In discussions about the most influential indigenous rappers in Africa, Phyno’s name is always prominent. Since his debut album, No Guts No Glory, he has consistently pushed boundaries, showcasing remarkable versatility and a deep love for Igbo culture. His latest release, Full Time Job, further cements his legacy and highlights his musical prowess, clearly indicating that he has no plans to retire.

Once again, “Ezege 1” has further elevated his legacy and displayed his proficiency in the musical craft with the release of his album Full Time Job. As the title suggests, the aim of the album is to ascertain his place in Afrobeats and to inform us that he isn’t retiring soon.

The album starts with “It’s Nothing,” which evokes memories of Jay-Z’s “December 4th,” the intro to his 2003 studio album The Black Album. The symphony on both tracks is highly similar, as is the self-assertion that fills the song, setting a great premise for the entire album.

The remix of “Do I,” featuring Burna Boy, and “Time of My Life,” featuring ArrDee, are the singles from the album. “Do I” was one of the biggest hits of 2023, relaunching the veteran rapper into his new prime. In contrast, “Time of My Life,” his second attempt at the ‘Afrobeats to the World’ campaign, was rather underwhelming and did not reach its expected potential. He also showcases lively party tracks like “Men Don Show Face,” featuring Flavour, his unapologetic Igbo brother, and “Anthem Ndi Eze,” which pays tribute to the spirited and flamboyant traits of his people. The song is rich with Igbo proverbs, one of which is “Onye Ji Igu Ka Ewu Neso,” meaning “The goat follows the person holding the palm fronds,” symbolizing that people naturally gravitate toward those with wealth.

“Deep,” featuring Fave, presents a poignant exploration of emotions, with Fave’s heartfelt delivery immersing listeners in a profound experience. Her expressive vocals convey a deep sense of feeling, while Phyno’s rap verses are thoughtfully crafted to evoke resonance rather than intensity, as he continually declares, “I will never stop fighting for love.” This collaboration beautifully merges vulnerability and emotional depth, creating a memorable and impactful piece.

The album features a compelling blend of tracks, starting with “Deep,” which showcases Fave’s heartfelt delivery that immerses listeners in a profound emotional experience. Her expressive vocals, paired with Phyno’s thoughtfully crafted rap verses, resonate deeply, creating a powerful synergy of vulnerability and emotional richness.

Another highlight is “Pinterest,” featuring NSG, where elements of swing and bashment come together seamlessly. NSG shines in this musical space, delivering an impressive performance, while Major Bangz’s exceptional production injects lively energy into the track. The dynamic interplay between NSG’s style and the vibrant beat results in an incredibly enjoyable listening experience.

“Eyes On Dem,” featuring Chip, is a beautiful shot at the Dancehall terrain and stands out for its accessibility, particularly for non-Igbo speakers. Phyno’s straightforward delivery in Pidgin English makes the track engaging, although Chip’s contribution, while solid, lacks a lasting impact. Nevertheless, this track offers a distinctive sonic experience that enriches the overall album.

Phyno delves into the vibrant Igbo culture to create the Highlife love song “Sweet Karma,” featuring Johnny Drille, who delivers an impeccable performance.

In 2017, Phyno had a public beef with a certain famous now incarcerated social media influencer, Hushpuppi. The said beef and online war became a major topic of discussion within the pop culture space that year. The audience was dazzled when it was revealed that Hushpuppi would be featured on the album, intensifying the anticipation. The track “Nwoke Esike” is a great emotive piece that begins and ends with Hushpuppi offering solid life advice from his jail cell, sounding remorseful. Phyno also emphasizes his message, advising against peer pressure and pride, as life situations can change anytime. While thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, we cannot deny that this is an attempt to immortalize a criminal’s legacy, which does not reflect well on society at large.

Full Time Job stands out as a masterfully crafted body of work, showcasing exceptional production quality and profound lyrical insight. In this project, Phyno effectively conveys a powerful message with remarkable clarity and eloquence. He demonstrates that he remains deeply committed to his craft, consistently producing hits, and shows no signs of slowing down or retiring in the near future.

Rating: 8/10

_{Written by Kehinde Adesokan}