FEATURE: The 5 Forthcoming Nigerian Albums You Should Buy (And The One You Shouldn’t)

As we are in the last quarter of the year, a flurry albums are set to be released before 2014 strikes. Pop star Wizkid has pushed the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album to the tail end of the year. Olamide is trying to create rap history by releasing two albums in one year. Just like last year, the rappers are dropping their projects towards the end of the year. The last three months are going to be packed. With so much material to be released in the coming weeks, we at Pop Off Central write about the albums that are set to drop.

1) Chosen by Wizkid- Wizzy’s sophomore was slated to drop on June 12, two years after the release of his debut. The album never dropped. In it’s place Wizkid has kept his fans satisfied with his frequent releases. The young pop star hasn’t disclosed what the album will sound like. ‘Omo Jaiye Jaiye’ released in May is the only single from the album. Other releases are unlikely to make the album. Wizkid has had another superb run in 2012 starting off with Maleek Berry’s ‘The Matter’ and closing it with ‘Caro’ featuring him and L.A.X. Wizkid has definitely upgraded his sound and has taken his art further. With ‘Omo Jaiye Jaiye’ just being the only song from the LP that has been released, it is likely that Chosen by Wizkid will be a best-seller.
Release Date- October
Verdict- Must Buy.

2) Fire of Zamani by Ice Prince- His second album is coming two years after his rap debut Everybody Loves Ice Prince. This time around Ice Prince doesn’t have the monster effect of ‘Oleku’ and ‘Superstar’ to ride on. The smart rapper has however crafted radio-friendly singles such as ‘Aboki’, ‘V.I.P, ‘More’ and ‘I Swear’ featuring French Montana to maintain his buzz. Ice Prince has been working hard on his second album favouring the production of Chopstix over that of Jesse Jagz. He might not be a darling of the critics but he knows how to create hits. The sophomore slump might not catch up with him but will Ice Prince deliver an artistic album or go the normal route? Let’s wait and see.
Release Date- October
Verdict- Worth Checking Out

3) Take It Outside by Olamide- The general of Yoruba rap and the hottest rapper of 2013 is set on creating rap history in Nigeria by releasing two albums in one year. After the huge success of his sophomore LP YBNL, Olamide is hungry for more. In May he dropped ‘Durosoke’ off his next album which became an instant hit. The rapper has released so much new material this year it is so hard to keep up. For his next album he is maintaining the services of his in-house producer Pheelz which indicates he doesn’t want to change a winning formula. He has already shot a video for ‘Turn Up’ and has recorded a large number of songs for the album. Olamide is the man right now and it will take an epic screw up for his third album to flop.
Release Date- Last quarter of 2013.
Verdict- Must Buy

4) Alaga Ibile by Reminisce- The under lord of Yoruba rap music Reminisce is back to take what he couldn’t grab with his first effort- commercial success. Although his first album Book of Rap Stories scored the hits ‘Kako Bi Chicken’ and ‘2 Mushhh’ his album didn’t do too well in the market. In 2013 Reminisce has shown he has a full grasp of his new style. He now has a bilingual flow to boot. He has not had a hit the size of ‘Kako Bi Chicken’ but his releases have been on the money and consistent. The rapper has chosen to work with revered rap producer Sossickk and hit-maker Sarz. His second LP Alaga Ibile is sure to rock the streets. Check out Third World Thug, Fantasi, Hurricane, Sunkere and Agidigbo if you are not convinced.