Bright Okpocha popularly known as Basketmouth is one of Nigeria’s funniest and most respected comedians. He is also a former rapper. It was therefore a pleasant surprise when he dropped his debut album titled “Yabasi” in 2020. The album which wasn’t highly anticipated shocked a lot of music lovers and critics in the country and went on to become one of the critically acclaimed albums released in 2020.
Two years later, BasketMouth returns with the highly anticipated sophomore album “Horoscopes“ which will serve as the official soundtrack to his movie “Scorpion” scheduled for release later this year.
Did Basket mouth live up to the expectation and critical acclaim of Yabasi? Let’s find out.
ALBUM DETAILS
Producers: DuktorSett
Features: Johnny Drille, Simi, MI Abaga, Buju, Wande Coal, Peruzzi, Reekado Banks, Falz, Oxlade, Cavemen, Efya, Magnito, Flavour, Dremo, Blaqbonez, Tuface, Kwabena, Illbliss.
Song Writers – Basketmouth and Other Featured Artistes
Engineers – Tee-y-mix
Genre – Afropop, RnB, Pop, Afrobeats, DanceHall
Runtime – 41 minutes
Tracks – 9
Label – Baron World Entertainment
1. Love and Life ft. Johnny Drille, Simi & MI Abaga
Johnny Drille and Simi had previously collaborated on one of Johnny’s single titled Halleluyah and the synergy is once again replicated on this Basketmouth song that talks about relationships and infidelity.
Johnny Drille complains about his spouse ill treatment towards him despite his love for her. Simi replies him and states that Johnny (the lover) is insecure and doesn’t trust her. The song mirrors the typical relationship issues of insecurity, trust and infidelity.
MI Abaga brings impeccable vibes and rhymes to the track. He raps as the third party in the relationship, the pain in Johnny and Simi relationship telling his own side of the story.
Love and Life is a track with wonderful production, lyrics and melody that is firmly premised on the evergreen theme of love.
2. Your Body ft. Buju
“Are your really mine, are you real, are you genuine“? These are some of the lines on the stellar track 2 of the Horoscope album. Buju had reached out to work with Basketmouth shortly after his Yabasi album and the result is this delicious track titled “Your Body“.
Buju with his distinct voice sings about the manner in which his lady’s body mesmerizes him and how he is ready to lay down everything to continue to have access to her.
He is surprised at his luck and wonders if this beauty is real.
The track continues on the slow tempo and RnB vibe the Album is oozing. Once again, top notch production from DuktokSett and great lyrics from Buju.
3. Listen ft. Wande Coal
The track here sounds like a freestyle more than anything else. After two years of pursuing the former MoHits Star, Basketmouth finally tracks him down to an Aristokrat Records Studio. Wande reportedly recorded over 10 hooks on the DuktokSett instrumental before Basketmouth and his team decided to settle with “Listen“, the track that eventually makes the project.
Wande Coal once again shows why he is one of Africa’s finest vocalists as he flexes his vocals, telling the listeners to pay attention to what he has to say and listen carefully. The hook which is delivered in Yoruba language is filled with very melodious Adlibs although the lyrics from wandecoal could have been much better.
Fantastic production once again from DuktokSett. This jam here can also serve as a great joint for the clubs.
4. Celowi ft. Peruzzi
Once again, Peruzzi shows that he is one of Africa’s Finest Song Writers and Singers. Celowi oozes Carribean and beach vibes. The singer calls on Nigerian artistes usual female suspect “Dumebi” to whine up her bumper and scatter the dance floor. Peruzzi brings the energy on as he sings “Celoo Celo Wiiii (and other chants) on the well crafted DuktokSett Production. Solid Bop.
5. Money ft. Oxlade and Efya
A personal favourite. After Oxlade appeared on Basketmouth‘s first album with the smash hit “Cant Kill Myself”, Oxlade was once again called upon to replicate his magic and deliver this stellar hook on “Money”.
Oxlade sings and assures the listener that if he mistakenly makes money, people will know who he is, a relatable line to many Nigerians who strive to better their life everyday and make more money.
Oxlade voice is sonorous and the melodies are sick. Ghanaian Superstar, Efya also comes through with a stellar and superb verse that is quite impressive and reminiscent of Nigerian singer, Teni. Efya urges Listeners to be careful with what they do when the money comes and flexes her amazing vocals in unbelievable chemistry with the instrumental.
A very solid track.
6. Trouble ft. 2baba and Blaqbonez
Old School meets new school. Legend, 2baba and New School PR King and Rapper, Blaqbonez jump on this track talking about a club scenario where trouble is about to break out over a young lady. A feel good and comical track about the shenanigans and activities of Nigerian men and ladies.
2baba brings his A-Game and Blaqbonez doesn’t disappoint either as they absolve themselves of all accusations of stealing someone’s babe. Brilliant production once again from DuktokSett and a shift from the predominantly RnB theme of the album as this track is majorly dancehall.
7. Traveller ft. Cavemen and Kwabena
Some Highlife vibe finally. Cavemen are the new faces upholding the contemporary highlife music eco-system in Nigeria and they are supported by Ghanaian act, Kwabena on this highlife jam delivered in Igbo and Ghanaian languages.
Traveler is a proper highlife joint reminiscent of the 1970s highlife music and the oldies would love and put this one on repeat definitely.
8. Leave Me ft. Reekado Banks and Falz
This is music for the Sex Playlists. Reekado Banks delivers very smooth vocals and lyrics as he boasts that his looks and prowess will not allow his lady to leave him for another man. Falz comes in with some comical and sexual connotations like “riding okada” and “getting lost in a pool” etc., that blend in well with reekado’s hook.
The chemistry and production on this track is also very commendable. DuktokSett is really the MVP of this project.
9. Assembly of Gods ft. Cavemen, Falz, Magnito, Illbliss, Flavour & Dremo
Basketmouth had a huge influence on this simple beat. The track is a collaboration between some of Nigeria’s finest MCees and highlife merchants. The track also represents wazobia as Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba lines were delivered on the track.
Despite the simple beat, all artistes were able to deliver properly. Dremo is the star of this track as he sings and raps “I fit no fine o (Phyno) but gbagbe, I am living my life on a highway (a track of Phyno).
Basketmouth closes the album out with an impressive verse to show listeners that he was once a rapper and still got the lyrical dexterity in him.
CONCLUSION
Basketmouth in several interview had stated that he wanted the album to be distinct and critically acclaimed. He knew it was going to be an herculean task especially judging by the reverence and critical acclaim of his debut project “Yabasi” and the comparisons his new project might generate.
It should be stated that Basketmouth did a wonderful job as Artist and Repertoire for this album.
The featured artistes are very impressive and delivered their best although I feel Blaqbonez could have been paired on another song or with another artiste. Overall, it is very impressive work in the AnR aspect.
The track arrangement is also very good especially the intro and closing tracks.
DuktokSett does a very impressive job with the production. The versatility and ingenuity is observed on each track. No production sounds alike and that is very commendable.
The sound engineering is also very great with the exception of Track 2 and 3 with Buju and Wande coal respectively which sounds like it could need a little more mastering.
RATING
Horoscopes is very impressive and seems to tell listeners how the future of Nigerian music will be: meaningful, well curated and lovable music. Simply put, futuristic music is what Basketmouth made on this album.
Horoscopes stands tall on it’s own without unnecessary comparison with Yabasi and is remarkably refreshing to listen to.
A very cohesive album with relatable themes, brilliant production, 8/10 lyrical content and well arranged tracks is a very rare feat in the Nigerian music industry. As such “Horoscopes“ is deserving of every commendation it gets and we can’t wait to see what entails Basketmouth projects in the nearest future.
Album Score : 9/10