“Oladips tells crazy stories,” the rapper Vector once asserted. But long before that endorsement, fans were already aware of his greatness. I started listening to him in 2014; through Oladips, I was introduced to Zlatan Ibile, Leke Lee, Degree Bad Boy, and a host of other Dagrin knock-offs. There were many of them jostling for the crown of Akogun, yet none came close. Among the underground artistes, Oladips stood out. He was different from the rest—his self-appraisal, storytelling, and cadence made him a darling of the fans.
Then came the support from Naija Loaded, his victory in D’banj’s challenge, the ill-fated deal with Reminisce, post-record label issues, diss comments on tracks, and the “second coming of Lazarus” stunt. The music never stopped, but it often got drowned in the murky waters of controversy. The powers that be turned the music low.
Last week, I listened to his two full-length albums. The skill sets are noticeable, and the talent can’t be denied, yet Oladips still hasn’t kicked the industry door open.
Yesterday, he made a return with a six-track project, ‘The Uche’s Story‘. It’s a relatable narrative about a former boxer who backtracks and is consumed by the same society that was supposed to uplift his talent. The first four songs stay within the two-minute, fifteen-second mark, except for the outro, which is elongated by a fiery audio clip of Muhammad Ali.
The first track introduces listeners to Uche’s background: his failed boxer father, his steadfast mum, and his below-average family. Oladips paints a vivid picture, setting a scene of a boxing match with Saheed, the son of an Imam, who was scammed by a fake herbalist.
Laid on simple production (entirely handled by Hemykul Hemy) that aids his storytelling, we follow Uche as he constantly fights battles, both internal and external. In “Episode Four,” a Lebanese man impersonating a boxing agent almost steals Uche’s family belongings. These life events turn Uche into a drug addict, an explorer of herbs and other substitutes. The story ends on a positive note, however, as Uche is rescued by a cleric.
With this EP, Oladips shows off his mastery as a storyteller. For old disciples, this isn’t surprising—he is him. The talent and skill have always been there. He’s just reminding everyone that he still has it.
DOWNLOAD: ‘THE UCHE’S STORY’ EP BY OLADIPS
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