by Wilfred Okiche

The rapper-singer-songwriter most famous for his two alternative but deeply connecting singles ‘Confam’ with Sasha P and ‘Repete’  arrives with his first major mainstream body of work. A successful follow up to the little heard, lowkey ‘Version 1’ released a couple of years back, 2.0 works better as a full album and serves as a more appropriate showcase of his strengths an artiste. Produced in bulk by T-Flava and KidConnect, every track is a feel good tune capable of attracting attention to the artiste in their own right.

Opening with a ‘R.I.P’ on mediocrity and sup bar performers, Black Magic throws some shade well, regardless of who is hurt. He addresses his split with his former label Syndik8 records on the soulful stunner ‘My niggas’ that is interspersed with a plaintive cry and a loyalty for his new home, Based on Belief records.

When he does collaborations, he is not just reaching out or adding superstar names to his cause. Sasha P was the fitting cherry on top of ‘Confam’ and on ‘Body’, he and Banky W are a sizzling fit. Their voices meld into each other and chemistry is obvious in the sweltering guilty pleasure offering. They both confess in mild 50 Cent tones to a lady love, just want to get next to you/just want to have sex with you.

M.I knocks his verse on ‘Amnesia’ out of the park as usual, almost effortlessly even. Only the duet with the resurgent Oritse Femi does not have the magic of his other collaborations.

The most obvious weakness of the disc may be that there are no more hidden gems in the mold of ‘Repete’. That kind of song perhaps comes only once in an artiste’s career but Black Magic crafts the album’s sound in a way that the other offerings do not feel quite like the ugly younger sister. They all sit pretty and sound gorgeous as a whole.

Every track has a feel good vibe to it that demands attention of all the senses. The most melodius album of the year, ‘Version 2.0’ does not have any big  ideas or aspirations but wants to give your  ear drums a break from the norm. Proof that pop music can be produced well and sound good. And fun too.

Black Magic’s singing capabilities could do with some help but truth be told, he has never been in the business of selling his vocals. He is in it for the music and we should be grateful to revel in the talent.

The writer tweets from @drwill20