For a series of projects titled “THIS IS NOT THE TAPE, SORRY 4 THE WAIT,” THIS is actually the tape we’ve been waiting for. The ironically themed project, since its inception in 2019, has easily been a fan favorite, and after a 4-year interlude since its sophomore installation, Deedadeyy has capped off a perfect trilogy to the series. It’s no doubt that the cover art, a representation of the number 3, also makes sense as the claw of a beast, cementing the legacy. This is King Arthur’s first body of work since the release of his debut album, SON OF JACOB, which was received with mixed reviews as against his acclaimed perfect record of impressive projects.
Fans of the rapper fell in love with the shirtless Tema superstar following his blow-up with “Grind Day” in 2017 off his soul-searching EP, “LIVE FROM NKRUMAH KROM,” and most fans seem to forever have a grip on that persona. But to Kwesi however, it is what it is. In an unapologetic response to fans on the intro “1 OF 1” he opens by saying, “Anyhow you feel there’s a song/Don’t make it take a toll on you sake of it feels different.” A call for listeners to adapt to the ever-evolving phases of his music and not always tie him to the nostalgic-rudimental dreadlocked chap.
The unpleasant experience between the rapper and previous label Ground Up Chale has, of course, escaped the rooms of silence to envelop the walls of social media sparking different rumors and wild perspectives. The rapper’s address to them has not gone unnoticed, a subtle theme Kwesi radiated in this intro bears similar concepts to his singles “Pain Interlude” and “Nirvana” where he unequivocally touches on love and loyalty being a paradoxical element to the foundation that was laid between the two parties. The lyricist smoothly interweaves the diverse themes of the song to fit into his keynote address to us: Tough skin or as he blatantly says, / “it’s just crazy crazy crazy crazy crazy crazy” cos / “nothing go faze me faze me faze me faze me faze me faze me/.” The new Kwesi forged from the grimy controversies is one to watch. The peroration of this song is an excerpt of a Mike Tyson interview where he talks about identity, simply put, Kwesi doesn’t want you to tell him about who he is; the genius knows who he is!
The curse of stardom and fame is just people filled with a burning desire for you to be a version they want and not for you to fully express who you really are. It’s easy to be misunderstood if you dare to be different from the normalcy curated for you, and Heavy Hitta can’t deny this. On the A-Swxg produced “Can’t Relate,” the artist makes a reflection on the complexities of people’s perception of him against who he really is. While being open about being on a conflicting journey towards spirituality and faith, as in his own words / “I do it all with all my might, stay up for countless nights, so many calls on Jesus Christ…. i dey fight my faith/” Kwesi broods over his quest to gratifying his soul which of course would not make sense to most but I mean, as much as he’s so misunderstood what’s a world without enigma? It actually reminds me of one of his lyrics on “Live or Die,” off the first installation of the “This is Not the Tape, Sorry 4 The Wait” series / “Nah, I for find my way, 3n3 anaa okyena/.”
“Jungle Music PT. 1” and “Raging Bull” switch to a much-heated Kwesi Arthur. Casually reminiscing on the dark times and his resilience towards going through the struggle, again asserting his endurance against adversities. The illegal combination of him and Joey B on “Raging Bull” on top of that sick Hip-Hop/Trap beat is just a cheat and of course it is totally unacceptable for DJ Krept to produce such a ridiculously fire beat. Trust Joey B, a legend in the game to really deliver his slick bars and unique rhymes on a feature as dope as this. With over 10-years’ experience in the game, Joey raps about his longevity and the flow is just on repeat. IDK definitely tallied the heat on Jungle Music PT. 1, bragging about being the yardstick for realness, IDK really lived up to his name: Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge. Being the only international artist featured, IDK understood the assignment and took us to a riveting dimension on the joint, birthing an amazing listen.
Connecting with his emotions on 4Lyfe and Hijack, heartwarming songs on love and affection, a typical Kwesi did quite okay with getting us into our feelings.
Unlike Tic Tac and Mr Eazi’s Fefe Ne Fe, Kwesi Arthur’s song under the same name had a different feel and featured an unforgettable and incredible flow especially on the second verse. Referencing himself to TD Jakes, Bruce Wayne, and Saddam Hussein, a defiant Kwesi characterizes the triple threat persona into his entirety. The Kwesi you’d experience is the Kwesi you choose; The enthusiast advocate, the savior, or the villain. You choose.
Kwesi has always been a revolutionary; you just can’t deny his influence and he still dey GINGER. The song might have the best beat, hook, and chorus on the tape, mad credits to the producers Troy Taylor and Inigo. Giving himself credit on how far he has come: / “win some, lost some no yawa”/ but anticipating the rise of the ghetto youth as long as the loyalty is oneself, no mediocrity, and determination.
One thing Kwesi always delivers on are his outros! Honorable mentions to crazy outros like “Devil Knocking” and “Colours,” I don’t think King Arthur could have made a much better outro than “Make A Way”. Trust me, this song would gradually be credited as one of his best songs. A song with so much substance! An anthem for the betterment of tomorrow and keep on keeping on. Anxiety catches us on different levels and this song would be the remedy to distressed souls. Well written, well delivered, sorry but this is the song we’ve been waiting for.
Production on this tape is top-notch and kudos to Rymez, A-Swxg, Honorable Cnote, Krept, Nektunez, MOG, Troy Taylor, Inigo, and Juiczx for producing the songs on this masterpiece. Kwesi Arthur’s message throughout the tape was duly recognized and with his ability to inspire and create buzz, this tape would have its place on the lips of many. We’ve waited for the project Kwesi, now allow us to decide if this was the tape.
Written by Kwaw Blay Apprey
