Since the evolution of Rap as an elevated expression of poetry, very few artistes have been able to stick to this script. Although the European and American music scene has hosted a number of Spoken Word artistes turn Rappers, till Ancient History, the Hip-Hop scene in the Nigerian music industry has only been through the elevated lyricism phase.
Ancient History is powered by two young Nigerian artistes; the Verse Writer; Lanaire; whose spoken word artistry has already graced the crevices of varying minds around the world delves into the deep murky waters surrounding Racism and every issue that arises from it and King Solomon; a budding Nigerian rapper using his deft vocal delivery as a weapon to slay his dragons.
Together, the duo metaphorically and directly synopsize a compilation of issues alluding racial bias, gender segregation, the Black Lives Matter movement and a host of other pertinent vices over sublime productions of guitar riffs, airy synths, unadulterated saxophones, classic keys with strong bass imprints aided by revolutionary ad-libs and back up vocals, chopped, screwed and looped to go with the flow.
It’s far from coincidence that this project was made during an era like this when Black people’s lives are wasted, when Black women are shut down because they are deemed the lowliest of lows in the social strata, when Africans are relegated to the background because we aren’t directly connected to racial bias, when the world is in chaos and other trivial issues are spotlighted.
Verse Writer and King Solomon might not be at front lines, holding placards and chanting for their freedom but if the intensity at which they deliver their verses in all 6 tracks; an attempt to encompass the travails of black men and women is an indication of the strength and relevance of their collective; then that’s the revolution we dream of.
Their partnership is one that is likely to yield more socially conscious, introspective and interesting music and we hope they keep it up at an amplified pace.