Phyno’s overweight ‘The Playmaker’

A lot has changed since his first album. Phyno's sound had since gone international and together with Olamide, he made 'indigenous rap' appealing to a global audience especially Nigerians in diaspora. Phyno has also distinguished himself in collaborations, outdoing himself song after song.

'The Playmaker' brings to fore Phyno's long-time romance with singing, besides his signature rap. Phyno sang in most of the songs, making the album a fusion of indigenous hip-hop and Afro-pop.

In 'Connect', Phyno gave us a foretaste of what is to come: melodious vocals on a slow, danceable, feel-good beat. The Tspize-produced single was arguably Nigeria's biggest pop single in 2015. He followed it up with 'Ezege', a mid-tempo rap song produced by Del-B where he raps to a love interest, trying to win her over with his infectious flows.

'Fada Fada', his collaboration with Olamide, was one of 2016's massive hits. The Masterkraft-produced single deservedly won the 'Song of the Year' at the 2016 Headies Awards. The song billed as 'street gospel' set the tone for most of the songs on the album.

Five of the songs on the album were gospel-themed. In 'E Sure For Me', produced by Kezyklef, Phyno pleads for divine guidance on a Fela-style beat. The Tunex-produced 'Yes I Pray(Nwa Oge Nta) has a unique, fresh feel to it and is one of the beautiful tracks on the album. 'So Far, So Good', produced by Masterkraft, is a song of praise to God, thanking him for the journey so far. 'Joy Comes In The Morning' sees Phyno deliver a stellar motivational performance, telling stories of victory over adversity in each of the verses using different scenarios.

'The Playmaker' has many amazing songs, primarily due to the efforts of the solid production team and the guest acts. Major Bangz is the only producer from his first album that makes a return in this second one, producing five songs. Surprisingly, Phyno did not produce any of the songs in 'The Playmaker', unlike in his debut album where he got production credits for six songs.

There is an uncanny similarity between 'Abulo' and 'Alobam' from Phyno's debut album. Both tracks were produced by Major Bangz, whose genius shone throughout 'The Playmaker' album. In 'Abulo' which means 'my brother' in street lingua, Phyno attacks a false friend, baring the friend's two-timing nature for all to see. It is one of the singles in the album, in which Phyno rapped, as though to prove that he is still on top of his game.

Major Bangz also produced 'Okpeke', a rap single made memorable by the hook shared by 2Baba and Flavour. In 'Best Rapper', Phyno lays claim to being the best and explained his preference for cash over awards. Major Bangz also produced 'Ino Mma', one of the average songs on the album.

In addition to 'Fada Fada', Masterkraft produced 'Obiagu', a high-tempo song with a local flavour, heavily influenced by the streets of Enugu in Eastern Nigeria where Phyno grew up . He also produced 'Link Up' ft. Burna boy and MI. Burna boy delivered flawlessly in his signature style. MI's verse left a lot to be desired. 'Ochie Dike' ft. Onyeka Onwenu' is a classic song for mothers and the female legend delivered a soul-stirring speech at the end.

Benjamz produced the love-themed 'Pino Pino', featuring a guitar sample by the Oriental Brothers, an Eastern highlife band from the 70's. Here, Phyno goes the highlife route, singing throughout. In 'Mistakes', Phyno offers a soulful apology to his lover and begs her to take him back. 'I am a fan' ft. Decarlo and Mr. Eazi had the three of them singing and Decarlo's voice leaves a lasting impression.

'Financial Woman ft. P-Square', produced by Chris String, is arguably the twins' best collaboration in recent times. 'Mkpotu ft. Zoro and Tidinz' produced by Tunex had the three top indigenous rappers in Eastern Nigeria lay bars on an upbeat track. Burna boy makes a second appearance in 'No be my Style' in which Phyno raps about how he overcame obstacles by sheer hard work.

In 'The Playmaker', Phyno steers the ship like an African Drake, rapping and singing effortlessly, switching between melodies, blending language and art into magic.

The average songs in 'The Playmaker' are few and far between. The album is littered with gems and represents a complete body of work.

It is unarguably one of the best Nigerian albums of 2016.