Soundz’s “In The Rough” showcases he is the full package [Review]

“Soundz is a genius who is well aware his time has been long coming and is willing to trust the process and bet on himself”

On Wednesday, singer, recording artiste, songwriter and record producer Samuel Idowu Oluwadarasimi aka Soundz shared his debut project in form of an EP, ‘In the Rough‘. The Gen-Z artiste is one of the frontrunners of the new wave of young multi-talented stars taking the country’s music landscape by storm since the turn of the decade.

Samuel Idowu, a music natural, born in 2000 and has been a music head since his early teen years. A vocally-orienter singer and an equally gifted Record producer—Soundz is a born natural. Making his official debut with the Brainee-assisted record “Shakara” but not really hitting off until 2019 where he went all out with 4 singles and a bunch of features. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.

Soundz has collaborated with BNXN fka Buju, Ladipoe, Teni, Ejoya Music, Laycon, Brainee, DJ Latitude, Ykb, Spyro & a lot more. Referring to his Producer side as an alter ego called “Funwon”, his production catalog is even more impressive.

2020 single “Darasimi” pushed Soundz to the surface and the industry was quick to notice the softness that came with his radio-friendly way of making music. Then, self-produced collaboration “Down” with Chop Daily re-introduced Soundz and he was not turning back this time. The time was now.

There is something about musical projects. They show us a different side to a given artiste. A side that we might not have necessarily seen. A relatable side. This is to be said of Soundz’s “In the Rough”.

Soundz how far now. You dey drop jamz, you should be bigger than you are now. What’s going on

— Intro voice recording on “Pressure”

In the Rough is an intentional project. It enables the listener to nosedive into Soundz’ ocean and feel his heartbeat, his concerns.

The self-produced opener, “Pressure” is a feel of where the 21-year old’s state of mind is at the moment. Being in the music game officially for 4 years and unofficially, more. Being an undiscovered diamond in the rough for too long.

Soundz is not letting it get to him. He bets on two things — Himself and God’s timing.

I no know when i go blow, but i get patience so don’t pressure me.

— Soundz on ‘Pressure’

The vocals that come from Soundz are comparable to the feeling of having a deep massage for the first time in years — It is soothing, in every meaning of the word.

A similar tempo range is maintained in the melodious Track 2. Soundz is out and will do anything for the Attention of his potential better half. Funwon’s production skills are badass! He knows what he wants, so he creates it. The beats mix with his vocals as sugar into tea. Soundz warms you into the project in calm mannerism. You could play the first two tracks on a loop forever. But there’s more to come, he’s not playing around.

Time for a higher tempo Soundz. On Faraway and pre-released lead single “Personal”, the Ijebu-born artiste gets you bopping your head faster and get your dancing shoes. Rewardbeatz-produced Personal has already accumulated over a million streams on all platforms, proving to be the perfect lead single.

A fan-favorite since the EP release, He is ready to risk it all as Goner soaks the listener in with catchy but soft Amapiano shakes and drums fused with traditional percussions.

The Outro is one of the most important parts of a body of work. It leaves you with the final impression of the artiste and could render the entire project useless if not scored correctly.

Not Soundz though, Buga is a score and more. The instrumentals of a Funwon production follow a similar pattern, they draw you in right before the vocals kick in. It is Soundz’s production magic touch and it is a beauty. The repetitive soft lead-guitar chords is template for a sax lead before Soundz offers range as his lines contain a fuji undertone. He closes the project on a thankful note with a vote of thanks. In terms of production, Soundz aka Funwon might have saved the best for the last. It is hard to describe, you HAVE to listen for yourself.

Listen to ‘In the Rough’ EP by Soundz.