EP Review: Khaid is a Work in Progress on Diversity
Emo-trap meets afrobeats on the Nigerian newcomer’s debut project.
In late January 2022, 17-year-old Khaid burst onto the music scene with his debut single “With You.” The song, co-produced by renowned Nigerian music producer Ozedikus and Z3NA, is a memorable love tune Khaid sweetens with melodious singing and rap-influenced flows. He revealed to Culture Custodian that the song came from his experience with a mechanic colleague who was tired of his relationship but refused to let go of the girl. Since its release, “With You” has amassed more than two million streams worldwide.
Khaid, real name Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon, grew up in a family of ten in the Ojo area of Lagos State. When he turned 13, the singer and rapper made freestyles that he put out on his Instagram. His talent captured the attention of popular Nigerian Instagram skit maker Sydney Talker who invited Khaid to his house and signed him that same day to his newly formed record label Neville Records. In an interview with Cool FM, Khaid said it was Sydney Talker who gave him his stage name. (Sydney Talker also gets songwriting credits on Diversity.)
On his debut six-track EP Diversity, Khaid seeks to display his range, which he has confirmed in interviews comes from both Nigerian and American influences: Ayinde Barrister, Fela, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Polo G, NBA YoungBoy, Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion. On the project’s second single “SKI,” Khaid brings his emo-trap leaning to the fore. Over the thumping beat co-produced by Mage and Adelso, he rap-sings about his pre-fame days of squabbles with his mother (over homies she termed “bad friends”), skipping classes in favour of spending time making music and seeking the attention of a love interest.
Khaid unveils his street credibility on “Akpako.” Akpako is a Nigerian slang that means a person bred in and used to the rough terrain of street life. Khaid shoutouts his friends; he reveals they are always by his side to lend their support to his music or their might in fights. “I be confirm akpako/If you ever see me make you kako,” he sings. Ozedikus, who also began music production in Ojo, evokes an earthy feel on “Akpako” with his percussion-and-drums beat.
On the emo-trap “Blessed,” Khaid doesn’t entertain negativity as he warns haters to stay away from him. “Bad guys in my way tryna take my vibe hmm, hmm/But God love me he said he will never leave my side,” he raps. As if to reiterate the seriousness of his threat to his enemies, he goes further by rapping, “I got my Glock and my strap so stay behind/We pulled off in a fast car boom boom boom you die.”
Nigerian music producers BiggieJazzy and Yung Willis steer Khaid in the direction of amapiano—a sonic detour from the largely afro-pop and emo-trap terrain of the project—on “Fire.” On the party tune, Khaid admires the anatomy of a female lover. Here, he shows he can blend into the local Nigerian music scene of vibes and ‘lamba.’
Khaid returns to emo-trap on “Bad Man.” Over Czech music producer Andyr’s production, he raps about his newfound luxury, reeling off about Mercedes-Benz trucks, Lamborghinis and Rolex wristwatches. He also takes shots at detractors and announces his desire to win a Grammy. He is sure of his superstar status and basks in it.
When Culture Custodian asked Khaid if he had any reservations about penning a deal with a nascent record label helmed by a comedian, he answered in the affirmative. “I was definitely nervous!” he said. “Living with him [Sydney Talker] and seeing the plan that he had for me and the EP increased my belief. He’s a very intelligent person. If you saw his plans, you would definitely believe that everything will work out.”
Diversity is both Khaid and Neville Records’ first child. As evidenced by the music, it seems to be the start of good things for both parties.
Go HERE to stream Diversity.
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Didn't even know Sidney Talker owned a record label! Thanks for sharing Uzo