Everything Ladipoe has done in his career leads to this moment. And with the spotlight on him, he opens his voice and delivers.
Let’s Talk about Poe
After finishing his master’s at George Washington University, Ladipo Eso returned to Nigeria and began to make his name underground. He was gaining attention for his work with Show Dem Camp, so much so that people thought he was a member of the group. Ladipoe soon realized he had to carve out his sound. Ladipoe released “Ko Ye Won” as his first single. The video was directed by Tec of SDC. He would release singles like “Adore Her” and “Slow it down”, both songs featuring frequent collaborator and The Collectiv3 colleague, Funbi.
That journey to creating and realizing his sound is what he tried to capture in his debut album, Talk About Poe. However, he couldn’t. While T.A.P is not a particularly bad release, it is not special either. The album was wispy and failed to engage. It is neither memorable nor remarkable, but it was no cliff to fall off. Ladipoe rebounded stunningly. He released “Know You” featuring Simi and “Ride or Die” on BasketMouth’s Yabasi alongside Waje. “Know You” went on to bag the Headies Award for Best Collaboration at the 2021 edition.
We are Feeling Ladipoe
Ladipoe stole the summer of 2021 with his hit single, “Feeling”. The unstoppable force of two young artists about to hit their peak culminated in a smash-hit record that dominated airwaves and still swings into and out of the top 10 of most relevant charts in Nigeria. The artist is more mature now, he is no longer struggling to capture his sound. He is now one with it. He has reset the stage for himself, and the spotlight is shining on him again. This time Ladipoe delivers on his talents and promises.
Providence (EP)
On Providence, the 29-year-old Mavin artiste is aware of all his strengths and harnesses them properly on the smooth 6-track EP. Providence is short, sharp and it showcases the dynamism and artistic robustness that Ladipoe has in his bag. There is enough robustness to transition from the uncountable punchlines and entendres of “LOTR II” to the full-blooded man ready to devour on “Law of Attraction” without losing any bit of him. Poe started this project by stating, “this time we gotta get it right,” and he did.Providence refers to God’s covering or preparation for eventualities, and in this case, this is a precursor for his upcoming album that he sings about. From “LOTR II”, he shows his confidence and comfort in his rap roots, postulating with double meaning phrases. His delivery has never been a problem. He graces the mic with unmatched suave. The type we saw in Naeto C. There is a casual yet fascinating brilliance. He jumps to a more funky sound with label mate, Rema on “Afro Jigga”. These smooth transitions show the maturing of the artist. While it never quite worked for Talk About Poe, it works perfectly on Providence. “Law of Attraction” sees an aroused Ladipoe deliver breathless sex anecdotes. Perfect for the middle spot in your sex playlist, just when things are getting thicker.
The first single from the project, “Running” feat Fireboy comes in at number 4. He uses a formula that worked with Buju on “Feelings” and Rema on “Afro Jigga”. The single has performed reasonably well on the charts and continues to garner airplay. One thing that should be mentioned is that while Ladipoe has gotten better at his craft, his marketing and rollout process has also improved. This allows his releases to perform better.
At a time when African releases are breaking into foreign charts and breaking that final barrier for global recognition, “Love Essential” should be a successful record. Amaarae is one of the artists making that global push. The numbers on her latest single “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” feat Moliy are bonkers. Ladipoe features the Ghanaian-American singer at a great time for what is a great record. Ladipoe is one of those rare artists that can veer between singing and rapping effortlessly. He brings that charm to the record bouncing off the tender textures of his partner in crime as they make sweet melodies. The project wraps up with the titular track “Providence”. He turns and wheels the project back through the route it started on. He ends the album by letting us know that there is an even bigger project ahead.
A Smooth & Honest Project
When the spotlight shone brightest on the man, the Yoruba Samurai delivered. He delivers a smooth and honest project that shows his robustness as an artist. Ladipoe has fully come to terms with his potential and sound. It makes the Providence a smooth, sharp, and clearcut project with Poe’s finesse chafing any rough edges.
When Poe first signed for Don Jazzy, many worried about his sound. He had barely figured his thing out when the looming presence of the Mavin boss entered his career. A man that is acclaimed for churning commercial hits. Anyone capable of making jams like “Jantamanta” and “Dorobucci” into national hits is a man to be feared. However, the Don showed knowledge and experience by letting Ladipoe figure himself out. He only gave the artist his very muscular platform to lean on. The dividends are huge. Poe has matured into a fine artist, a real craftsman. Providence is a witty and brilliant project that clinches what went missing for Ladipoe on Talk About Poe.