Fidji Gomis-Mendy
As we approach the end of a musically packed 2022, PsychoYP’s latest released album, "YPSZN3," allows us to embrace an album jam-packed with Rap, Drill, Grime and Trap. Centred around his musical journey and the ambition of having an esteemed discography, his fifth solo project, and the final instalment of the YPSZN series, is no doubt a unique masterpiece. In this album, we experience nostalgia with the samples used, a progressive sound intertwined with impressive beats, and an intercontinental assemblage of music influences.
Briefly immersing ourselves in the context behind PsychoYP and the album, we see that he is undoubtedly an icon and star in Nigeria, and, hopefully, the UK. Being known as one of the leaders of Nigeria’s new wave of rap music, he has also previously supported Rema on his sold out North American tour and been championed by the UK’s leading radio stations. 15 songs run deep through our ears as YPSZN3 has been curated by Jaylon, Malik Bawa, Johnson IP, APEX Village, Thrill MAX, The HyPRactive Kid, RJay, and Likkle Dotz, all renowned musical experts in their field. Aiming to deconstruct the musical composition, let me take you on a journey as to why YPSZN3 is sonically amazing.
Starting off with Intro, we are greeted with the majestic and alluring euphony of violins that are then blended into the second song, ‘Sinner’. The second track unveils a despairing yet heartfelt melody that entangles with pensive lyrics that mold the beat to form an expressive nature as PsychoYP "prays God can prevail" for him. With the next 3 songs ‘Drop That Shit’, ‘Bando Diaries’, and ‘Ok, Alright’ we witness a huge intercontinental influence within the songs.Firstly, ‘Drop That Shit’ allows the James Brown sample to develop into a track that is impressively twisted with Drill. Along with the artists Swift and Kiiwii, you experience the New York and UK flavour given by the hype beat and lyrical flow—a flavour that is a recurring and prevalent theme throughout the album. Moving onto ‘Bando Diaries’, the melody and lyrical flow evoke a suave and supreme feeling, but make you get "sturdy’ with its approximatively 140 BPM. Odumodublvck’s carries the embodiment of what you expect from a drill track; it’s heavy and powerful, and by adding on Yoruba, it amplifies the intercontinental influence that PsychoYP resides with. ‘Ok, Alright’ may be a short track, but it’s hype, gets you moving, and definitely doesn’t get easily removed from your head. It has an infectious, catchy melody and the repetitive use of "ok" and "alright", adds to the track’s appeal and momentum.
The BBC Radio 1, KISS FM and Apple Music 1 championed single 'IC3' featuring Backroad Gee and Zilla Oaks, is drizzling with a prominent drill vibration, from the ominous beat to the haunting melody and mind-blowing wordplay. Who would have thought to rhyme the Ivy League with "I see me" and "I see 3"? Such double entendres continue to ooze through the album, in particular on "Silent Mode." It elevates the album to a new level and is eerily good. Both songs regurgitate the ideas behind PsychoYP's involvement in the rap and drill genres.
I have a particular love for the next three songs, 'My County People, Haffa?"; "Nigerian Man"; and 'Stronger." My love stems from the versatility that he evokes, not only in his discography but also for listeners of this album. These three songs also exhibit a predominantly African influence. It's vibrant, makes you want to move your hips, and amplifies a new appreciation for what PsychoYP is capable of doing. Rap and Afrobeats marry to create a transnational assemblage that showcases an intercultural performance. Additionally, I wanted to draw attention to Teriyaki Boyz's ‘Tokyo Drift’ sample on ‘Nigerian Man,’ which contrasts with the drill rhythm and significantly enhances the message of how PsychoYP uses international influences in his music. Because everything is so expertly orchestrated, the musical production stands out uniqelly well. It gives the audience the impression that they are easily entering a sonically continuous, geometric maze where melody combines with rhythm and harmony and a surplus of influences, where it be cultural of geographical.
In order to tap into his humorously toxic side, PsychoYP might "Wake up with a Bad B and tell his main "I miss you"" with "Commitment Issues." The versatile, seductive, and upbeat rhythm allows there to be no limit of 'suaveness', to reference the famous song by Central Cee. I believe that with the remaining four songs, PsychoYP explores an emotional space. The lyrics tend to be a little more sombre than the suaveness we heard at the album's beginning, and the tempo slows down. There are odes to motivation, the desire to succeed and to have bright prospects for the future, which we experience sonically with "Dangerous World," particularly with "Relax," "Put in Stone," and "Scandalous."
Overall, “YPSZN3” excels in terms of musical curation and composition due to the plentiful supply of talent and creativity. He has been dubbed the "Fresh Prince of Nigerian Rap" by Culture Custodian, voted best rapper in Africa by The NATIVE, and supported by various other publications. His position in the Nigerian rap scene is just as renowned and solid as the honours and titles he has already won during his career. The influence of Psycho YP's work will definitely endure.
Listen to YPSZN3 now.