Embracing hip-hop is a lifelong commitment, whether fully engaged in its culture or standing on the sidelines. Celebrating its golden jubilee, hip-hop has witnessed a surge in projects, with the younger generation spearheading the movement, exemplified by talents like Psycho YPs and Jeriqs. The dynamic spirit of youth remains at the forefront, reaffirming hip-hop as a domain predominantly influenced by the young. The present owes its existence to the foundational work laid by the past.
The present moment is a tribute to the foundational efforts of the past, with predecessors like Show Dem Camp, Vector, AQ, MI, Olamide, and Illbliss maintaining their relevance and clearing the path for emerging talents. However, the truth persists: regardless of an emcee’s iconic stature, the enthusiasm for a 40-year-old crafting club tracks is limited. Additionally, trap music from a middle-aged artist often lacks the dominating edge inherent in the work of a hungry, young artist.
However, what injects excitement into Hip Hop for the older generation is observing how they gracefully embrace the process of aging. Take Illbliss, for instance. A devoted student of hip-hop, he burst into the mainstream with “Aiye Po Gan” from his album ‘Dat Ibo Boy.’ Illbliss has been a student of Hip Hop, He gained mainstream audience with “Aiye Po Gan”, off the album ‘Dat Ibo Boy’. Following that, he took charge of the Igbo Boy movement, infusing his rhymes with the richness of the Igbo language.
His accomplishments are remarkable because he has never compromised his artistic integrity. And now, the anticipation builds as Illbliss teases his latest album, ‘Sideh Kai,’ since December 2023. The cover art features his two daughters rocking his headsets and black shades. “Sideh Kai” captures the essence of a hip-hop lover, a father, and the life of a middle-aged rapper—or, more broadly, middle-aged Black men.
Released on the 24th of February as scheduled, ‘Sideh Kai’ offers four talking points that delve into Illbliss’s journey.
JOURNEY OF THE LYRICIST:
In “Masterclass,” IllBliss pays homage to the pioneers of Nigerian hip-hop, acknowledging the struggles they faced in a music industry dominated by Afro-pop. The track delves into the challenges that talented lyricists encountered during their early years, emphasizing the importance of unity within the hip-hop genre. By incorporating voice samples of his top three favorite emcees – Vector, MI, and Reminisce – IllBliss not only honors his influences but also underscores the need for collective support and recognition within the hip-hop community.
CULTURAL PRIDE, MEMORIES, AND ROOTS:
“Number One Eziagu Street” beautifully reminisces about IllBliss’s upbringing in Enugu, providing a glimpse into his middle-class neighborhood. It’s a celebration of his parents’ protective nature, the discovery of hip-hop through magazines, and the importance of embracing one’s roots and upbringing.
Red Caps (Igbo)” highlights IllBliss’s pride in his Igbo heritage. The track fantasizes about blending Igbo bars with a drill beat, acknowledging the hustler spirit and enterprise of the Igbo people. It serves as a reminder to the younger generation about the blessings of being Igbo.
FATHER TIME
“Shoutout to all the girl dads”
Embracing the passage of time, Illbliss joyfully assumes the role of a girl dad. In his track “Daughters,” he adorns his Girl Dad persona with the maturity of finely woven cloth. His music resonates with a life rich in experience, setting him apart from his contemporaries in his unique approach to family and life.
It’s an open secret that rappers hold a deep affection for their mothers, often expressing it through the classic hip-hop move of dedicating a song to their mom. The “Mama ” record becomes a conduit for showcasing a rapper’s roots, making even the most rugged figures relatable on a basic human level. Illbliss reintroduces this tradition, paying homage to his mother in “Maale,” featuring his daughter’s voice at the intro and his mother’s voice in an outro. Both “Daughters” and “Maale” emerge as priceless gems, showcasing Illbliss’s genuine love for his daughters and mother.
STRENGTH IN UNITY
Illblisss understands the power of collaboration and how it amplifies the message. The eleven credited guest artists on “Sideh Kai” cut across various audiences. On records with younger generations, he complements their energy as he leaves room for the artists to shine and lead such as Fave, Deborah Prest, Odumodu Blvck and more. While records with fellow veterans such as Vector, cobhams, the message and collaboration remain memorable. Illbliss puts his trust in Skitter, whom produces fifteen out of the sixteen tracks as he bridges the gap between Illbliss’ era and his era.