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When the historians write about this era of Nigerian music, rapper/singer Cheque will be grouped alongside upstarts like Oxlade, Fireboy and Joeboy… and for good reason. The Penthauze signee has his peers’ zest for flitting through styles and inspirations. Getting signed to a label owned by Phyno would suggest the latter saw himself – a Nigerian rapper with a proclivity for timely pop hits – in Cheque.
On “Energy”, Cheque shows his palette is much wider. Producer Hitsound’s beat interpolates aspects of Atlanta’s thumping trap sound and the more moody chords of emo-rap. It’s the perfect backdrop for Cheque’s sing-rap delivery. “I just want to change my life, I don’t go time for negative energy, I don’t even sleep at night,” Cheque raps about his hunger for success and what he’s willing to do. It’s a familiar trope, but where others would emphasise their point with ferocity, Cheque covers his substance in style and multiple melodies.
As he tries to claim his place in Nigeria’s underperforming and heavily-saturated hip-hop scene, it’s a quality that will serve him well.
Listen to Cheque’s “Energy” here.
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