EP Review: T.I Blaze Channels Grit and Resilience on Shakur
A blend of themes of money, romance, and escapism.
In 2022, T.I Blaze, born Akintunde Abiodun Timileyin, broke through the Nigerian music scene with a feature from Olamide on “Sometimes (Remix).” Olamide’s endorsement has historically been a career catalyst for artists like Asake, Bella Shmurda, Zlatan, and Portable, and T.I Blaze was no exception. That same year, he debuted his EP, The Fresh Prince Of Lagos, signalling his arrival in the hearts of music lovers. A worthy acolyte of Nigeria’s street pop genre, recognisable for its heartfelt melodies and lyrics that bear the hustler’s spirit of the common Nigerian, T.I Blaze has wasted no time in entrenching his sound with the 2022 album El Major and the 2023 EP Dangerous Wavy Baby.
On his latest release, Shakur, T.I Blaze aligns his gritty storytelling with the enduring legacy of the legendary American rapper Tupac Shakur. “This body of work expresses my resilience, struggle for change and raw emotion never heard before,” he shared on Instagram. The opener, “Mario,” inspired by the Super Mario video game franchise, cleverly juxtaposes life’s challenges with the game’s obstacles. “Many don spit to my face/Dangote money, me dey chase/Many men dey for the lane/Obstacle plenty, e be like Mario game,” he sings, setting the tone for the EP.
Nigerian music producer TBM (The Beat Murderer) helms five of the project’s eight tracks, crafting lush, mellow backdrops that spotlight T.I Blaze’s passionate delivery. On “1000 Thoughts,” T.I Blaze reflects on life’s unpredictability, underscoring the importance of persistence: “Money no be anything, anybody fit to next/22 players for field, anybody fit to net/Isaac Newton law of gravity/Today fit no pure, tomorrow, owo gidi.” On “Beamer,” he has his sights set on the finer things of life as he intertwines aspirations for luxury with the synergy between financial stability and romantic fulfilment.
The thematic focus shifts with “Weed,” an unapologetic stoner’s anthem. Here, T.I Blaze falls at the feet of marijuana, extolling its role as a refuge from life’s pressures— “Smoke some weed, it makes everything better”—while cautioning against misuse: “Ganja brother wey carry inhaler oh, quit.” For T.I Blaze, weed becomes a metaphorical balm, a haven in his narrative.
On “Hope,” the mood is livelier as Blaze and Tml Vibez advocate finding solace in whatever inspires hope, whether it’s weed, money, or a personal sanctuary. The collaboration “Holy Fada,” featuring BhadBoi OML, blends themes of money, romance, and escapism, with OML delivering a standout verse.
Party vibes dominate “Eko,” where vibrant drums and percussion underscore T.I Blaze’s reflections on the highs and lows of Lagos life, including encounters with the NDLEA while seeking relief in a lover’s company. On “Wonder,” he waltzes through Elvin’s Amapiano-inflected production to reflect on music’s hold on him and how it offers the greatest high and is his surest bet. “My jam all over, carry league, unbeaten/If success is forbidden oh/Soh fun Pilate that ‘I’m sinning,’ kowa oh,” he sings, cementing music as his ultimate solace and strength.
T.I Blaze is honest and vulnerable on Shakur. He offers himself no hiding place, leaving his heart open to showcase his fears, desires and triumphs. Shakur resonates with raw emotion that will transcend the streets of Lagos to touch anyone striving to overcome life’s hurdles. This EP is not just music; it’s a testament to resilience and a call to dreamers everywhere.
Go HERE to stream Shakur.
Read More
Album Review: Llona’s Homeless is His Shelter Against Life’s Chaos
EP Review: Taves Wants Your Attention on Are You Listening?
Album Review: Simi Rediscovers Herself on Lost and Found
Album Review: HEIS is Rema’s Blueprint for Afrobeats’ Outliers