2face Idibia's Ascension album review by Emma Ugolee

2face Idibia's Ascension album reviewed by former TV personality and host of Nigeria's first ever music video countdown, Emmanuel Ugolee. Read below...
I was going to take my time and digest "The Ascension" but then the news that the 2 week (or so) old album had broken an African billboard record would not let me. I was in a mad hurry to see what content had pulled that feat.
Just before I took to dissecting, I cautioned myself about:
a) Comparing the album to the prevalent sound of buzzing music today since I had immense disregard for the yardstick of its acceptance (melody and lyrics alike) and ...

b) Making comparison with the "face 2 face" album as every great act gets to deal with the curse of an early great outing in his career. Micheal Jackson chased "Thriller" with every effort till he died. He never touched it for many, if not all of us. Seems same for 9ice, Snoop Doggy Dog, Asa, Bobby Brown, MajekFasheketc

So the basis for judgment fair and square had to be : How much of the man we love, could i feel in this album? Did he "fall" the proverbial hand? Would I find home grown and universal appeal worthy of Africa's biggest act of this generation? Can I relate to the sense or nonsense he made? Would I be proud to be a fan when I am done?

Now that my head was clear on the basis for a standard analysis, it was time to press play on track 1

1) Go ftMachelMontano : Trying to stay still without rhythmically moving body parts to this song is sheer punishment. Your classic party jam which I think was a strategically smart move to appeal to the critical under 25 audience. Typical plot of a girl in the club pulling all the attention by doing her thing. He also communicated in a language they know so well eg "blow my mind, way you whine, carry go". Glad though that he observed the limits, leaving Hennessey, Ferrari and Versace alone.
Then next to Patoranking, can't wait to hear a Machel Montano album. Awesome delivery on this track he served. Great blend with 2face. Generally, a good feel good song.

2) #Aproko : I've noticed 2face's music is influenced by romantic love, governance, human inter-relationships and his personal experiences. #aproko is a clear mix of the last two.
For years, I have known Dr Sid to be mild tempered but the only time I've seen the beast in him awaken was because of twitter. Someone had the nerve to tell a man hurt over his dad's demise to "stop ranting and give us hits joor". Like Peter Okoye, 2face got the same medium used to have his family disrespected. Banky's head has had countless trending hash tags. Can you imagine how that must hurt?
Well the agony is felt in #aproko. Strong words unveil the disgust 2face feels in his stomach about the trend. Describing the pitiable, backwardfocused, idle state of the cyber bully as unworthy of sleepless nights. He however urges victims to dust shoulders and ignore them because they are just words that shouldn't get to them, even when the words kiss their a**es. Great lesson for all but a celebrities favorite you can bet.
This message is served with a warlike sound from Leriq. Not a song for all but on point with content.

3) Holiday! A second feel good song with a little extra ginger. David Guetta and Calvin Harris were the names to pop into my head as I followed the changing drum sequence. The message reminds you of Will Smith's 'Welcome to Miami'. No stress, no work, no worries. Just have fun. This song would effortlessly slide into any house music DJ's mix. While the clubs @ okoko would gladly skip this song, this is heaven for the table top dancing, PiccoloMondo, Caliente going, Ajebur kids and all their action replicating wannabe's.
My advice sha is to constantly check your account balance as you swipe your card listening to this song because of its power to inspire flow of Shayo. A good attempt to cater for house music's loving global fans

4) Can't hear you ftVector : Turn up sound for the youn