About the EP
“999” is a nine-track project by Nigerian rapper and singer Olamide, released on February 11, 2020 through YBNL Nation. Running for approximately 30 minutes, the project captures the artist experimenting with different rap styles, production choices and subject matter during an important period in his career.
The tracklist includes “No Time,” “Warlords” featuring Snow, Phyno, Cheque and Rhatti, “Billion Talk” featuring Milly, “Dance With The Devil” featuring Sosa-E and Jackmillz, “Wonma,” “Demons” featuring Jackmillz, “Mojo” featuring JayBoi, “Prophesy” and “Rich & Famous.”
The Sound
999 moves heavily toward hip-hop and trap while still retaining elements of Olamide’s street-rooted Nigerian sound. The production ranges from sparse trap arrangements and heavy drums to melodic passages and more experimental textures.
The project also gives considerable space to emerging artists. Collaborations with Snow, Phyno, Cheque, Rhatti, Sosa-E, Jackmillz, JayBoi and Milly allow Olamide to experiment with different voices and approaches across the nine tracks. “Warlords” provides a multi-artist rap showcase, while “Mojo” and “Dance With The Devil” explore different sides of his street-rap style.
What the EP Is About
The project covers several sides of Olamide’s life and artistic identity. “No Time” reflects his determination to keep pursuing his own path, while “Billion Talk” focuses on ambition, financial success and breaking away from the limitations associated with poverty.
Other songs take a more provocative and street-oriented approach. “Wonma” uses humour and adult themes, while “Demons” and “Dance With The Devil” explore darker and more rebellious subject matter. “Rich & Famous” takes a notably more personal direction, addressing the pressures that come with celebrity, including public expectations and the demands of maintaining a superstar image.
The EP’s experimental nature is also important to its identity. Olamide later explained that he was essentially experimenting and “catching cruise” when he made the project, describing the experience as something that taught him useful lessons for his subsequent music.
Listen on Hitzeer
“999” by Olamide is a compact project that showcases the rapper experimenting with hip-hop, trap, street music and more personal themes. With nine tracks and a variety of collaborators, the EP offers an interesting snapshot of Olamide’s creative direction in 2020.
Stream “999” on Hitzeer and explore the project that preceded his next major chapter, Carpe Diem.
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