In ‘Lazarus (The Apparition),’ Oladips finally rises above ‘death’

A yr in the past, budding rapper Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, popularly generally known as Oladips, was falsely declared lifeless by his administration on his private Instagram web page.

The assertion saying the rapper’s demise steered that he has been battling with an unspoken ailment for the previous two years.

Nevertheless, a day after the announcement, Oladips posted a video on his Instagram story on the identical deal with. Within the video, he vibed to a tune from his new album, ‘Superhero Adugbo.’

Captioning the video, he wrote, “Proof of life”, an obvious contradiction to the obituary publish that had been deleted. He would later apologise to Nigerians for the viral declare about his demise, saying the announcement was not a publicity stunt to advertise the newly launched album, as many had alleged. It got here on the heels of the Nigerian music business mourning Mohbad’s loss, amplifying the shock.

Regardless of his apology, the episode sparked debates over clout-chasing and divided followers.

Whereas all which may be previously, his sophomore album, Lazarus (The Apparition), brings again reminiscences of the ‘demise’ episode.

Lazarus

The 29-year-old rapper has since channelled this expertise into his artistry. His new album, ‘Lazarus (The Apparition),’ borrows closely from the themes of rebirth and resilience. The title references the biblical story of Lazarus, who was raised from the lifeless by Jesus and provides a mystical dimension with the time period “Apparition,” evoking a ghostly, introspective undertone.

Launched throughout all main streaming platforms, the 10-track album was produced by an ensemble of expertise, together with Dre-Kiss, Kasyfire, StephKeyz, and Jayfred. This various manufacturing provides a wide range of sounds to the album, maintaining the listener engaged and .

The album, with its haunting visuals and hanging cowl artwork, is a robust assertion of inventive rebirth, a mirrored image on private struggles, and a critique of those that doubted him. It’s a testomony to Oladips’ resilience and a name to all who face adversity.

Observe Evaluation

Lazarus

The opening monitor units a combative tone. Oladips addresses the controversial rumours surrounding his “demise” with sharp lyrics in Yoruba, Pidgin, and English. He references the tragedy of others falsely accused of clout-chasing and displays on his household’s anguish throughout his hospitalisation.

He raps, “Individuals dey want me, make I die once I was preventing to be stab,” calling out influencers like Daniel Regha, Mbah and Kussman, who, in response to him, used his ordeal for content material. The monitor is a fiery declaration of survival and a call-out to detractors.

Chaos (ft. BhadBoi OML)

A spirited monitor with a mixture of Yoruba and English, Chaos explores themes of self-worth and resilience. Oladips describes himself as a masterpiece regardless of being flawed. The refrain, “I’m primary, no counterfeit,” underscores his confidence. BhadBoi OML provides a dynamic edge, enhancing the monitor’s enchantment.

Blood (ft. Zlatan)

This heartfelt monitor, Blood, celebrates brotherhood. Oladips reminisces in regards to the loyalty of those that stood by him in his most difficult instances. Zlatan’s verse amplifies the monitor’s emotional depth, making a relatable anthem for anybody who values real relationships.

Lazarus Rhythm

Mixing Yoruba storytelling with Amapiano beats, this monitor is each reflective and danceable. Oladips incorporates humour, referencing the viral and humourous CHOSEN testimony in regards to the member who defeated armed robbers in a dream whereas sustaining the tune’s core message of transformation. The repeated refrain, “Oku o ji” (He died and wakened), mirrors his rebirth.

In a video posted by Oladips, the slow-mo dance of the monitor is clean and relative.

Outdated Taker (ft. Dosh Lowkee & Whally)

A philosophical exploration of wealth and success, Outdated Taker warns in opposition to the fleeting nature of materialism. The trio’s interaction creates a wealthy narrative, with Yoruba proverbs like “Ori Ade ko ma pada wa solar ta” (A crown mustn’t return unsold) including cultural resonance.

Reward

A slower monitor reflecting on selflessness, Reward reminds listeners that true fulfilment lies in love and kindness. Oladips sings, “I do it out of affection as a result of I do know my reward is in heaven.” The stripped-down manufacturing enhances the monitor’s reflective tone.

Frequent Floor

In a romantic ballad with a confessional tone, Oladips grapples together with his flaws in a relationship. He sings about searching for reconciliation and acknowledging his errors whereas hoping for a second likelihood. The monitor highlights his versatility past rap.

Disciples Cypher (Vol. 1) (ft. Perspective Rap & Femzy ITF)

This high-energy monitor combines storytelling and camaraderie. Oladips recounts his struggles rising up, emphasising resilience and divine steering. The mantra-like refrain, “Goodness and mercy shall comply with me,” is each a declaration and a prayer.

Osondi Owendi

An Igbo-inspired monitor, Osondi Owendi (One man’s meat is one other’s poison) is reflective and celebratory. Oladips compares his struggles to David and Goliath, asserting his victory over adversity. The rhythm makes it a standout social gathering anthem.

Gbemisoke

Closing the album triumphantly, Gbemisoke (Carry Me) is a tune of gratitude and reward. Oladips sings of his journey from hardship to success, crediting divine intervention for his breakthrough. The upbeat tempo ensures it resonates with listeners as a sworn statement and a celebration.

Themes

Oladips’ Lazarus (The Apparition) is a thematic exploration of ‘survival,’ ‘resilience,’ and ‘rebirth,’ deeply rooted in his private journey and cultural identification. At its core, the album delves into survival in opposition to all odds, with tracks like Lazarus and Reward reflecting his demise expertise and the willpower to beat adversity. Oladips critiques ‘‘societal hypocrisy” and the exploitative nature of fame, particularly in Lazarus, the place he calls out influencers and people who used his ordeal for clout. Brotherhood and loyalty additionally take centre stage in songs like Blood, which rejoice “real relationships” and unwavering assist throughout troublesome instances.

The album’s title and content material echo themes of redemption and rebirth, likening Oladips’ comeback to the biblical story of Lazarus. Tracks like Gbemisoke and Lazarus Rhythm emphasise his transformation and resurgence. Love and reflection function prominently in Frequent Floor, the place Oladips bears his “‘vulnerability” and explores the complexities of relationships, searching for redemption and reconciliation.

Cultural and non secular identification are woven all through the album, with Yoruba proverbs, Igbo influences, and conventional storytelling enriching his narrative. Religion and divine steering anchor his reflections in Disciples Cypher (Vol. 1). Gratitude and celebration steadiness the album’s introspection, as songs like Gbemisoke convey appreciation for divine intervention. On the identical time, upbeat tracks like Osondi Owendi and Lazarus Rhythm provide moments of pleasure and resilience.

Overview

Lazarus (The Apparition) is a robust album with a couple of permissive flaws. Some tracks really feel disconnected from the central theme of rebirth, which makes the album’s circulate uneven. The manufacturing high quality varies—whereas some songs are polished, others depend on repetitive beats or use amapiano influences, which may really feel predictable.

In some collaborations, too many voices crowd the tracks, making it onerous for any single thought to face out. Whereas genuine, the heavy use of Yoruba and cultural references may strongly restrict the album’s enchantment to non-Yoruba audio system.

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Lastly, the album focuses closely on Oladips’ struggles and grievances. Whereas this provides depth, a bit extra selection in tone and emotion might have made the undertaking extra balanced and interesting to a broader viewers.

Manufacturing-wise, the album is cohesive, with highlights like Lazarus and Blood showcasing top-tier instrumentation. The options, notably Zlatan and BhadBoi OML, add dynamism with out overshadowing Oladips’ voice.

Verdict

Lazarus (The Apparition) is extra than simply music; it’s an announcement. Oladips transforms his ‘demise’ expertise into artwork, proving his resilience and artistic prowess. Whereas not with out its flaws, Oladips proves his mastery of indigenous rap and storytelling on Lazarus (The Apparition). His means to seamlessly change between Yoruba, English, and Pidgin provides authenticity to his narratives.

Oladips’ “Lazurus (The Apparition)” is rated 5.5/10

You possibly can take heed to the album right here.