EP Review: BNXN Is At His Best on Bad Since ‘97
The Nigerian singer reaches new highs on his sophomore project.
After rounding off an impressive 2021 with his debut EP Sorry I’m Late, Daniel Benson started his 2022 with a new stage name, adopting BNXN in place of Buju. The Nigerian singer also scored a win, featuring on Pheelz’s hit single “Fineess.” A slew of singles and features followed, most recently British-Ghanaian record producer JAE5’s “Propeller,” which also featured British rapper Dave. For a while, BNXN has teased his sophomore project Bad Since ’97 and, on the day of its release, he resurrected his beef with fellow Nigerian artist Ruger, birthing a clash of words and wins.
The seven-track Bad Since ’97, supported by the Wande-Coal-assisted “Kenkele,” contains works from music producers SAK PASE, DNZL, TobiShyBoy, Juls, Stone, Blaise Beats and Steph. On “Kenkele,” which BNXN revealed in an interview initially belonged to Wande Coal, both artists radiate positivity as they flaunt the stress-free life that is their reality. “I’m living my best life/Nobody can tell me nun’/I’m ruling my life/Make e nobody tell me nun,” Wande Coal sings. He and BNXN, who is one of the younger artists he inspired with his Mo’Hits reign, enjoy great synergy on the track.
First teased in February, the title track is a masterful combination of BNXN’s delivery and SAK PASE and DNZL’s production. In the opening seconds of the song, the tinkling keys give off an alluring effect before it launches into a hard-hitting beat. BNXN oozes confidence as he rips into the song, pounding his chest and stunting over enemies. “Since 17, I’ve been smoking hot like a kettle/Anytime I know it’s less you know, I never settle/Get it running on a track, I deserve a medal/Or maybe some diamonds, shining on my bezel/I dey on my level, man, I’m still a rebel,” he sings. The track represents a new BNXN who has come to terms with his star power.
On “Bad Man Wicked,” BNXN narrates his come-up in the music industry and acknowledges, with a hint of surprise, how far around the world his music has travelled. He also adopts the British vocabulary and, in a show of ingenuity, South London music producer TobiShyBoy supplies trumpet blasts whenever ‘innit’ is mentioned, as though it is an answer to the questions BNXN asks.
BNXN continues his good run with Wizkid on “Many Ways.” British-Ghanaian record producer Juls supplies a delightful medley of drums and guitar chords as BNXN and Wizkid reiterate that they know many ways to please a woman in bed. BNXN sticks to the chorus while leaving Wizkid to handle two verses. On “Modupe,” Olamide links up with BNXN for a thanksgiving session. They ascribe their successes to hard work and the unrelenting grace of God. On Twitter, BNXN revealed that although Olamide didn’t want to do the song at first because he was avoiding “slow songs,” he still came through and laid his verse.
With “In My Mind,” BNXN made his debut on COLORS, which seems to be the new performance platform for many Nigerian artists. The song is a stirring tale about a broken relationship; he addresses a past lover who was only with him because of his fame. “One could have thought you’re a goddess, you’re just Anubis/Here’s who you remind me of, remember Judas/You never cared bout the love, I wish I knew this,” he sings. On Bad Since ’97, it is one of the strongest cuts lyrically.
On “Loose Emotions,” BNXN sounds ecstatic as he cuts off an unwanted lover. “Here’s how you lose emotion, something you should know/I felt comfortable, I noticed, when I’m not with you/And I have to say I’ve opened to someone else but you,” he sings on the chorus. Blaise Beats and Steph mirror BNXN’s feelings as they provide a groovy, dance-worthy melody.
“While I was recording ‘Bad Since ‘97’ I wanted only one thing when I was done, to listen to my last project and be disgusted,” BNXN wrote on Twitter. “I achieved that.” Although Sorry I’m Late is far from a disgusting project, Bad Since ’97 is a major improvement. It is home to a confident, more capable BNXN and the glittering production is a fine addition. It is indicative that the singer is at home in the big league.
Go HERE to stream Bad Since ’97.
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