Music Review: Okyeame Kwame ft Sir, Santi –Saucing
The last time Okyeame Kwame was involved in a musical ‘fam fest’ was back in 2007, when Bradez (made up of his younger brothers Stone and Kunta Kinte) drafted him on their classic breakthrough single ‘One Gallon’. The Appietus produced record had all the frills of being a classic from the moment the Yaa Amposah riffs reeled through the melodic highlife beat at the beginning of the track. By the time Kunta Kinte, Stone and Okyeame Kwame were done with their verses, that fact was cemented.
Almost a decade after ‘One Gallon’, the self-proclaimed Best Rapper Alive has pulled another family reunion this time featuring himself and his two kids- Sir and daughter Santi on his latest ‘Saucing’. Santi sang the chorus and Sir delivered an impressive opening verse- which has caused some sensation on various entertainment sites/blogs. The attention has been more on the delivery of his son, Sir, who many argue had a better verse than his dad, Okyeame Kwame; something i think is exaggerated.
The euphoria over ‘Saucing’ has more to do with the display by Sir than how great the song really is, thanks in part to the young OK’s age -he’s just 7 years and his confidence- he rode the beat and switched styles, adding spice to his delivery. Possessing a flow reminiscent of his uncle Kunta Kinte, it is interesting hearing him tell his (Uncle Kunta) that ‘he’s sorry (but) I’m not simple’ (referencing the Bradez tune ‘Simple’) and that he’s ‘almost smarter than his teacher’ (obviously his dad). There’s nothing much to say about OK’s verse. The veteran award winning rapper did what was expected-he, propping up his credentials as the best rapper alive with a variety of rap flows.
The interest Saucing is receiving is temporary. The enthusiasm from people-fans included would fade after some weeks. The song isn’t anything special-the ‘special’ is Sir’s appearance. This is the first time in the history of hiplife that we are having a father and a young son rap together on a track. Placing Saucing side by side the career glittering tunes of Okyeame Kwame such as ‘Woso’, ‘Faithful’, ‘Woara’ and even ‘Small Small’, Saucing will pale in terms of influence and longevity, albeit the attention the track is receiving.
Another low about the song is the unnecessary switch in the beat. One hears element of trap, boom bap, dj cuts, snap and fontomfrom sounds (similar to his 2014 ‘Mr. Versatile’ song with Irene Logan). Of course, Okyeame Kwame wants to prove he is still the best rapper alive-unique, relevant, hip and woke with the times by showcasing his many rap flows. However, he doesn’t have anything to proof because his talent is not in dispute. Plus, what he has achieved and continues to achieve-career wise- is something many today’s rappers envy. And he should eschew the corniness sometimes (‘my daddy is the rap dacta’).
Saucing is a good record. It carries a good vibe and bounce. It is a radio jam. The attention pole would beam its bright lights and the Okyeame family name would make rounds. For him to feature his children, especially his young son on his record means the torch the ‘Rap Dacta’ lit almost two decades ago will burn bright once the Nsiah Appau family remain in showbiz.
Okyeame Kwame was actually featured in Bradez 2010 hit single, Simple. I’d call that his last “fam-fest”, though even with that, I think there have been more collaborations between the brothers since then.
Okyeame Kwame was not on ‘Simple’ (unless there was a remix or version I don’t know of). Simple was only Stone and Kunta.
You only have to google or YouTube it.
both Google and YouTube say OK wasn’t on Simple bro. One Gallon was the track he was on. *show me tickets*
I checked again and you’re right. He was in the music video, but only a cameo of sorts. My bad.
all good bro.. we live to learn
I agree with all you have said. It is more about visuals than anything else