BigzIQ has been the one to watch out for since he released hisย debut single, “On Code“, which gained considerable attention on the internet and trended within his core fanbase that were aware of his artistic come up. The song at the time showcased his capability as an artist, as he seamlessly slid on the Drill production which added spices of Afrobeats in it’s components, making for a mouth watering debut.ย
Born Miracle Aina Simileoluwa Isaac, but popularly known by his stage name BigzIQ, he has demonstrated a passion for music, previously seen in his knacks for writing songs since 2018. Now in 2024, he officially launched his music career with the release of his debut single titled “On Code” which thrilled audiences and primed him up for something big as he signed with BIG 10 Records.
In quick fashion, he released his debut project under the same label. A six track EP titled “Ziq Code“, where he brings a unique blend of Afrobeats, Trap, Hip Hop, and Drill to his music. On the project, BigzIQ draws from diverse influences and his brings it all into his own sonic world creating a project that bares out his best artistic attributes.
The project opens with “69” and it begins on a groovy pop soundscape. BigzIQ raps delicately on the party inspired anthem with an exquisite storytelling that carries so much precision in its narration. Although, he is conveying an intense sensual feeling, he did it in the most subtle way opting for simple and tamed means to express it.
GirlyBanty joins in on the soulful “Alive“. She brings a new direction to the track, providing for a much diverse delivery that elevates the track. GirlyBanty colors the song while BigzIQ raps through the punchy but mid tempo beat to complement her melodic hook, raising the energies with the way they exchange easily on their hook and verse.
“Loyal” treads the waters of love. Zadok begins with a melodic declaration of his love with a vocal performance that emits the extent of his feelings and how much he is drowned in it. He sings on how loyal he can be, while subtly admitting he can also get so dissociative easily. BigzIQ on the other hand expresses what he has to offer and what he wants from his love interest making it all curve into one love story that touches all the right parts.
“On Code“, which was earlier mentioned as the lead single to the project, comes on next for the next part of the EP. The Drill record finds BigzIQ showing up his skill with his quick-fire delivery that gets listeners fired and turnt up. The drill production mixed with a little bit of African percussion moves at a fast pace and BigzIQ follows up quickly in same stead talking about his capabilities and making important declarations of his artistic dreams.
“Serious” switches to Trap. BigzIQ maintains his cool demeanor as he delivers his verse. He’s here maintaining that he remains focused on what’s right despite all the mistakes he’s made and the accruing game to his name. “I’m on a mission to be the best” he declares and subsequently goes on to big himself up by praising himself and his abilities. This screams of an act that’s aware of the armor in his arsenal. The reverbed hook gives it an edge and keeps it fresh.
“Identity” closes the project. He switches it back to pure Hip-Hop with a resemblance of the bounce of the early century Hip-Hop records going for much more balance. Despite the production being much more old school, and even more like a freestyle, he delivers with so much hunger and passes the exact message needed, sending shots to other rappers, elevating himself up and putting his abilities on the map to tell his peers of his readiness to go toe to toe with them. He delivers like a seasoned rapper, following each line with a smoother rhyme, and maintaining a strong and unshakable cadence on a bouncy production where he does his best to hold it all down to himself.
“ZiqCode” showcases BigzIQ at his relentless best. Across the six track project, BigzIQ showcased what he is capable of creating when given enough time and resources. In fact, while there are many positives posted by the project, the best of it all is the variety it offers, making sure that no record of the project sounds alike with the other. The aptness of the production to the theme being delivered is also one that clearly gives it an advantage.
The project presents the idea that BigzIQ is an artist with varied sensibilities than regularly showcased by Rap purists. Whether it’s on groovy pop party anthems or to bouncy 90s Hip-Hop production or modern Trap and Grime beats, he manages himself properly and brings out the best in him to deliver appropriately on the varied productions.
“ZiqCode” coming just after his debut single might seem like a stretch, but upon listening, the opinion is already much dissolved. He is raring and ready to go.
[LISTEN]: BigzIQ Shares Debut EP โZiq Codeโ