Conscious hip-hop that is both as spiritual as it is ‘hip’ is alive and well.
A first listen to NIA’s latest offering ‘Change’ is proof enough.
The Namibia Music Awards multiple award-winning artist has by now perfected his ability to use his voice to churn out positive messages that seek to question the status quo and advocate for change.
The title track to the album is a beautiful and insightful song that talks about the social ills that are destroying the fibre of today’s communities.
“And they are wondering why we lost faith in politicians, promises ain’t met…” he raps in what is probably one of the most lyrically inspired tracks to drop lately. The soothing voice of Monique English provides a perfect touch to the song and the songstress makes the chorus memorable.
NIA teams up once again with English on track three, ‘The Prayer’. Here, the pair deliver a powerful gospel track that is one of the best tracks on the album.
On a faster track, NIA features KK on ‘We Up’ , which is bound to get you on your feet to dance to its catchy tune. He slows down the pace once again on ‘My Everything’ which features the multi-talented Paul Da Prince. This track will take you back in time, giving off Phat Joe vibes, perfectly blending R&B and rap just the way it was done way back.
The rapper is clearly still nostalgic as he gives you track seven, ‘West Side Riding’. This track, just like ‘My Everything’, is heavily infused with American rap culture, not surprising given that NIA spent some time in the US. This is even more evident on track nine, ‘Pour Up’, where the rapper goes full on gangster on a club banger that talks about gun violence and partying hard.
‘Change’ is perfectly mixed and mastered and all the songs on the album sound like they belong on the album.
NIA is an artist who knows what he is doing and all the awards under his belt seem to have given him more ammunition to bring out even better music to cement his place as one of Namibia’s most relevant and relatable lyricists. The album should have come with a parental advisory sticker, given the violent and derogatory nature of the lyrics on some of the songs.
However, this is still a memorable album and a definite must have for anyone who is searching for music that is both meaningful and entertaining.
‘Change’ was recorded, mixed and mastered by Prolifk. The album is available for sale at Antonio Art outlets in Windhoek.
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