Odumodublvck – The Machine Is Coming Album Review: Original John The Baptist

Since his single Declan Rice catapulted Odumodublvck into Nigeria’s mainstream consciousness two years ago, his trajectory has transcended that of a promising talent to establish him as the incontrovertible vanguard of Nigerian hip-hop. He now returns with THE MACHINE IS COMING, a well-crafted mixtape that simultaneously showcases his current artistic zenith while functioning as a forerunner for his eagerly anticipated magnum opus, Industry Machine—a natural progression following the commercial and critical triumph of his debut album EZIOKWU.

When Odumodublvck initially emerged, Nigerian hip-hop needed a transformative figure to infuse the genre with renewed vitality. His breakthrough with Picanto was the genesis of an extraordinary run culminating in dual accolades at the 2023 Headies: Best Rap Single and Rookie of the Year.

THE MACHINE IS COMING arrives at a juncture where his position as the face of Nigerian hip-hop is unchallenged. This mixtape represents a calculated move in Odumodublvck’s grand design. It’s not just a compilation of songs but offers glimpses of the formidable machine being assembled.

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From the opening song LEGOLAS, it is clear that Odumodublvck’s allure is built on production excellence. Despite its cohesive nature, the mixtape delivers a diverse sonic spectrum ranging from highlife melodies to drill beats. BTC features mesmerising flute arrangements that exemplify the project’s production diversity.

Odumodublvck utilises this sonic laboratory to experiment with sounds that may be further refined on Industry Machine. The production quality bodes well for future endeavours, suggesting that his forthcoming album will elevate these musical underpinnings to unprecedented heights.

Lyrically, THE MACHINE IS COMING remains rooted in the unapologetic ethos that characterised his previous releases. On PUSSY NIGGAZ, he delivers caustic verses with intensity, targeting old heads and industry gatekeepers. “BALLON D’OR” exemplifies his penchant for crafting infectious records featuring straightforward yet resonant hooks that immediately embed themselves in the listener’s consciousness.

Nevertheless, as noted in critiques of EZIOKWU, a tendency for redundant narratives persists. The hypermasculine posturing that formed much of his debut occasionally resurfaces, with familiar boasts regarding sexual prowess, street cred and affluence. This limitation becomes obvious when Odumodublvck shares records with technically proficient contemporaries like Vector, whose superior wordplay and refined cadence overshadow him on GASOLINE.

However, the introspective songs—such as LEGOLAS, where he discusses his father’s death and takes familial responsibilities—intimate the lyrical depth he may explore more thoroughly on Industry Machine. These moments of vulnerability suggest that while THE MACHINE IS COMING predominantly operates within his established parameters, it suggests more expansive thematic depth on the album.

Italian rapper Rondodasosa introduces Nigerian audiences to the burgeoning talent from Italy’s hip-hop scene with the mixtape’s most impressive verse on ISAKABA MAN, the mixtape’s standout collaboration. On PITY THIS BOY, the combination of Victony’s melodic finesse against Odumodublvck’s gruff delivery creates a synergy.

These collaborations suggest that Industry Machine may foster even more fascinating partnerships, potentially extending Odumodublvck’s influence beyond Nigerian and African musical spheres into the global scene.

Ultimately, what distinguishes Odumodublvck within Nigeria’s musical landscape is his unwavering commitment to authenticity. THE MACHINE IS COMING demonstrates a focus on his fundamental hip-hop identity. Songs like EARLY MORNING and PUSSY NIGGAZ double down on the unfiltered approach that garnered recognition, making no concessions to mainstream demands. This dedication to cultural authenticity provides Industry Machine with a robust foundation to build upon.

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THE MACHINE IS COMING represents the assembly of components preceding the machine’s full activation. It stands as a rewarding listening experience and an auspicious indication of Odumodublvck’s trajectory. If this mixtape is the prototype, Industry Machine may constitute the monumental edifice that cements his status not merely as a Nigerian phenomenon but as a global force in hip-hop.