ALBUM REVIEW: Reminisce – Baba Hafusa

Artiste – Reminisce
Album – Baba Hafusa
Guest Appearances – Sojay, Sean Tizzle, Phyno, Olamide, Ice Prince, Vector & Sossick
Producers – Jospo, Tyrone, Sossick, Chopstix, KimzBeatz, Young John, D’Tunes & Sarz
Label – Les Roses Rouges/Edge Records (2015)

After the breaking into the music stratosphere with his debut album “Book of Rap Stories”, rising higher and digging deeper with the sophomore “Alaga Ibile”; Reminisce seeks to make a statement with his third studio album titled “Baba Hafusa”.

Did Reminisce take his sound to another plane? No! But he served a strong LP, showcasing his strengths without taking risks and growth without provoking deep emotions. “Baba Hafusa” sees Reminisce in his comfort zone from a lyrical and production view.

Digest our track-to-track review for a deeper insight;

1. Grind feat. Sojay: “Baba Hafusa” album opener is an emotional Tyrone produced street motivation rap-sung featuring the honeyed vocals of ex-Trybe Records tenor Sojay. Now signed to Reminisce`s label, Sojay led majorly by a piano which builds up to a fuller and rich clapping instrumentation sings, “I’ve been grinding all my life yeah so that I can be better/I dey hustle everything wey I dey get yeah/I pray to God so I fit make am out here. The dramatic instrumentation allows Reminsice to convincingly and confidently deliver his “hustle” inspired lyrics in grand style.
2. Baba Hafusa: The album`s title track “Baba Hafusa” is the second track on the LP; it can be described as a sure head bumping and fist pumping celebratory street hip-hop banger.
3. Saida: “Saida” is a definitely a weak link; as “Alaga Ibile” experiments with high-life once again in his discography but this time fails to deliver desired result.
4. Skilashi: Sarz produced “Skilashi” picks up from where the second track “Baba Hafusa” left off. A slightly weaker street banger but is fated to get a party started.
5. Gbamilago feat. Sean Tizzle: The second collaboration of “Baba Hafusa” brightens up the LP`s track-list, as Sean Tizzle joins Reminisce to create a super decent high-life cut with production credited to D`Tunes. “Gbamilago” is infectious, radio friendly and boasts a groovy instrumentation; in summary it is a potential hit.
6. I Need A Girl: Reminisce shows depth and lyrical prowess on “I Need a Girl” as he intelligently raps about an unfaithful spouse. “I Need a Girl” is one of the exceptional tracks on LP but it would have been better he employed the services of Sojay or a seasoned vocalist on the hook instead of pushing his vocals and unpleasing the
7. Olomoge: Another high-life inspired track that falls very far from the tree.
8. Local Rappers feat. Olamide & Phyno: Reminisce enlists Olamide and Phyno for a massive track titled “Local Rappers” that leaves much to be desired. Created to celebrate the astounding success of indigenous hip-hop in the Nigerian music scene, “Local Rappers” features a mammoth-sized beat and hook produced by Tyrone but the trio fails woefully to deliver an iconic piece as expected.
9. Tesojue: Reminisce shows his dirty side on “Tesojue”, the hit lead single of the album. On the attention-demanding track, the self-acclaimed layon brags about his love-making skills to impress his love interest.
10. Alagbara feat. Sossick: Assisted by Sossick on the production side and with an enchanting hook, Reminisce takes us to the religious realm on “Alagbara”. Reminisce reminisces and acknowledges the unending nature of God`s blessing.
11. Otiya: Finally a decent solo high-life number on “Baba Hafusa”.
12. Kokoshi: Decent filler about the ladies to satisfy his core fans.
13. Busayo ft. Ice Prince: Ice Prince brings the “Fire of Zamani” as he couples up with the host to deliver a banging heavy rap number titled “Busayo”. The duo exchange bars, doing it for the ladies at the same gliding on the Young John crafted beat.
14. Nothing feat. Sojay & Vector: Sojay makes a second appearance on “Baba Hafusa” alongside Vector on the mid-tempo “Nothing”. The Sarz production ensures that the trio shines.
15. Outro: The beat of the closing number is sick. Nonetheless Remi closes the LP as he thanks the fans, gives Sojay a shout-out and tells the listener to expect his fourth album soon.
16. Let It Be Known feat. Sojay: A stellar cut with Sojay found at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Reviewed by Ogaga Sakpaide @Ogagus

Ogaga Sakpaide is a music enthusiast and digital public relations expert.