Here are 5 talking points from Olamide's new album, 'Carpe Diem' [First Reaction]

 

On October 8, 2020, legendary Nigerian rapper and superstar artist, Olamide released his 10th solo body of work and 11th overall, 'Carpe Diem.' The 12-track album features Fireboy Omah Lay, Bella Shmurda, Phyno, Bad Boy Timz and Peruzzi.

Production is handled mostly by 18-year-old prodigy, P-Priime, but he was supported by Pheelz, ID Cabasa, VStix and Young Jonn. The album is the culmination of Olamide's February 18, 2020 announcement of his label's deal with EMPIRE Distribution.

At the time, he wrote, "Time to get to work and serve you guys new Baddo album and new Fireboy album."

The project is a reflection of my mind, and also the current sound brewing underground in Nigeria,” Olamide says. “It’s a combination of a lot of traditional elements and also a sound from way back in Nigeria called galala, which has a little bit of reggae/dancehall. It’s also a fusion of something we call Celestial, which is when you are playing secular music in church. It’s like taking pop to the church.”

Here are five talking points from Carpe Diem;

Olamide is much calmer and this album is good

After the debacle that was '999,' on which Olamide first attempted a needed evolution, the legend's next album had to make sense. While Olamide now has an affiliation to EMPIRE, his music is calmer and more substantiated. He attempts more resonant topics and steps away from his 'street-heavy' brand and into a calmer, pop persona.

Largely, Olamide simply seeks to appeal to a female audience with love tunes and songs that speak about life generally. He is more resonant and mature, away from the vulgarity and profane language.

While we still got the street-heavy language on 'Green Light,' 'Do Better' and 'Chilalo,' they were not really pronounced. More of this on the review...