For the past four years since his DMW debut, Dremo has carried the mark of one of Nigerian Hip-hop industry’s saviors along with other rappers, some of who like Dremo, have failed to live up to the expectation of this title. Two projects and a myriad of singles later, he is yet to distinguish himself a noteworthy Hip-hop artist but with the second volume of his debut EP, Codename, shared today, he attempts to set the world straight on where he stands as an artist and although the twelve-track project is a congregation of varied subjects hosted by different genres that are relevant to Dremo’s artistry, his now evolved persona, shines through.
Codename, Vol. 2 is comprised of twelve searing and soothing tracks set on fire by a renewed attitude displayed by Dremo that seeps into the guest appearances from usual suspects including Davido on Mabel and Peruzzi on Ghetto Luv and many more scattered across personality and theme defining tracks.
The project is Dremo’s stripped-down and most accomplished project yet, purposefully driven by his need to be adventurous and unique.
Codename, Vol. 2 is split into two sides powered by different dominating sounds. On the first six tracks which includes the biting intro, STFU on which Dremo exerts the weight of years spent in development, grit, and confidence seamlessly flow into each standalone track, casting Dremo in the light of the rap messiah he’s been claiming to be these past few years.
The next six tracks elevate Dremo into a boundless art expert. Over the six tracks including the charming Davido assisted Mabel, Dremo leads with the softer side of his emotions. He includes in this space life essentials like love and relationships while touching on more personal topics like his lifestyle on others.
Perhaps its the heightened sense of honesty, or his teeming evolution which he allows to reflect on the project, or the sonorous sounds produced by twelve different people, the fact remains that Codename vol. 2 is a successful attempt by Dremo at Hip-hop excellence.