Klu and Jae Ghost prepare for success on 'Something's Gotta Give' [EP Review]

It's 5:35 pm on a Monday evening when a Ghanaian rapper spitting bars in Twi aboard an infectious trap bop zooms in aboard a confident power bike. His swagger was evident in his delivery and it suffocated the music. The only thing that could have rivaled his confidence is a more commanding drum that this song cries out for.

His name was Klu and the song was titled, 'Own Money.' A cursory search through his discography across streaming platforms reveal eight bodies of work. The most recent of those two are Aben (2018) and Something's Gotta Give (2020). The later of those tapes is a view into Klu's state of mind. The project was created with German act, Jae Ghost.

Something's Gotta Give is diary of dreams and ambition fueled solely by optimism and self-confidence. There's also an element of a larger-than-life character with the conviction which the words are delivered in. Klu meanders between optimism and ambition as he chases a 'Better Place.'

The problem though, is that the quest for a 'Better Place' requires a journey. On the opening track, Klu seems downcast by the weight of his own dreams. While he's still optimistic, he also feels the pressure on the opening track, 'Haunt You.' Nonetheless, he's achieved something and he hope it inspires someone to either keep going or do good.

As he starts 'Cooking,' he flexes his technique and lyricism like a newly acquired muscle at the gym. More than anything, it feels like Klu just did this for the beauty of it. This is such an amazing bit of Hip-Hop. Cheeee! The title track 'SGG' seems like a continuation of 'Haunt You' as Klu vows to beat his struggle and succeed.

One thing that drives him is a will to see his mom in designers. With a talent of this magnitude, that's definitely possible. 'Beloved' feels like a diary of a day in Klu's life. If you don't pay attention, you wouldn't realize the story behind it. That beat is just insane.

Klu is a Hip-Hop chameleon as he easily manipulates his vocal texture to suit the beautiful changing sonic tides of Something's Gotta Give. For the trap bop, Klu is more approachable. For the grimy beats, Klu goes hardcore in vocals. For storytelling, he sounds polished. You can't teach that.

More importantly, Klu is also adept at switching effortlessly between languages. Even though this project delivers mixed emotions with amazing music, Klu makes himself the highlight. Talent of this magnitude deserves spotlight. Something's Gotta Give will be your mentality at some point, but word for Pulse Nigeria is keep going Klu, your moment is coming.

Ratings: /10

• 0-1.9: Flop

• 2.0-3.9: Near fall

• 4.0-5.9: Average

• 6.0-7.9: Victory

• 8.0-10: Champion

Pulse Rating: /10

Tracklist and Sequencing: 1.5/2

Content and Delivery: 1.8/2

Production: 1.7/2

Enjoyability and Satisfaction: 1.8/2

Execution: 1.5/2