TO INVEST OR NOT TO INVEST.....THAT IS THE QUESTION.
The first ever album offering from the self styled ‘Poster Child of Rap Music’ titled ‘The Investment’ has dropped with all the noise, bells and whistles after what was a summer of ‘will She, won’t she?’. I’ve read blogs, reviews and comments that have been quick to label this effort as the best thing since the iPod. I, on the other hand, finished listening to the album feeling a little under-whelmed. This is the strangest review I may ever write as I can’t make up my mind about the album. The album itself oscillates from moments of female braggadocio to almost tender moments. If this album is any indication of Kel’s persona (as she has been known to polarize opinions), it is evident that beneath all that attitude lies a very sensitive young lady.
I give her props for putting out a very solid, decent album for one so young. Also, she more than holds her own lyrically on the album. Suspect puts in a very commendable shift, producing most of the album, 'Love' featuring MI & OC stands out prominently, although I enjoyed the two songs produced by Jesse Jagz. All the people featured on the album came 'correct' and that leads me to the underwhelming aspect of the album.
For a debut album, there are way too many featured artistes, I know a lot of people have commented on this, but that is the truth and because of the quality of the work the featured artistes put in, you start to notice it at the expense of Kel, herself. Too little of Kel shines through in this album, I wouldn’t go as far as to say that she needed all the help on the album to make it work, but putting that many people on the album kinda gives that impression. Also, I get the feeling she barely exerts herself, like she is cruising through the album. I think she has so much more to offer and if she does, with a little more effort and graft, she will become one of the foremost Nigerian MCs and not just a 'Femcee'. The album is not a mind blowing piece of artistry, but a very noble effort from the ‘poster child of rap’.
INTRO
We are reminded as she starts off repeating her verse from Ill Bliss’ U Go Wound O
WAA WA ALRIGHT
The popular, well known single; Good beat, strong delivery, good rhymes, catchy hook. One of those braggadocio songs. Not much to be said about this song as all has actually been said.
NOBODY ELSE FT. SHANK & SUSPECT
An aggressive love song, typifying not a typical lovey-dovey relationship but one based on want. It features a splendid interplay of banter between Shank and Kel. Lyrics are solid. Shank plays the part of the amorous bloke to the hilt. The most surprising thing about this song however, is the hook; A lovely melody, which is superbly and effortlessly delivered by Suspect, who also produced the track.
TURN BY TURN FT. YQ & WIZKID
Tough talking song, it depicts Kel’s struggle from obscurity to the forefront of the Industry. It also shows that she has no intentions to let go of that top spot she now apparently holds. Very catchy hook, YQ delivers two superb verses in his usual quirky manner of delivery, cementing his status as one of the industry’s premier crooners.
BEAUTIFUL LIFE FT. AIQUE
Decent song! Aique has a good voice which goes along with this breezy, laid back, soulful song that teaches us to appreciate life, cherish memories and live life to the fullest, despite whatever problems you may face.
JEUN SOKE
Produced by Jesse Jagz, an all attitude, swagger filled song but subtly delivered by Kel,. The chemistry between Kel and Jagz is wonderful to listen to and this is evident in the other song he produced on the album. Fun song, it is something to bump to in your car and the only song on the album not to feature a guest artiste.
TOO FINE FT. ALAYE & MAYD
Another boy/girl interaction song. Not a big fan of the song though there is nothing wrong with it. MayD does a splendid job on the hook (THIS i love though). As for Alaye, well let’s just say I’m not a fan.
OMO YAPAYASKI FT. DURELLA
Whatever yapayaski means, it must be something good as both of them are proud to call themselves yapayaski. Both Kel and Durella interchange effortlessly on this high energy song. It is just a feel good song and Durella delivers as usual.
LOVE HOUR WITH SOLA THOMPSON
Skit with Rhythm 93.7’s Sola Thompson talking about relationships.
NEED YOU IN MY LFE FT. DAREY & SIX
Darey’s performance on this easy going boy/girl song stands out. Although Six delivers as well, Darey provides an affecting hook that relates how much 'boy needs girl' or 'girl needs boy'. The song talks about a girl playing hard to get which costs her a guy of her dreams. It tells a good story.
BOY MEETS GIRL FT SLK
The name says it all. It is an intimate rap song about the ups and downs in relationships in a story-like fashion. Starts with the good and then moves on to the bad in relationships. SLK’s voice is great.
LOVE FT MI & OC
This is an awesome song that features two great talents. MI dominates this song (unfortunately for Kel but fortunately for us). OC croons the hell out of the song as he pours his heart into the hook. The song talks about a Boy and Girl, reluctant to fall in love after bad experiences but feel a pull towards one another. Somehow, love ensues and they work through the issues when they arise. It happens to be my stand out song on the album.
AREA MAMA SKIT
Skit feat Tosyn Bucknor in her Area Mama persona
MOVE FT ILL BLISS, UCHIE & SUSPECT
First heard this song on the radio and had no idea it was a Kel track, I actually thought she was just featuring. Great beat from suspect and the hook is more than catchy on this solid track. Uchie delivers. Ill Bliss comes through like a monster and Kel, well……………
DIE HUSTLING FT ILL BLISS
Braggadocio on steroids is the best way to describe this song. Ill Bliss tells alaba to go to hell (Brave!!!), hard core track. She more than holds her own. Song talks about the spirit of hustling even when rich.
PUSH FT. NYORE
Not for young ears, definitely a grown up song. A very sexually aware song featuring upcoming reggae star Nyore. Lyrics like ‘Put your fortune in my cookie’ shows she is not above titillating listeners. Funnily enough, I enjoyed the song.
WAA WA ALRIGHT (THE REMIX) FT. ICEPRINCE
Remix to the already popular single. To put this song in one word: ICEPRINCE!!! He was a monster on this song. He completely owned the song. Good remix!
SITTING ON TOP FT WAJE & JESSE JAGZ
Auto-tuned song. Good offering from that man, Jesse Jagz. Waje showcases her fabulous voice and range. Jesse delivers a monstrous verse and at the risk of being owned on another of her own tracks, Kel comes through with a good verse as well.
OUTRO
‘Thank Yous and the like’ and that is it.
Grab your copy and let us know what you think.
Adios.
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