Street-pop sensation T.I Blaze releases debut album, 'El Major'

Artist: T.I Blaze

Album Title: El Major

Genre: Afrobeats

Date of Release: November 18th, 2022

Producers: Multiple Producers

Song Art:

TI Blaze - 'El Major' Pulse Nigeria

Length: 31 minutes 45 seconds

Features: 6 - Backroad Gee, Fave, Skibii, Fave, Ladipoe, Bella Shmurda

Label: Dvpper Music

Details/Takeaway: In EL Major, one can see T.I Blaze, born Akintunde Abiodun Timileyin, take on a rather pensive-realist glance on the ‘rat race’ nature of life. In songs like 'Alone' featuring fellow street-pop maverick Bella Shmurda, he reflects on the solitary nature of man, partly-inspiring and partly-admonishing listeners with lyrics like ‘Nobody send your papa or mama/ Las las, na your mata/ Shebi na who get no dey chop alone.’ He pontificates similarly on songs like 'Faraway,' where he reflects on his myriad blessings and the journey so far; 'Frenemies,' where he laments on the reality of envious and backstabbing friends; and also on 'My Life,' where he takes his stance on enjoying the low-hanging fruits of life and avoiding overthinking issues beyond his control; and on the song 'Benefit,' he revisits the value of meaningful friendships and watching the type of circle one keeps.

As the crux of the record, TI Blaze’s didacticism tends to always overpower his records. Like with earlier released songs such as 'Try,' 'Sometimes,' among others, the ghetto gospel narrative on 'EL Major' gives the album the lyrical and emotive depth it soars with. Sometimes, it is not even the direction that shapes the narratives; but the fact that he presents these realities altogether, that is a big win for the average kid on the street who might never get to attend a concert or enjoy the fanciest slices of life. It is music that makes them feel ‘seen.’

On songs like “Lock Up,” he talks about how the love he shares with his partner can be unaffected by distance; “Panic,” where his insecurities come to the fore about whether or not he might get served ‘breakfast’ (breakup); “Play” featuring the star girl Fave, where he again warns against being toyed with by his lover. In these songs, TI Blaze continues to show the softer sides of masculinity that are almost like compulsory sins to many men.

In 'EL Major', TI Blaze makes street-pop music wholesome to consume, even for non Yoruba-speaking audiences; as his lyrics are regularly switching between Pidgin, Yoruba and English. He taps sound whiz Okizy, Rexxie, Niphkeys, Dibs, Spykida, Enta to create a sonic palette for his brand, which means that you can be having a bad day and TI Blaze’s music will be as soothing as when you hear it in your wildest moments at the club. It also highlights the importance of having a good A&R team; as the whiz that Kelechi Chopper Akwari displays brought this record to life.