EP Review: Zamir Turns Lover Boy and Heartbreaker on FLOWERBOI4000
The Nigerian rapper dishes out heady hip-hop.
In the early 2010s, Nigerian hip-hop collective L.O.S (Loud On Sound) was at the height of its powers. The quartet of Tomi Thomas, Yung, Briss B and Bridge dominated airwaves with songs like “Magic” and “Bad Guy P.” Unfortunately, the group’s momentum was halted when their label Storm 360 dissolved in 2013. This forced the group to disband and chase solo careers (Last year, they reunited on the three-track EP Tribe). In 2014, Yung, real name Mobolaji Razaq Ladipo, took on the moniker King Zamir and released his debut solo single “Normal Dubz,” which was accepted by fans.
King Zamir rebranded as simply Zamir and put out his debut album XXIII in 2017. On the project, he showcased an impressive vigour in his rap style as he delivered hard-hitting lines on trap-influenced beats. FLOWERBOI4000, his 10-track debut EP, deepens the rapper’s artistry as a swashbuckling lover boy and party animal. The project lends production credits to Kufre, Avee Keys, Tochi Bedford, Higo & Harry, Trillxoe, JohnWay, GMK and Toye Aru.
FLOWERBOI4000 starts with the chest-thumping banger “A. Iverson,” which features Atlanta-based Nigerian rapper dndSection. The track’s title references former American basketball player Allen Iverson. Over the bouncy instrumental, Zamir and dndSection deliver braggadocious verses about their celebrity lifestyle. “I’m a big dog/Not a pet, fool,” Zamir raps. On “Amnesia,” Zamir’s romantic side shows up as he promises not to forget the moments shared with a lover. Like “A. Iverson,” this song has an infectious beat carved from smooth piano chords and drums.
Nigerian-American singer Mannywellz and Zamir turn on their flirty charm on “FLY.” Both artistes fuse their energies—Zamir’s staccato delivery and Mannywellz smooth, airy vocals—to serenade their love interests. Dubai-born Filipino rapper Seki Supervillain and Nigerian-American rapper Maison2500 are sure their lovers aren’t leaving them on “Nowhere.”
Complications of the romantic kind arise on “LUV HRTS,” which features Odunsi (The Engine). The song tells the story of a woman who loves selflessly even though there are chances she will get hurt. “She told me love hurts/I asked her what part?/She heard I play with hearts/Still wanna love hard,” Odunsi (The Engine) sings. On Zamir’s part, he knows his lover wants him only because of his money but accepts that fact yet prays the relationship lasts.
Nigerian rapper DETO BLACK is a fiery, no-nonsense showstopper on “STAN.” She swaggers through her verse, aware of the power she wields over her man. Zamir is a willing worshipper; he raps about taking his chances and approaching her. On “RI,” Zamir flirts with his love interest and likens her body to that of Barbadian singer Rihanna.
“Pretend,” which features Tay Iwar, is the first detour, sound-wise, on the project. It swings from the customary rap beats and embraces a funk-disco sound. In his verse, Zamir apologizes to a love interest about his emotional unavailability, courtesy of the numerous female admirers in his life. “I wasn’t looking but I found something new,” Tay Iwar sings in a haunting tone that suggests a loss that is bound to happen.
“BAD AF”' returns the project to familiar grounds. Zamir raps of his lover’s sensuality and Nigerian rapper SGaWD keys into that energy, bouncing confidently in her verse as she makes titillating promises. The project’s closer “Ordre Du Jour,” which was released as a single last year, represents another deviation. A French term for order of the day, the song features knocking drums, violin riffs and piano chords; Zamir delivers his lyrics in a blend of English and French. He is in a party mood and ready to enjoy the moment.
FLOWERBOI4000 shows Zamir’s growth as an artiste. Years after L.O.S, he is coming into his own, refining his sound and craft. The project also speaks of Zamir’s great ear for beats that complement his bass vocals and sharp-edged lyrics. For this EP, he deserves his flowers.
Go HERE to stream FLOWERBOI4000.