EP Review: YKB Prepares for Ascension on Before I Blow
The Nigerian singer/songwriter’s strengths—clever writing and a unique voice—are on display.
Earlier this year, YKB delivered a show-stealing hook on “Fall for Me,” off Laycon’s debut album ...Shall We Begin.... The song, while being the singer’s first appearance on the mainstream stage, was evidence that the 26-year-old is no greenhorn: he has been putting in the work for a long time. Born and bred in Lagos, YKB, born Yusuf Oluwo, started his career with the moniker yusufkanbai, releasing singles and fine-tuning his style of afrobeats, R&B, trap and hip-hop. He belonged to Gramfam, a collective that included him, Oxlade and Ojah B. He won Clout Africa’s “The One” competition, was one of the 30 artistes selected for the Mr. Eazi-led emPawa Africa and was featured on Ejoya’s compilation project Class of ‘20, Vol. 1.
YKB’s latest project Before I Blow is a follow-up to his 2020 two-track EP Hear Me Out. The seven-track project, aside from showcasing the singer’s talent, is YKB’s prophecy: this will be his last time as an underground artiste. To “blow,” in Nigerian parlance, means to succeed, to become friends with fame and fortune. “I want to be remembered,” YKB says in the official trailer for the project. “Life is short anyway, so why not create something that outlives us? Why not create a point of reference for the coming generation?” Nigerian record producers Zolo, Godomarr and Finito produce the tracks on Before I Blow, while Timi Jay did the mixing and mastering.
“If you dey sleep on yourself/You got yourself to blame for it,” YKB sings on “Wake Up.” The song, a cover of Spanish artiste and producer Kasito’s “Mujer de la Luna,” is a spirit-rousing ballad about the importance of hard work and shunning lethargy. YKB admonishes both himself and the listener not to sit on their hands. “I need to wake up, yeah/You need to wake up/I know you’re feeling the same,” he sings.
On “One Day,” which features up-and-coming Nigerian singer s3nami, YKB believes that it is only a matter of time before his big wins arrive. “I’m on a mission/It’s only begun/E go reach fruition,” he sings on the dancehall-mixed-with-amapiano-log-drums tune. s3nami hugs the background, providing free-flowing harmonies. She replicates the effort on “Oshofree,” where a fed-up YKB announces that he is no longer interested in getting paid with exposure; now, he wants nothing but the money.
Freestyle-like “Okukupay” is a proper amapiano banger. Here, YKB reiterates the theme of “Oshofree” but also provides a list of things he wants to do with his money: enjoy life by partying with friends. On “Bolatito,” YKB opines that not having money reduces one’s chances of finding love. “You wanna lick her like a chocolate/O boy, you need a better occupation/Omo I see you gat to calculate/She need love and appreciation,” he sings.
On “Practice Patience,” YKB is aware that the success he envisions will arrive in time; all he just needs to do is to be patient and keep working. Finito’s production is a major highlight on the track, with its twinkling guitar strings, heavy bass and horn blasts. On “Vn 2 Demola,” which employs a piano riff from “One Day,” YKB opens up to a friend about him not doing enough with his talent and decides that he is going to put out more music for listeners.
Before I Blow runs on the same lane as Blaqbonez’s Last Time Under, which was the last project the Nigerian rapper released as an underground artiste. YKB has the talent and it is only a matter before his biggest, wildest dreams come to fruition.
Go HERE to stream Before I Blow.
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