There are 2 different perspectives to Burna boy's joint EP with american production duo,DJDS.First is from the angle that this is a nigerian artiste whose international record label acknowledges his potential enough to hand him a clean shot at the global market.The second perspective is from the view point that african artistes have over time come to be respected by the international music community.As a matter of fact,so much so that no one would get any marks for trying.They either kill it outright or they don't.
Burna boy has done well especially over the last 2 years to earn whatever is coming his way.With a Coachella appearance scheduled for April and the recent buzz he is getting off dating super star singer/rapper,Steflon Don bound to have a lot more people interested in him,Atlantic records moved swiftly and smartly too by having him release a suprise EP with Los Angeles based DJ and production duo and labelmates,DJDS.
Weighing the Steel and Copper EP from the perspective of an african artiste being trusted enough to be given an opportunity to record an entire body of work for the international market,Burna boy deserves a lot of credit.He adjusts finely to suit Atlantic's artistic expectations by stretching his versatility past ragga to mumble rap.
Not that Burna boy was the first to do it,Wizkid's Sounds From The Other Side on Sony/RCA was Nigeria's first true international album but when we say 'the time is now',a project with no african touch in even the minutest form best befits that phrase.
From the perspective of our music having come of age and having an industry where the accomplishments of our artistes over the last few years have broadened the parameters for musical excellence to phenomenal proportions,the Steel and Copper EP is nothing past the ordinary.
Four good songs but not good enough to leave a serious dent on the pysche of the average listener elsewhere.
It cannot be over-emphasized that this project was not made only for Africa,it was meant to appeal to the global audience.
Separating the man,our love for him and his accomplishments from the music on display,only Thuggin would get a couple more plays after a first listen.We would cheer all day and laud the range of his versatility like no tomorrow if Burna boy pops up rapping but he doesn't enjoy that luxury on a stage where his impression is at make or mar levels.You get to hear him enthrall you with the 'Get the Memo' chorus on 34 but only if you are patient enough to stick through some chucklesome mumble rap verses.The world is what he is playing for mind you.The delivery on Innocent Man is decent but then the effort he is putting into it is very glaring.Its too obvious rap isn't a comfort zone.
Darko all but sums off the fact that Burna wasn't at his creative best.Ragga is one of the several elements to his afro-fusion sound and on what was supposed to be home turf and considering what was at stake,he doesn't go for the spectacular.
In Heaven's Gate and the lesser noted Streets Of Africa from his classic Outside album,he made songs of very appreciable international quality.His ability to conquer the world was not in doubt.
Perhaps due to an impromptu arrangement by Atlantic to help boost his stock or maybe due to a distraction in the form of Steflon Don,Burna boy doesn't quite meet his set standards on Steel and Copper.
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