When an extensive study is made on artists inspired or forged out of the realities that plagues most of our local environments, their inclination to always speak their reality and delve into the real happenings on our streets is a common theme that will be found amongst a large percentage of those artists being observed. It is not so hard to understand this pattern because it is an experience they witness first hand, and best believe all of it proceeds from a depth of unfiltered emotions within them.
In the case of Slimkidd, his story is really more intriguing, owing to the fact that he’s a core product of two distinct worlds. Born and bred in the streets of Lagos, Slimkidd has been in tune with various kinds of human emotions possible, which has in turn helped elevate his music and made him more sensitive with his art.
Earlier this week, we caught up with the vibrant and versatile act who had a lot to say, and as is the usual fashion, we discussed and charted the journey in their music career till date.
A-T: Let’s get to know more about you, Slimkidd.
SLIMKIDD: My names are Jeffrey Nnadozie. I was the second in a family of five. I grew up in the streets basically because I was a rebel and my dad kinda kicked me out into the streets many times. I learned a lot on the streets, some of which has been useful to me till date.
A-T: Share with us some of your experiences while coming of age.
SLIMKIDD: Growing up was tough, it was okay but it was rough. I grew up with adults while I was really young and I was able to experience the life of people on the streets of Lagos. I was able to experience literally everything that happens on the streets of Lagos. From the clashes to confraternity to the suffering, I saw most of those things unfold in the streets. I can say I basically grew up in the streets. Thankfully, I was able to escape that reality by attending university, so it kind of changed my life.
A-T: What does music mean to you? How did you find it as the way to go?
SLIMKIDD: Music has been my tool to stay focused and my own form personal therapy because it provides me an outlet to speak on my experiences and struggles. I actually engaged in music fully when I got to the university, and I have been hooked since then. I met people who shared similar background like mine and it was just nice to connect with them. Music really became a thing for me in my first year in university. I got signed to a record label, the name of the guy was Manya and was somehow affiliated with Timaya. So that made me feel like it was destiny.
[LISTEN]: Slimkidd – “Sentiments”.
A-T: Tell us, who were your early musical influences?
SLIMKIDD: Growing up, I loved Hip-Hop and that has helped me shapen my music interests till date. I was so in tune with Eminem, M.I, Sisqo, 50 cent and Mode 9. Those were the major ones who I really enjoyed and connected with their music. They are artists whose expressions are mostly without fictions and it is easy to see some of their influences on my music now because I try to keep it real and speak concerning my experiences and those of people around me.
A-T: Which body of works make it to your own list of classic Nigerian Hip-Hop projects?
SLIMKIDD: Oh, it’s a lot actually. But the major ones will be These Buhari Times by Show Dem Camp in 2019, No Guts No Glory by Phyno, Everybody Loves Ice Prince and of course the project which inspired most of us, M.I 2 The Movie.
A-T: How would you describe yourself as an artiste and also your sound?
SLIMKIDD: I will say I’m an artist that converts pain and struggles into music. I’m able to take all of those elements and with melodies convert them into good music. So it’s music from the streets because it’s from life and how I feel.
A-T: How has your experience been since you started the musical journey?
SLIMKIDD: It’s been a roller-coaster. Good, bad and evil then good again. It’s obviously been very good than bad, so that’s why we are still here. It’s been good because I basically get to meet new people, earning favors from those who wish to help and support me, also music expands your mind and it’s growth. However, it is bad because sometimes it causes depression. When your song is not doing good as much as you feel it should. Having put in the efforts and it’s not popping like you projected it to, it really hurts. The journey has not been all smooth sailing, sometimes I have taken breaks off music, but then life becomes empty and I realise making music has a thrill to it.
[READ]: The Review of “Sentiments” by Slimkidd.
A:T: On ‘Sentiments’, what was your plan and direction?
SLIMKIDD: ‘Sentiments‘ is a song I recorded when I was going through a lot. I was thinking about my life and I just thought to record. It captures everything I’ve been through, the decisions I took and how it affected my life for better.
A-T: You dropped your debut EP earlier this year. Tell us about it, did it meet your expectations?
SLIMKIDD: The EP was basically just to offload some songs I recorded. I had recorded so many songs in the process of putting out a project, so I decided to just put out some songs, which were the ones which made the EP, so that you guys could jam to it for a while. I’m actually working on another project, the main one, it is in the process and we are working hard to bring into life as soon as possible. When it comes to expectations, I will say the EP did well because a lot of people listened and infact, kept asking for more.
A-T: Does that mean a full length body of work is around the corner.
SLIMKIDD: Not really. Maybe a surprise EP though.
A-T: Who are the superstars you admire currently in the world?
SLIMKIDD: The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Fireboy DML and Rema.
A-T: Which acts will you like to work with?
SLIMKIDD: The list is endless, but to choose, I’ll pick Blaqbonez, Buju, Tuface, Wizkid, Asa and Chike.
A-T: What message do you want us to relay to your fans?
SLIMKIDD: I want you to know that I’ve been putting in all the work and I can’t wait till the world hears the magic we cooking. Stay tuned for more.
[LISTEN]: Slimkidd – “Sentiments”.
