Xbusta’s “Xuper Xtar Xtatus” is a show of ability to kick things up with the big boys.
Since his debut project in 2020, Xbusta has been showing us the different layers of his musical artistry through his works which has earned him recognition leaving him highly rated. So when he announced a new project, it only came as a form of readiness to actually solidify those claims.
On his debut album ‘Xuper Xtar Xtatus’, a 13-track and half an hour long project, Xbusta explores different life themes across a varying sonic atmospheres.
The project open with the mellow toned and introspective 1 Billi. Filled and brimming with hope, determination and an unrelenting chase for success, Xbusta narrates the gruesome experience he has had while navigating his career to this point and what he aims to achieves which he sums up as the title of the song. For what its worth, it’s an ideal intro into his debut album. Weave begins with an heavy bassline and reverberating underlining chords that serves as the production backdrop.
Weave kicks things up in terms of tempo of the album, Xbusta employs a fantastic rap-singing style through the verses and in the chorus where the theme lies; Xbusta’s aim is to steer clear of anything not beneficial and focused on enjoying good life.
The momentum continues to build up on Vow, a Dancehall inflected track. Suddenly, Xbusta turns into a lover boy making and extending several promises to his lover. “I no go do you hanky panky, you know I am capable like Banky“. Lynox also contributed a soulful and melodic chorus capable of actually winning any lady over if the song is rendered in reality
Oliver Kahn, almost similar with Weave in terms of delivery. Xbusta showed impressive pen game on this track than any of the previous tracks. It’s a solid offering that keeps the music going with a little bit nightlife inspired background additional vocals. Every Girls Boyfriend immediately picks up from where we stopped. A very good song with an interesting story line that immerses the listeners right in the song. It is one of those songs that would definitely standout from the project
Te Quiero, which is in its second installment, now calls upon new verses from multi talented singers Singah and Jaywillz. Just as the title has its roots in Spanish, the song also bears resemblance to Spanish Pop and contains literally all the hallmarks of it. Formerly released independently as a single, the featured artists performed well and were suitable on the track, rarely putting a foot out of place. Jupa draws traditional percussions with dreamy indie keys. It is a solid addition that provides a good breather and keeps things going.
Shower is an RnB song. It is more surprising considering the profile of the artists on the track. From a sonic stand point, it is not difficult to understand the move because it provides a much needed sonic deviation and both artists looked comfortable on this track, going back and forth picking up good pocket spaces in the track. Juice turns things back up tempo with its Amapiano production. It excels in its basic function as a party starter and will definitely have you grooving. Vibez continues a good run of songs. Xbusta lays out more facets to his abilities with a flawless verses filled with a cadence and pen game of a well seasoned rapper.
For Lagos taps in the highlife feels. It blends in seamlessly with the previous track and it is an instant bop. Fxckboy has a similar structure to Weave and Oliver Kahn. The message is relatable, the production is quite simplistic and the delivery is sublime. More Money closes the project. The highlife inspired song taps in Duncan Mighty and Slowdog, the well renowned artists from the east. “I go make more money, pray for more blessings“. Just as the intro was centered on money, the outro continues to solidify the artist’s stance on this aim.
You cannot help but love how Xbusta has presented his debut album to us. Asides the fact that it has been in the works for quite sometimes, it was screaming a well thought out and executed body of work all over it. When an artist decides to release a lengthy piece of work, a lot goes into it and it is very well obvious that much work and intentionality really went in on Xuper Xtar Xtatus.
Barring the fact that it could have benefited from having a little less than thirteen tracks (probably ten to eleven) and some flaws in the A&Rs tracks sequencing, it had a good run out sonically. There are some memorable tracks that will stick with listeners a lot and coupled with their replay values would earn good commercial standing. It is a good album with a handful of good songs to sustain it. It is his first chance and he has done it well. Now he enters rightfully into the Xuper Xtar Xtatus.
[LISTEN]: “Xuper Xtar Xtatus” by Xbusta.
