With a career spanning more than fifteen years, rap legend Sarkodie is the epitome of longevity and creativity. On his tenth album, he stakes his claim as one of the best rappers on the continent, the legend is only getting better with time.
Confetti
An aptly titled song, Confetti feels like a celebratory statement. Sarkodie is Africa’s most decorated rapper and frankly, one of its musical legends. On this track, he addresses his doubters while simultaneously asserting his legendary status. Telling rappers dissing him to stay away from drugs and lines like “Did everything alone / never took a deal” further cements his towering legacy. Short and provocative, this is a good intro.
6.5/10
Brag
Very few rappers are as revered as Sarkodie, and on Brag he proves why he deserves that spot. Diverse rhyme schemes, next level wordplay, and a trademark pin-point delivery, all characterize this dark Hip-hop instrumental. Validating his lengthy run as one of the top emcees on the continent, he declares that his “biggest competition is Kendrick and Cole”. With more than a decade and half of active music activity, Sarkodie’s ability arguably gets better with time, and “Brag” is proof.
7.5/10
X (with Joey B)
Ghanian singer and frequent collaborator, Joey B, introduces the seventh collaboration between the pair with playful but melodious harmony. “I guess I’m gonna be doing this till i X (die)”, Sarkodie boldly declares, showing his mindset on this song a few lines into his verse. Sporting a flow that’s relentless, the rapper duets perfectly with Joey B, who makes complementary appearances that catches our attention. On this track, the rapper says other rappers are like kids to him and infers that he has to keep going because no one can take his spot. Regardless of what anyone thinks, Sarkodie’s hunger and passion for Hip-hop is undeniable.
7.5/10
Trauma
Trauma is a conscious rap song that sees “The Sark” dissecting societal ills and the struggle men face to become successful. Featuring Ghanaian trap sensation Xlimkid, Sarkodie shows again how talented and versatile he is by skillfully analyzing the subject in a way most rappers can’t pull off. With great bars, good songwriting, slamming production and novel content, both artists drive the message home perfectly.
7/10
Loyalty
Addressing disloyalty in people around him, this a scathing reprimand. On menacing Hip-hop drums, “Africa’s Landlord” (as Sarkodie is fondly called) addresses one of the elephants in the room. Speaking on entitlement and the importance of genuine bonds, the rapper once again manages to make a really good song while being consciously inclined. The genius of Sarkodie is his ability to pass a message and make it enjoyable, a rarity.
7/10
Blessed (with Beeztrap Kotm)
On the last song on his mixtape, Sarkodie recruits Ghanaian singer and songwriter Beeztrap Kotm, to take us to church. A praise filled song that acknowledges the role of God in the success of both artists, the listener can get carried away in this groovy rap song. Both artists find perfect symmetry on this, leaving us impressed. There is literally no bad song on this project and the quality has been consistent. King Sark has done it again.
7.5/10
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