Ferdinand Ekechukwu
I llbliss, one of Nigeria’s cool rappers, who made Igbo rap hip and cool way before the Phynos’ and co, has of late consistently dropped albums almost yearly and this year is no different except that he has teamed up with talented beat-maker, Illgod to please our ears with a new EP titled ‘Fortem’. The 5-track Extended Play also has guest features from Timi Kei, Dr Barz, and Spaceman. On Fortem, Illbliss is at home with the Port Harcourt based Illgod’s beats.
Both artistes chain a chemistry that brings out the best in each other, and the songs are jam. Illgod’s blend of soul samples and boom-bap production makes the ‘Fortem’ EP a must listen. Illbliss rides each track with a renewed energy and commendable display of lyricism that is grounded, passionate and produces a head-nodding experience. His laidback, boss-style flow which aptly melds English with Igbo plays to his strengths and fan base on tracks like “Kachimsideh” and “Lyrikal.”
On the track “36 States” he delves into social commentary, comparing the 36 states to a criminal corporation with 36 branches; and on “Anymore” where Oga Boss’ rhyming and lyricism is on display, that are the undoubted gems and highlights of Fortem. “Port Harcourt” is a bar-fest with Dr Barz, Timi Kei, Spaceman and Illgod himself trading bars as an ode to the city of Port Harcourt.
The Enugu maestro Illbliss took to his Instagram to post this: “@illgod is a Port Harcourt based hiphop producer, known for his distinct raw boombap and sampling sound. I met him some years back and we were introduced by my late homie B-Elect. He said to me “illy this kid is different. Keep an eye on his work and see if you can create with him someday” This convo was in 2017 I think.
“In 2021, Illgod and I reconnected to create one song and ended up creating 5 incredible songs. We started with “KachimSideh” then he went on to lace the remaining 4. We achieved this in less than 24 hours. Shout out to my PH connects @thisisspaceman of @thebeat999ph @dr_barz @timi_kei for lending us your scorching verses and blessing the project. You dudes are royalty and the future is bright. Support The “Fortem Tape”. Its Illgod’s moment and a good day for Nigerian hiphop.”
Illgod rocked headphones with his earlier beat tapes of Fela samples but got critical acclaim and recognition for his 2019 tape ‘Soulsoup’ with rapper/vocalist, Timi Kei. He doubled down again, with his 2020 album ‘Incipit Vita Nova’ partnering with razor-sharp lyricist, Xplain D Don, for a high concept offering that was one of the most streamed hip hop tapes in Africa. This year, Illgod linked up with Black Intelligence to get ears tickling with his mellow beat tape, ‘The Chop Shop Vol 1’.
Illbliss is a respected veteran rapper with over 15 years in the music industry and has an enviable discography; Dat Ibo Boy (2009), Oga Boss (2012), #Powerful (2015), Illygaty: 7057 (2016), Illy Bomaye (2017), and Illosophy (2019). Now with the backdrop of his largely successful Illy Chapo X of 2020, Illbliss is riding that momentum to emit fire raps that refreshes the Nigerian rap game.
