Lucas Emodi, popularly known as Kiing Lu, is a Nigerian music executive and cultural entrepreneur. Born and raised in the administrative capital of Plateau State, Jos, his career in the Nigerian music industry started way before working in the industry was glamorous. Starting as a professional musician, he dabbled in songwriting and performance before eventually focusing on production. In 2008, he moved to Ghana and for most of his active years in the industry, Kiing Lu has worked as a creative talent manager, mining talents and managing artists, from their first single, through their careers. He oversaw the establishment of Universal Music in Nigeria, in his dual role as a senior A&R executive and head of promotions of the label.
However, after all his years of helping artists mine their talent, Kiing Lu is exploring new interests, as well as going back to the drawing board to explore his primary interest of executively producing music. His debut album, Militant Mindset communicates his need to explore these channels of expression, primarily as an executive producer, while working with many talents, in creating this unique body of work.
The ten-track album kicks off with an intro performed by Nigerian Afro-Dancehall artist, Layydoe. The spoken word piece tells a story of the journey of life, highlighting the difficulties, and the need to “walk through the process of life without shortcuts.” It talks about light being at the end of the tunnel, and the importance of having a radical mindset towards life. Perhaps, this stems from Kiing Lu’s own experiences, from delving into different channels of expression, against all odds. The album in its entirety, in fact, emphasizes approaching life with grit. “When we hear the word ‘militant,’ we think of armed fighters. But these people are also courageous and tough, and that is what this project is about. It preaches having a mindset that is as tough as that of militants,” said Kiing Lu.
LOOK AT ME tells an inspiring story of how life’s struggles and hustle choose people, suggesting that the need to strive and hustle is ingrained in one’s mindset and not chosen. Featuring ace Nigerian rapper and singer, Skales, whose lyrics and vocals glided seamlessly over the intense upbeat track, it’s hard to miss the theme of hope and self-belief explored in the album.
NO APOLOGIES features the rapper ODUMODUBLVCK, and is co-produced by uber-talented music producer Killertunes. Segueing off the inspirational tone, this track includes strong language in its lyrics, perhaps piggybacking off the idea that violence, rigidity, and doggedness are core values that express militant mindedness.
JAIYE EVERYDAY, the album’s teaser, comes on right after, featuring DAPO TURBUNA and Alpha Ojini. A feel-good song, the bop celebrates the joy of enjoyment after hustling and strife. At this time, it appears the theme of the album is shifting towards optimism, but this flow is interrupted in the next track, EMASHESHE, a rap track featuring Dremo and Ghanaian rapper, Eugy. The duo delivered power-packed verses, flowing with the second theme of violence and ruggedness.
On HOW, Kiing Lu’s sound is less combative, and slows into a smoother but upbeat chord to accommodate Alpha P’s soulful vocals while syncing Jeriq’s baritone without any disconnect. The production of this track is stellar, and the sound progression glides into PAY ME, almost seamlessly. Layydoe makes a comeback on this song, alongside UK-based Nigerian up-and-coming rapper, Lyandra.
The album closes off with the optimistic MONEY DREAMS. Featuring the alternative artists Odunsi the Engine, Marvio, and Sjxy, the lyrics are prayerful, reeling of hope and aspirations, circling back to the first two tracks. A sultry, enjoyable track, this song syncs into the earlier theme of optimism and hope.
Although Kiing Lu himself is no musical artist, his eye for talent and detail comes in handy and is the adhesive that makes an effort to stick the different elements of this project together. It also highlights his creativity and originality and even though the project features a collective, his individualism shines through.
Listen to Militant Mindset here: