Not too many young artists have a firm grasp of their identities in their formative years, much less the possibilities of what they can do with their skill-set. It often takes months of practice and refinement for latent gifts to become tangible potential and budding stardom. Within that period of needed growth, precociousness plays an evident role in how quickly things get fully rounded. Nigerian-born, UK-based rap artist Brazy has been evolving in plain sight, and there’s an obvious perception of her abilities, in relation to the kind of music she can make.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by brazy (@brazyybih)

In two-plus years of releasing music, Brazy’s catalogue is littered with singles that cater to her curiosities. On official debut single “Siren,” she tag teams with frequent collaborator L0la, her airy cadence creeping alongside the eerie flute synth creaking under the weight of heavy bass. “Gingerbread,” one of her more distinct songs, features a melodic rap performance reminiscent of Sugarbella-era Rico Nasty, while “Selecta” couples freewheeling quips over UK Funky-influenced production. Throwing paint to see what sticks? Maybe. Lack of imagination? Never. Ear-holding execution regardless of what direction? Definitely!

Nearly a year after releasing “Attends,” the mildly viral hit song that’s helped make Brazy a budding cult star, she’s turned in a new single that furthers her electrifying fusion of dance and rap. At first glance, it’s easy to parse “OMG” as an attempt to replicate the success of its predecessor, possibly on a bigger scale. It’s not a terrible ambition to have. In the same breadth, it’s also easy to admit that the song isn’t hackneyed or a barefaced repetition of what worked before.

Breakout artists often face the pressure of repeating the same tricks in order to sustain their level of success or ascend further into ubiquity. If there’s pressure, it rolls off Brazy; she seems so Teflon. Part of that stems from how organic making music has always been to her. In an interview with The NATIVE earlier this year, she explained that becoming an artist was a spontaneous endeavour, and it’s highlighted in her carefree raps and equally blithe flows. Also, as a music listener with an expansive taste, her production choices are a reflection of her boundless, globalised vision.

 

“Attends” was inspired by Cruise music from the trenches of Lagos, Buoyon rap with its Kreyol roots and deep French affiliations, as well as Reggaeton and Dancehall. “OMG” leans into an existing template for Brazy, sounding as fun and assured as ever. Obviously, it’s catchy, too. Helmed by Parked Up, plinking piano notes glimmer alongside wall-rattling bass, with a psychedelic hue adding to the song’s ear candy appeal. Aptly relying on her insouciant swagger, Brazy’s rap-talking cadence gives every line a lilt that makes them immediately memorable. There’s zero friction as she switches between English and Yoruba, even if—or especially because—the repeated chants of “Farable” and “Kilonsele” are delivered with that very British intonation.

At the core of her music, alongside the exuberance, there’s a strong sense of self-belief from Brazy that she’s in control of her surroundings and any situation she’s in—especially where it concerns attraction. “Just because I’m looking hot/Doesn’t mean you should fear,” she raps with a sly grin on her face. It’s on the same instantly memorable level as “Cheat on me, I’ll cheat on you” from “Attends.” It’s also proof that Brazy has embraced fully buying into her own hubris.

Rather than her ego suffocating room, the levity with which she wields her confidence is refreshing, obviously with a sexy edge—all heat, no steam—and the music, to put it simply, slaps. Regardless of whatever she’s rapping over, Brazy’s sureness is her identity. She just happens to know how to make dancefloor heaters, too. “OMG” is further proof.

Watch the video for “OMG” here.

 

---

FOR THE GIRLS: BRAZY’S CAREFREE & VERSATILE ARTISTRY