Progee’s “Neoteric” Is A Vibrant Introduction To His Artistry

18th April, 2022

By: Michael Chiedoziem Chukwudera

Progee’s debut EP Neoteric serves as a dynamic first impression of an artist testing his range in real time. The EP is structured like a metaphorical split-screen where one side is built on the pulsating platform of new-age trap and hip-hop, with the other leaning into more warm and familiar territories of Afrobeats. This deliberate contrast that he sets becomes the backbone of the project, by giving listeners multiple sides of his music in one swoop.

He puts a good foot forward with the “Intro” track, springboarding off hip-hop beats and bars to introduce himself. Opening the EP with voice notes from loved ones that shed positive light on his music, he uses that song to paint of picture of where he comes from and where he’s headed;
“I was born with no silver spoon/Had to work for all I got then I made my spoon”.

Other records like “Real is Razz,” and “Truth” are centered on contemporary hip-hop production that feels current, extracting from the current soundscape. The elements within each instrumental have space to breathe, atmospheric in some areas while crunching in others, and designed to be the perfect backdrop to Progee’s raspy delivery. While these songs have varying thematic topics, one common factor is his undiluted narrative style where each line is delivered with clarity, approaching it with steady confidence.
As the EP shifts in and out of its Afrobeats records, “Neoteric” becomes more inviting. Progee brings more colour to the EP with records “Life Anthem,” “Frazier,” and “Intentional”, providing a foil to the gritty aspects of the EP. These tracks certainly don’t feel like a deviation but feel more like the project’s release valve, where Progee relaxes into softer harmonies and more playful rhythms. His voice remains raspy, but he adapts it well, sitting neatly inside these records built for the dancefloor and the radio.

This shift in sound also opens the door for more leeway in terms of execution and topics. Across the EP, Progee touches on personal development, playful moments involving a love interest as well as euphoric celebration. None of the writing is convoluted but the simplicity is part of the music’s appeal. He lands them timely across the instrumental rather than using heavily narrative techniques, making his lyrics feel quotable both in rap-heavy sections and the lighter Afrobeats cuts. As a breakout artist, there’s clear room for him to grow as a writer, yet he already delivers at a level that keeps the project engaging.

“Neoteric” houses dynamic production that ties everything together. Even with two distinct sonic directions, the EP feels cohesive because both parts are cut from the current soundscape of Nigerian music. Where the trap beats capture the energy of emerging hip-hop pockets, the Afrobeats tracks mirror the vibrant sound dominating playlists and clubs. They don’t clash, instead they create a balanced whole that reflects the duality Progee aims to display throughout his career.

Progee creates an engaging listening experience with “Neoteric” and it succeeds because it doesn’t overpromise. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable project that positions Progee as a vibrant breakout artist with the ability to switch styles without losing his substance. Every track connects with each other with ease, and together they create a solid first impression of an artist exploring his versatility with intention. If “Neoteric” is the baseline for what is to come in his career, then there’s certainly more to expect from the artist.