Beyond music, Blaqbonez has consistently demonstrated versatility, which is reflected in his sonically diverse messaging. On some days, he is a young preacher breaking the yoke of love. On other days, he is a jaded cynic preaching the gospel of sex over love. And once in a while, he walks the runway for Vivienne Westwood. Blaqbonez’s fourth album is a mature release bathed in the ink of a constantly evolving pen game and backed by a carefully curated discography that will stand the test of time when the curtains fall.
Everlasting Taker sees Blaqbonez storm out of the block with claims of being one of one, shunning the allure of quick fame and embracing the process of a long-lasting career. The opening track of this project makes it clear that no matter how long a break Blaqbonez takes, his place in the game remains solidified because he is not a one-trick pony but an artistic innovator with more than just skin in the game. He has his whole heart in it, too. This track also foreshadows tales to come regarding direct shots aimed at certain people.
In some quarters, it is agreed that Blaqbonez has one of the best hip-hop discographies in the country and on the continent. In that breath, the AJ Tracey-assisted Consistency rides on the wave of his offerings to the market being top shelf and how his greatness is not up for debate. Today, tomorrow, and in the future, as long as it comes from Blaq, we should always expect greatness.
For a rap album, this project ticks all the boxes that make the genre so revered. From tight production that never overshadows Blaq’s message to clever wordplay sprinkled across 17 tracks like sonic gems, all backed by a gentle aggressiveness that stands by certain words while damning their consequences.
Standout Tracks:
ACL – Full meaning: anterior cruciate ligament. Some people actively seek out greatness, and others, greatness seeks them out. As far as hip-hop’s legacy in the country is concerned, Blaq has carved his place in the museum of diss tracks. OdumoduBlvck is on the receiving end of this four-minute-long verbal tirade, with the Anti-World Gangstas also catching a direct hit. The mood of this track is like a courtroom of character assassination. From accusations of stream farming to rent-free head living, Odumodu was dissected and put through the blender on this song. Also, from his point of view, it is a salt-in-open-wound moment as this track comes with a catchy hook and easily quotable lyrics. ACL is a brutal sports injury that keeps athletes out of commission for six months to a year. On the flip side, this song is also an open challenge to Odumodu, with Blaq simply saying – in a war of words, you cannot replicate my flows. If you disagree, you are welcome to try and tear your ACL.
Lastly, while others believe track(s) like this put a dent in the culture by fracturing valuable relationships in an industry where the aforementioned is a scarce commodity. My only fear is the possibility of this audio tussle going beyond music and spilling into the street. But in moments of intense conflict, what do we do when bad blood produces good music such as this?
Just Hustlin $$$ – I love this track because it is laid back and also dons the cloak of introspection. The story focuses on a lady “friend” trying to outwork a dying economy using her charms. The other half of this song sees Blaqbonez take on the role of a walking contradiction. On Everlasting Taker, it was “God punish sapa, we rich forever”. However, on Just Hustling, he does his best to avoid unnecessary spending, as he simply claims he is not financially free. Everlasting Taker and Just Hustling share sonic parallels as both tracks unconsciously do a good job of holding the mirror to each other.
Stacks$$$ – A flawless final salvo to end the album. A perfect sayonara. This song rounds up all the gentle chaos over a sixteen-track run by focusing on all he deems important—money, family, and legacy. Barry Jhay’s hook adds extra push to Blaq’s message. Wrapped in ambition and motivation, while shunning the outside noise and the naysayers. The penultimate song of this project is a perfect soundtrack to hustle culture and the never-ending grind.
Honorable Mention – Bizzy Body.
No excuses has the highest of highs, and the low points are barely noticeable. While ACL might garner all the attention, there are gems to be found all over this body of work. If you keep coming back to this project, you are bound to find joy in places you missed on your first listen. Two years ago, Blaqbonez simply said, “Emeka must shine”. This year, he asks us for no excuses, and this project makes none for him. But we can all agree that Emeka did shine.
