Masscut | P.I.N. (EP)

Review of Nigerian Cyprus-based rapper Masscut new EP release "P.I.N". A Rap EP rooted In contemporary Nigerian musical culture.

In an attempt to summarize "P.I.N" in a nutshell, it will be right to tag it as a rap EP rooted in contemporary Nigerian musical culture, and branches out into every facet of the artist’s current environment.

Masscut lives in North Cyprus and you perceive elements of the Cypriot environment seeping into his rap lyrics. It goes without saying that this is a testament of true artistry, as a piece of reflective art is supposed to bear the imprints of the artist’s paths. Let us walk you through the EP so you have an insight as to our criteria for ascribing what value we do for it:

 Listening through the EP, one will notice that Masscut’s artistic performance thrives on variety. His style comes unexpectedly and brazenly experimental.

P.I.N begins with the track 'MJ', with a chorus that is quite raw, catchy, and thematically advocates for marijuana in a manner that’s rather suggestive than overt. The rap lyrics are hilarious, poetic, and delivered with vocals that sound playful and not too serious. One would say that Masscut is creative and vast in his involvement with things around him, and this is owing to the allusions he makes in his rap. It enriches the entertainment value of his music.

Masscut lives in North Cyprus and you perceive elements of the Cypriot environment seeping into his rap lyrics.

 The track 'Chance' is slower, much of an R&B track complete with the suggestively romantic feel and the vocals. The backup vocal is very much complementary to the lead, but the spice lies in the rap vocals that comes into the music along the way. The rap performance in 'Chance' comes slower in rhythm, with vocals rich and dynamic; changing along the track with the instrumentals. The artistic allusions make for interesting listening, much like the play on words that gravitates, here and there, towards being sexually suggestive.

 'Hustlers Anthem' comes on next with an intro that builds into the suspenseful atmosphere of the song. The instrumental accompaniment adds to the theatric feel of the song. This is one of those songs that are termed ‘voice of the street’, and more often than not, finds acceptance amongst youthful populations. It quite contrasts with the next track, 'I No Fit Rap', both in lyrical content and in its rhythmic beat.

 'I No Fit Rap' is lyrically humorous, very much self-expressive, and plays on artistic allusions. You may have to be knowledgeable about the Nigerian contemporary cultural and artistic environment to get a maximum feel of the vibe.

This is one of those songs that are termed ‘voice of the street’, and more often than not, finds acceptance amongst youthful populations.

 Listening through the EP, one will notice that Masscut’s artistic performance thrives on variety. His style comes unexpectedly and brazenly experimental. In the title track 'P.I.N', he delivers his lyrics to rhyme, and with a playful vocal that is richly dynamic. It makes one think of the effortless yet punchy style of rap delivery which is stylishly Eminem. This style is very much different from the next track 'Hop Out The Bed' which has a pained expression to its delivery. Lyrically, it tells the grinding and pains of an indie artist, evidently, in the local music industry.

Generally, the EP is a remarkable artistic outing for Masscut. It is very much recommended for lovers of rap music. Hope is high that the release of the EP offers for Masscut a remarkable stage in his musical career.