Dara Alamutu deserves some recognition for 'Easy To Love Me Now' [Album Review]
This album just walked directly into the top 10 Nigerian rap albums of 2020 [so far].
One of the best things in the world is stumbling upon quality music. But then, when Nigeria is a bed of talent, the shock value of stumbling upon pristine talent is usually lost. However, once in a while there is an artist like the soft-spoken Dara Alamatu with his Tottenham-sounding accent.
First off, his music is chill like the rush of a calm spring. Second, his brand of music represents everything that is personal calmness. His vocal texture aids his enunciation. Behind his music is an international representation of a man who's fundamentally Nigerian.
He sounds like an ice cold version of the already gentle LadiPoe. He sounds like a Yinka Bernie that can rap and a Tec without the high-pitched vocal exercises as necessary. He also sounds like Avelino without the high-pitched vocal deliveries and the intoned disruption from Tottenham. You get the feeling that Dara Alamutu is almost averse to being upbeat - even if you offer him dollars.
Ladies and gentlemen, Easy To Love Me Now is one of the best Nigerian rap albums of 2020 so far. It’s also difficult to see a Nigerian project that will displace this project in five months. The nine-track experience sees Alamutu discuss his personal and emotional entanglements with life of a 27-year-old man nearing the business end of life.
He weaves with themes of his own identity as he visits topics that matter to his sometimes chaotic life. He moves with intent and doesn’t cut out important parts of his life. While he moves gallantly with imperial tendencies and seeming confidence, songs like ‘My Back’ depicts a man who appreciates doses of loyalty and allegiance without enslavement.
Those moments are few and far between. Alamutu is also vindictive as he delivers a giant middle finger to his detractors on ‘Silk Road.’ Ego is at its bedrock, but that ego is alarmingly validated by the quality he produces. He raps, “When I started some people thought it was jokes, but now I’m eating everybody getting choked…”
Ego isn’t empty as Alamutu also shows appreciation with vindictiveness as necessary on, ‘Peace & Love.’ If he raps that he was going to be 27 in May 2020, here is where he discusses marriage and kids. He reminisces the negativity he was confronted with and has overcome.
While the track seems directed at someone - presumably a woman - to whom Alamutu is appreciative, it echoes the themes on which this album is premised.
He also discusses his dreams of making money after he turned 27 in May 2020. ‘Too Easy’ starts off like the opening seconds of a 60’s Jazz club performance before a bougie, caucasian crowd. You almost expect to hear Otis Redding sing. The melody is woozy and James Bond-esque. Piano sifts with intent and violins make an effort of contention.
Dara Alamutu declares, “It’s too easy to love me now…” in a defiant tone that seems assured of success and one that desires freedom from a problematic entanglement. ‘Live Out Your Dreams’ comes through on an Emo-Hop beat that Drake would appreciate.
Alamatu uses it to describe the important things to him as he reads out do’s and dont’s to people. He simply wants to live his dream and be in peace.
‘Legal’ is a trap bop on which Alamutu brags a bit about his self-sustaining means of income. ‘Omo Yoruba (Money)’ is an ode to Alamutu’s Lagos and Alamutu’s Yoruba heritage. It is also the most Nigerian song on this EP duh… That beat switch is amazing as money becomes the topic. Alamutu isn’t the best singer, but it works.
'Some Fun' reminisces Alamutu's and shows off the balance of his ability with a story told about finding his safe haven. Sometimes, it was ugly - filled with crime and misfortune - but sometimes, it was also where the music began. 'Manna' is something everybody has to listen to.
Final Thoughts
Easy To Love Me Now is a coming-of-age album dripping with authenticity and honesty. If this project is fictional, then Alamutu should be proud of his ability to sell a narrative - it’s that resonant.
Ratings: /10
• 0-1.9: Flop
• 2.0-3.9: Near fall
• 4.0-5.9: Average
• 6.0-7.9: Victory
• 8.0-10: Champion
Pulse Rating: /10
8.5 - Champion
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