What do you expect from anyone who was brought up in the confines and daily exposure to Hip-Hop music ? Payper’s inspiration seems to have been laid on a plate for him.
Askipi Tombra — popularly known as Payper Corleone has been a force to reckon with on the local Hip-Hop scene since the mid 2010s; regularly dropping bars on features, creating classic Hip-Hop projects as well as holding Hip-Hop down on the mainstream seas of the country as it goes through an evolving process. Payper Corleone is one of the few Hip-Hop artistes who has not turned their backs on the movement by diversifying to other mainstream sounds in getting the commercial side of things.
Payper Corleone known for his nickname “The Don” is definitely a leader in the Hip-Hop space. With three albums in his catalogue including the Nigerian Hip-Hop classic ‘In Don We Trust‘, his role as one of the top voices in the movement is not in doubt.
‘Fly Talks Only‘ is his fourth album and it seems like a long time since we got the last album. The album which takes cues from similar sonics like Grime and Trap on “Dior n Gucci“, and ‘Ashluxe‘ respectively. Payper also widened his sonic pallets to Pop and R&B soundscapes. He worked with a range of artistes including Moelogo, the legendary Ghetto P and yes, he got the “important” Psycho YP feature that is essential to every Hip-Hop albums in recent times. These artistes helped shape his sonically well rounded album.
Track-by-track Analysis of FLY TALK ONLY
The intro as expected is an undiluted and hard-core rap song. Having a similar title with the album, you would expect it’s the track where Payper flexes his rapping ability and shows off why he was nominated in the ‘Lyricist on the roll” category at the Headies Award. Payper reiterates that he is one of the best on the Hip-Hop scene. He says confidently at some point “ I’m all you apsired to be, don’t talk to me about work, you are retired to me“. This song is the proper introduction to the journey the listener is about to embark on.
“Dior n Gucci” eases the tempo from the intro. This is easily one of the most special songs off the album because the Drill elements makes it an instant bop. ‘ILWTW ( In Love With The Woo)‘ with Psycho YP also borrows from the Drill sound. On both collaborations, the artists complement each other perfectly, they are on the same wavelength with similar purpose in mind —to make you feel am. Although, Payper arguably stands out on both songs because it his project. He would not afford to be bodied on his own songs. ‘She Rocks‘ is a further delve into Grime sound. Payper and 7th Wonda got on well from the onset. The perfect exchange of short verses was perfect; no drop off in energy.
‘For Your Love‘ and ‘Sunmo Mi‘ features interesting hooks and chorus from the vivacious Quiries and hugely talented Moelogo. Payper added sauce to the contributions with deliveries worthy of being kept in the museum. Payper’s decision to extend into other sonic grounds and having the right artistes help him do that is an excellent pull off. Credits to popular rapper Alpha Ojini for the top notch production on “Sunmo Mi“. There is a some soulful feeling about these songs which has love as it’s central theme.
‘Ashluxe‘ is a song about the struggles to live a luxurious life. Payper narrated how difficult it was to get himself the life he has always wanted. “I lost everything i had plus my back up / I had my knees to the ground now I’m back up“. Ghetto P also chipped in impressively following the laid down theme by Payper. ‘Mob Wife’ and ‘No Money Just Vibes (NMJV)‘ are impressive additions to the project. Payper continues to show growth relative to his last project.
This is a great album, I wouldn’t expect anything less from “The Don”. It is obvious how much Payper Corleone has developed since his previous project. This is a better and a more composed album with a clear direction in it’s recording process. He knew what he wanted and he executed it perfectly. It was not really surprising to see Payper string a few sonic surprises on some songs. Even more surprising to see he how much he has improved artistically to fit in perfectly on other sounds.
This album is a testament to the fact that Hip-Hop never lost its flavors in Nigeria and its very much still in contention to get back to its peak commercial appeal. It is safe to say he toppled his last body of work. This project would inspire generations to come and might as well easily join the Hip-Hop NG classics.
Listen to ‘Fly Talks Only’ here.
