ALBUM REVIEW: KINFXLK
The Kinfxlk movement didn’t happen overnight. You can tell there was a vision and this was all part of the plan.
Abuja has been home to the recent resurgence of rap in Nigeria through the subgenre known as ‘Afro-drill’ or ‘+234 Drill’. This subgenre is based on the Chicago drill culture from the early 2010s pioneered by Chief Keef. Once the drill movement had a firm foundation, it began to cross borders and touched base in UK and most recently in Africa.
A lot of accolades have to be given to the Apex Village movement, founded by one of the new school leaders of the rap genre; Psycho YP. He was one of the early adopters of this sound, which led to the formation of Apex Village, formerly and presently home to some of Abuja’s most renowned hip-hop acts in Nigeria, Ayuu, Zilla Oaks, Kuddi is Dead, Marv OTM, AarTheUnruly, Pablo Herbs, Laime, and singers; Azanti and the recently announced Uloko.
THE KINFXLK MOVEMENT
The Kinfxlk movement didn’t happen overnight. You can tell there was a vision and this was all part of the plan dating back to 2021 when their debut project was first teased by Tomi Obanure, the Abuja-based pioneer of this movement who is one of the faces of the new era of rap in Nigeria. Despite his catalog still being in the works, it is evident that he prioritizes quality over quantity.
The Kinfxlk label has assembled some of the most talented acts Nigeria has to offer. The record label is home to rappers; Nvthy, KVV, and their very own star boy; Lobi, the versatile singer with a voice that can steal your girl with a simple throat-clear. And of course, with Tomi Obanure at the forefront.
THE KINFXLK ERA IS HERE
They ask me “why did I take so long?”. If you really kept tabs you would’ve known I was plotting.
– KVV on C-REP
After meticulously planning and working behind the scenes. The label dropped their self-titled debut album; Kinfxlk. And apart from the usual suspects; Tomi Obanure, KVV, Nvthy, and Lobi, the album also features a host of talents credited on the project from producers; JiggyYb, Irigo, and Osaze to guest verses from labels mates and affiliates; Array, Infinit Amu, Beetrus, and Sowa.
The content rollout of this project is simply wicked.
Before we unwrap the goods, we have to say that the creative direction of this project is second to none. Everything about it is intentional from the singles; Flatline and Kinfxlk Party to the smallest of details such as the aspect ratio of the rollout clips, all the way to the album art crafted by the renowned Anthony Azekwoh who put in work to bring life to Tomi and Nvthy‘s vision. There are also visuals that put a face to the artist while outlining their credits and contributions. The execution of the creative direction is further proof that content is currency. The rollout of this project is simply “wicked”.
“I need my money pronto, no residuals, kill em of beats, lyrics and the visuals”
– Tomi Obanure on Ceo Flow
KINFXLK ALBUM – UNWRAPPING THE GOODS
A compilation album is one of the hardest projects to execute because there are so many creative inputs from all corners. Finding the right balance is essential to realizing the vision. The Kinfxlk album balances its rap core with a mix of Afro-swing and R&B perfectly. Which in turn elevates its dynamism and cohesiveness.
The non-rap songs find that sweet spot and are essentially the reason for not needing to don your ski mask and Black Airforce 1s, wishing a brethren would.
The Jagged Edge sample used in the first track of the project, Kinfxlk party, takes you back to simpler times when Fabulous, Ja Rule, Jaheim, Tamia, etc dominated the airwaves in the early 2000s, while the house music-influenced DMPA (Dance My Pain Away) narrates a tale of heartbreak and finding a means to cope with it.
DTF is no child’s play… Literally. It thrives on traditional R&B elements in terms of the theme and subject matter as well as the production. The song is definitely rated R and undoubtedly toxic too. Reminiscent of Gabzy’s debut project; Malone.
“Though this isn’t love, Imma make you mine”
Sowa on DTF
Sowa‘s verse on DTF is porn poetry, he paints erotic pictures of his escapades with his sneaky link using clever wordplay and metaphors. Lobi on the other hand, sings soothingly on the hook as he tries to put his own sneaky link to bed.
THE RAP SIDE OF THINGS
The core of this compilation album is rap, and this is evident when the rappers take center stage on Flatline, War, CEO Flow, and Last Supper. All the verses are potent, each rapper shines with their distinctive style as seen in Nvthy’s verse where he switches between cadences while floating on the beat on CEO Flow. Tomi‘s verses are assuredly delivered, and you can just tell he’s at the helm of things from his braggadocious bars.
KVV‘s persona sells him as a proper roadman who is ready for all the smoke from his oppositions (opps). His trademark adlib “BULLET” is the reason why you would consider the ski masks and Air Force 1s in the first place.
Beetrus, Array, and Infinit Amu all deliver memorable verses on C-Rep, War, and Last Supper respectively. Every single artist on this project understood the vision and all had their imprint on this album from the production to the verses and songwriting as a whole. Not a single bar is wasted.
VERDICT
The Kinfxlk album expertly strikes a balance between its two main components—rap and a blend of R&B and Afro-swing which clearly enhances the album’s dynamism and cohesiveness. Everything about the project is intentional, from the rollout to the guest verses and the well-executed creative direction which is a testament to the hard work that was put in behind the scenes to make this a reality.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The Rap genre is undeniably regaining popularity in Nigeria, and Abuja is now to the hip-hop culture what New York was in the 1990s. Although Apex Village may have pioneered the resurgence, the Kinfxlk movement is looking potent enough to stake a very big claim.
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