Author: irlessin
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Reviews by A&K
In this episode of reviews by A&K — brought to you by Kate & Iriana — we’ll be breaking down our opinions of Ghanaian artist KiddBlack’s recent album, For What It’s Worth (hint: it’s not worth a whole lot). We cover topics from toxic masculinity to fatphobia to religion so stay tuned for some serious
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ENNY’s Incredible Use of Subtle Messaging Through “Same Old”
In just three minutes, ENNY, a British rapper of Nigerian descent, covers toxic relationships, systemic racism, gentrification and mass incarceration through her new single “Same Old”. The song is upbeat and has a catchy melody, so it is easy to overlook all the emotions and meaning which ENNY creatively weaves into the lyrics. Personally, I
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Freda Rhymz’s Reclamation of the Female Ghanaian Identity
Freda Rhymz is the epitome of intersectionality as she has found her on niche in Ghanaian hip-hop — fusing Afrobeats with hip-hop, hiplife and highlife. She also lifts up the diversity within Ghanaian identity by including bits of Twi, Pidgin and English into her lyrics. To a western audience, Freda’s song “KMT” coupled with her
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KiddBlack’s TAke on the ghanaian experience as shown through “loaded weapons”
As a hip-hop artist from Accra, Ghana, KiddBlack expresses the sentiment of struggling to merely get by and stay alive through his single, “Loaded Weapons”. KiddBlack most likely recorded this song to reach an audience of other individuals that fail to make enough money to meet their basic needs. He writes in the song’s chorus
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Sarkodie, “The Masses”, 2015
Sarkodie’s lyrical hymn, “The Masses” captures the need for Ghanaians to empower themselves through a revolution and find unity in the face of corrupt leadership. The artist’s decision to record his song in Twi was a powerful choice and an act of resistance in itself as indigenous languages are tied to identity. Western imperialists regarded