammer, Maze, Nelly, Warren G attained huge popularity and commercial success yet they don’t boast of any classic material. Rather hip hop continues to honour legends like KRS 1, Rakim, Ice Cube, NWA, Run D MC, Dr. Dre etc who succeeded in putting hip hop on the map. 2pac, Biggie, Nas and Jay Z will also be remembered for taking hip hop from the back yard to the mainstream of music without compromising lyrical content whether rapping hardcore or over a R n B joint.
This album is flawed not for its flow or production but for its lack of lyrical depth and inclination towards to the ordinary. Obvious flaws are as follows;

1.Lack of a notable line as is required of a classic hip hop material

2.The album lacks street credibility as it doesn’t capture the very essence of hip hop as a genre not for the soft hearted.

3.Too many R N B hooks and choruses. They sometime drown his lyrical content if any!

4.No “F” words used. (Not sure if it’s a flaw but the “F” is an acceptable word in hip hop)
The album highlights are as follows

1.If there is one hip hop album that will break the bank then this is it. M.I has got the potential to make a fortune from style. He has shown the ability to make an R n B song sound even better.

2.His flow is likeable and his lyrics are easy to sing along.

3.No use of curse words that might be appealing to NGO’s seeking a hip hop verse

4.The beats overall is above average and suits his kinda rap.

5. Notable tracks Intro, Anoti,Teaser, Safe, Blaze, Jehova, Hustle, Crowd Mentality
6. Album arrangement is above average

In my humble opinion I rate this album 2 1/2 MICS. The album reminds me of Mazes debut album Harlem World that was full of commercial success but lacking in lyrical depht. A recipe for a potential sophomore failure.

Source: Worst lines ever used on Nigerian songs (A facebook group)

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Comments (15)

	1. Written by dozzy on 27-04-2009 00:05 - Guest
	DOnt listen to who wrote this trash How can u say M.I is average..you just insulted d best 9ja mc who is light years away from mode9 and did u call rugged wannabe man....this album is a classic it grows on me everyday man..dis review deserves a 1/2 mic

	2. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 27-04-2009 14:59 - Guest
	tru this i think this review is one of the most sincere critiques that's ever written by nigerian... i love MI. i heard the alb and didnt score it dat great too. average yes. let's be real and not let the hype run away with our head!

	3. Written by 7 on 03-05-2009 00:12 - Guest
	But why.. What we have here is like what The late great Fela kuti said..Doctor wey wan be capinta.. Na pako..You just used ur personal opinion to call the results abi? No “F” words used. (but the “F” is an acceptable word in hip hop).. where did u get that from. .. guy u really need to close all these hiphop magazines, turn off ur tv and read.. try some books from KRS1 and Dr Eric dyson PHD, for help on hiphop cos u are really far from the truth .. and for ur information.. As an mc, u dont make music ppl wanna hear, but what they NEED to hear..But i guess cats like u the so called "knower" of hiphop only makes matters worst for real cats that are up coming.. as for me, give MI the credit he deserves cos guy.. E no easy to be unique, he stands out from the crowd..7

	4. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 04-05-2009 15:50 - Guest
	Short Black Boy! Will post my own review soon... The boy is good joooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's the future of 9ja Hip Hop... The Incredible Mr.

	5. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 08-05-2009 11:17 - Guest
	MI ROCKS First of all i think your review is ok maybe a litle of but on the average it's Ok. I have the album and i think it's one of the must have's in Naija hip hop. The album is definitely above AVERAGE, so i think your review needs a review.

	6. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 09-05-2009 19:46 - Guest
	Who are you to write a review like this? Humbly criticize because someone can always turn the tables and ask you to make an album for us to judge you. I appreciate critics voice as it does give balance to any discussion. But I do question your assertion to be a true hip hop head with the narrow minded view of hip hop you presented. The whole beauty & creative genius of hip hop is the evolving nature of it. MI's biggest area for growth would be his rhyme scheme. Any true lyricist would recognize that but you missed it? He sticks to a basic ababc model. C'mon Mode9 or Rugged Man have had noteworthy tracks but I haven't heard a buzz over either of their albums? MI is creating a space in a way no other naija rapper before him has done. Right now he needs to be given constructive criticism to improve or all we will have left are D'banj or Olu Maintain. When all talk is said and done, it is reality that will speak the loudest. Let's see what happens after the "One" album drops.

	7. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 14-05-2009 10:48 - Guest
	who's dis writer dude??? @ dozzy, thank u. how can u associate MI with the word average, gimme one Naija mc with an album this MAD!!!. Yes i\'m a chic, n i love Hip-hop but i dont think been commercially acceptable is a crime either. Jay Z\'s my fave but even he is commercial nowadayz, so wat u talking about. this writer just got me pissed, he\'s a butterfly who thinks himself a bird.. he should just stay quiet if he has nothing to say. he\'s mos def narrow-minded. n who says hip-hop ain\'t real without the \'F\' word, in my opinion it takes GREAT n INTELLIGENT MCs to accomplish wat MI did witout the F word, i'd like to see this writer top that.>>>> i'm out.

	8. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 14-05-2009 13:15 - Guest
	learn some spelling Dude, this is soooo wrong. You talk about street credibility. What streets are these? Its high time nigerians stopped speaking of "streets" of which they have no knowledge and showed some real Nigerian influences. If artistes like Nas can draw influences from Afrobeat, why should we be ashamed of sounding Nigerian? You mention that he doesn't swear as though that is supposed to be a bad thing. Since when has swearing equalled good mc-ing. Swearing is not part of the african experience and i believe it is only used to mask a lack of imagination. While I do like Mode 9 as well, I do not really see how he has done anything for the advancement of hip hop in recent years. The point being that, if Nigerians want to listen to American-style rap about phantom streets and racial struggles, then they would rather buy the real American stuff anyways. There has to be a distinguishing factor. Fela was world famous ( i have indian friends who love the guy) not because he sounded like Paul Simon but because he sounded irrefutably Nigerian. It seems to me that the so-called Naija Hip-Hop heads only give their pointless approval to rappers who can sound as western as possible while also selling as little as possible. Artistes like MI are important for the Nigerian scene and to give him 21/2 mics is quite frankly arrogant. While I do agree with Nas that HipHop is dead, all the watered-down drivel being sold by 50 cent and cohort does actually ensure that the public who buy records, continue their love affair with the genre. Thereby, creating a chance for real talent like Lupe and K'naan to come through. You really should think twice before you make silly judgements and you should definitely check the spelling for "recomendation".

	9. Written by rhymstein on 04-07-2009 14:11 - Guest
	learn some spelling you guys hating on this reviewer should shut up.the album is not a classic.its just ok.m.i is average.the reviewr is not using nigeria hip hop level to judge.hiphop is universal.the album lacked lyrical depth.carter 3 is not even a classic.mode and rugged are still better

	10. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 14-07-2009 12:22 - Guest
	Guest The review is a little too sharp and i feel it ain't doing the incredible mister justice besides his lyrics are tight though i agree that mode and rugged are still better.

	11. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 21-07-2009 22:04 - Guest
	HABA!! The reviewer has a point about the commercial nature of the album, and as a listener, he is entitled to as harsh an opinion as he deems fit. But it\'s merely his opinion. This review reads more like a criticism than a critique (and yes, there is a difference). If you\'re listening with the intent to criticize, you will no doubt find the flaws you seek. But if you listen just to enjoy it, you\'ll be surprised at how much more robust your analysis will be. Also, you lose some credibility by the repeated misspelling of Mase (Not Maze). This is a solid album! The fact that it is catchy and supremely entertaining does not in any way diminish it\'s relevance or the poignancy of the M.I\'s messages. Good music is good music. And it\'s a testament to his musicianship that he can take a genre to a different plateau and still maintian a sense of artistic integrity. Listen to it carefully bro. There are enough gems in this album. Or maybe some of the metaphors went over your head. lol No vex!

	12. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 10-09-2009 22:36 - Guest
	r u kiddin me?!!! u r so wrong,who eva u think u r.mi is not average,he is the BEST

	13. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 28-09-2009 01:03 - Guest
	dis reviewer iz CRAP!!! D Guy who did dis review is just a wannabe critique..who knows nufin bout hip hop...he'z just pissed me of nd ruined ma night... without sounding boastful i tink im beta dan ruggedman...mode 9 is good but M.I iz Beta...mode 9 does classic hip hop nd MI does evrithing... @Reviewer(UgoDre Obi-Chukwu)...i know dat it(d review) is ur (not so ) humble but...GET A LIFE...and STOP REVIEWING MUSIC ... Review stuff like Nollywood Movies ...Im out...

	14. Written by blah on 07-10-2009 01:26 - Guest
	dis reviewer iz CRAP!!! oh boy people 4 where i dey stay don dey copy u too much but them no know say u too dey copy others or should we call it karma

	15. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 26-10-2009 16:33 - Guest
	how many naija singers finished universi i think dis reviewer tried but he really heard m.i's songs for criticism or so to speak, to criticise him. the fact is he flows better than any nigerian rapper i've heard.No, u can just try to listen to nigerian songs today and see if they pass any message across rather than the old love affair and these days some hiphop artistes come to tell you they smoke marijuana. does that make any sense.maybe the reviewer should have a rethink and listen to m.i's songs again and feel his style of words

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