Vector – Teslim: A Lover Boy PTSD Album Review: Perfect Six

When people speak about Vector, they usually talk about one of the continent’s finest rappers. Vector’s intricate wordplay and punchlines, delivered with clear enunciation and smooth but hard-hitting flows, have made him one of the most revered rappers on the continent. 

One of the finest shapeshifters in the game, Vector embodies different personas with relative ease and intelligently conveys his message. Across six albums, Vector has embraced evolution and continued exploring different sides of his talent. 

On his 2021 record Early Momo, featuring Goodgirl LA, tha Viper embraced a grounded and charismatic lover whose smooth-talking and laid-back personality are his most potent weapons as he requests genuine connection with his love interest. He explores that persona in-depth on his sixth album, Teslim: A Lover Boy PTSD, a project that delves into the complexities of love and trauma.

He substitutes his intricate wordplay and punchlines for sweetly sung melodies on records that resonate with everyday people. Across the album, he discusses love and the complexities involved in expressing it. 

READ MORE: Adekunle Gold Shares Sensual Video For ‘Do You Mind?’

The album opens with the Majeeed-assisted Can’t Come Close, where Vec discusses his distant affection for his love interest. He deeply admires her but is unable to approach her due to his internal struggles. It documents an experience most people can relate to in their relationships and personal lives as it explores the universal theme of admiration and hesitation. 

Vector does a lot of singing on this album and recruits a host of singers to aid his cause. Tiwa Savage is the most prominent guest feature, and her placement on the heartfelt Repay Your Part could not be any more perfect. Her soulful delivery complements Vector’s reflective cadences as they converse about the challenges involved in maintaining a relationship and keeping genuine connections strong. He acknowledges her independence and strength, likening her to a ‘strong head,’ while she recognises his struggles as she sings, “I’m fighting my feelings since you’re fighting your demons.”

Vector makes no secret of his quest for radio-friendly records on this album. Kampe is an Afrobeats record characterised by its rhythmic blend of groovy basslines and synth-infused production that creates a feel-good atmosphere. Bum Bum of my heart’ is a fun and playful record driven by a lively tempo and a danceable groove.

READ MORE: Best New African Songs Released This Week

The album is masterfully curated, with Vector operating in different sonic spaces across the album without any song sounding out of place and creating a cohesive listen. 

The dancehall-inflected My Dada, which features Top Adlerman, Jossman, and Emmsong, gives way to the Niniola-assisted house record Iya Nla Iya. The bouncy trap joint It’s a Chill fails to generate any excitement, but its calming backdrop makes the record tolerable.

The remix of his 2022 record, Fefe, features an additional verse from French rapper Scridge. The album closes with the deeply spiritual and introspective If They Are Real, featuring Bella Shmurda. 

Across 10 tracks with a runtime of 35 minutes on the Teslim: A Lover Boy PTSD album, Vector delivers his most enjoyable album yet. The biggest critique of Vector’s earlier offering was their scatterbrained approach. His 2019 album Vibes before Teslim marked a significant turning point, and Vector has not looked back since. This album is cohesive, diverse, and enjoyable. He shows that there’s more to Vector than we know, and he isn’t afraid to show it despite being two decades into his career.