Did you hear what Phyno did with
Princess Njideka Okeke and Gozie Okeke’s iconic gospel song in his new track titled “Grateful”?
That’s how you tastefully sample a classic record.
First of all, ‘Kporo Ya Isi N’ala’ was a clever choice of track by Phyno.
I like that he didn’t go for the number one Princess and Gozie song Akanchawa. It would’ve been too generic, given its extensive remix history.
Instead, he went for a runner up song in Njideka’s “Ministration Worship” album, which gave a more distinct result.
More gold to his already studded teeth for that!
On the track Grateful, he introduced the timeless classic to draw listeners in, using it to build the song’s framework as he dropped bars over it.
It wasn’t just random words.
His rap verses echoed the theme of the classic gospel song – worship.
Also, in a way, I like how the sampled song by the Okekes was more like a nostalgic teaser throughout the track.
It wasn’t over sung, so it didn’t come off like a Kporo Ya Isi N’ala Part 2 that we don’t need.
After serving as the intro, it remained a rhythmic hook, until the end where Njideka’s voice was given the honour of wrapping up the track, of course with Gozie’s familiar ‘Jesus!’
Everything was done with precision and skill.
Great job Phyno and producer Jaysynths.
Track rating: 9/10
BTV reporting
