Essentials: M.I Abaga & A-Q’s thrilling joint project, ‘The Live Report’
Built off an already established chemistry between both rappers
At the beginning of this month, a joint project between M.I Abaga and A-Q wasn’t on the cards. Just last month, both veteran rappers dropped their latest projects, ‘Judah’ and ‘God’s Engineering’, respectively, so it was unprecedented that they agreed to a fan’s request for a collaborative project. Beyond the proximity to their most recent work, though, what really mattered is that the pairing made sense on paper, and it ultimately translated into one of the more thrilling African rap projects in recent memory.
‘The Live Report’ builds off an already established chemistry between M.I and A-Q. While their striking guest appearances on each other’s solo releases were a livewire act in contrasting styles, this 6-track project uses those differences to emphasise the similarities in their experiences and perspectives. “Tone of the Conversation”, the opening song, is a good old lyrical outburst, with both rappers establishing their regal credentials. As much as it’s filled with brags, it doesn’t take much to see the diverging points if their candour: M.I’s raps about his larger-than-life influence projects his slick conceitedness, while A-Q’s threats of burying the hatchet into his rivals’ skulls is a trademark offshoot of his raw pugilism.
While assertive rapping is what carries the project, thematic timeliness is its main sell. The pair address pertinent social issues in a manner that’s provocative and a tad heavy-handed at times, but always finds a way to land in profound territory. At those points, ‘The Live Report’ is a time capsule for the dystopian reality we’re all currently living in.
On the title track, they grimace at the conspiracy theories linking the ongoing coronavirus pandemic with 5G technology, disappointed with the absurdity of it all. Where M.I, in between his dense schemes and optimism, simply urges listeners to apply common sense instead of looking to influential figures who don’t know any better, A-Q flips those theories into part-rant, part-satire that climaxes with the cutting, final lines: “The question is, where is Africa in all of this/we busy playing politics, on some corruption shit”.
“The Live Report” is closed off by a soundbite from a tech expert who harps on the necessity of mobile networks in a time where many have to physically distance themselves from family and close friends. Bits like these are worked into ‘The Live Report’ as a means of building and easing the tensions of songs, as well as emboldening nuance. The lampooning of exploitive religious leaders on “Jesus Said Use Your Head” starts off with preachers quoting and explaining bible passages, while the morbid honesty of “When I’m Gone” begins with a matter-of-fact statement: “…it could be in a month, it could be tomorrow, it could be in a year, it could be in twenty years, but the thing is, you’re gonna die”.
Although M.I and A-Q are rapping on top form, the project’s sole producer, Beats By Jayy, is the spine of ‘The Live Report’. Jayy’s production on the tape combines simple elegance and a vintage knock; soulful loops are girded by head-nodding drum patterns, creating enough negative space for both rappers to find different pockets on each song.
On a less impressive note, “Jesus Said Use Your Head” allegedly samples Daramola’s “I Used To”, without the singer’s permission. Even though the flip is artfully done, and Daramola has since taken down the tweet in which he complained, it’s noteworthy mentioning that artists need to respect the intellectual properties of their colleagues, no matter the level of prominence.
On the purely musical side of things, though, ‘The Live Report’ is a nearly flawless body of work, with two of Nigeria’s finest rappers speaking truth to power over phenomenal production. The fact that this project was conceived and executed within all of five days speaks to the virtuosity of all parties involved. It’s the result of purposeful spontaneity and points to the idea that sometimes, there’s really no need to overthink.
Listen to ‘The Live Report’ here.
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NATIVE EXCLUSIVE: M.I ISN’T THE MESSIAH THE WORLD WANTS HIM TO BE
Asake Links With Tiakola On Gritty “BADMAN GANSTA”
Another step towards ‘Money,’ his fourth
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super producer, P.Priime, the single, Asake’s second of the year, arrives with a crisp black and white feature and a stellar guest verse from French rapper and singer Tiakola.
The singer posted the full music video–a monochromatic montage of dazzling shots and scenes of his opulent lifestyle–across his different social media handles on Thursday evening, July 24, with a caption that read, ‘The World Of Money.’
Earlier in June, the ex-YBNL star announced a new album titled ‘Money.’ A few months before that, he released a loosie titled “Military” and then “WHY LOVE,” his first official single under his new imprint Giran Republic. “Military” served as a bookend to the first arc of his impressive career as much as an announcement of a new era, while “WHY LOVE” officially kicked off season two.
Following the release of “WHY LOVE,” Asake has also featured on songs like Olamide’s “99,” J Hus’ “Gold”, and Young Jonn’s “Che Che,” delivering standout verses that favour a melodious, laid-back approach as opposed to the spirited, fast-paced style that earned him success early on. “BADMAN GANSTA” also excels with this approach, as Asake’s melodious musings about his current lifestyle dovetail nicely with Tiakola’s equally sturdy verse over a plush beat that samples Amerie’s 2005 classic “1 Thing.”
With Asake releasing three albums in as many years, it’s not unreasonable to assume ‘Money’ might arrive before the end of the year. There’s also the possibility that he might be willing to take his time a little more now, seeing as he his under his imprint now.
Whatever the case may be, ‘Money’ is likely to arrive sooner rather than later, and it will be fascinating to see what other aces Asake has up his sleeves.
Listen to “BADMAN GANSTA” here.
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Ayra Starr Releases Her Sizzling Anthem, “Hot Body”
An 11th-hour summer anthem for the
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.”
The Mavin popstar has been teasing the new single for a few weeks now, posting multiple promotional videos across social media that built up significant excitement for her third official release of the year. The release of “Hot Body” comes on the heels of recent reports that confirmed the Grammy-nominated singer had officially joined Roc Nation’s roster, the American music label, entertainment, and sports services company founded by rapper and business mogul JAY-Z.
Earlier in February, Ayra Starr shared “All The Love,” a sumptuous Afropop ballad produced by labelmate Johnny Drille and Teemode, before releasing the sleek and sensual Wizkid-assisted “Gimmie Dat” about months later. In that time period, the singer picked up two awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards for Best African Music Act and Best International Act before also clinching her first BET award for Best International Act in June.
It was recently announced that the pop singer would be joining Coldplay on the UK leg of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour between August to September, and her impressive year continues with the release of “Hot Body.” Once again, teaming up with close collaborator Ragee and UK production duo The Elements, Ayra Starr manages to deliver a sweetly erotic summer jam that’s sure to elicit plenty lip-biting, hip gyrating, and flirty winks. “Look what a hot body can do,” she sings repeatedly, almost like an enchantress performing a magic trick.
With her current deal with Mavin and Universal Music still running and the recent confirmation of her management deal with Roc Nation, it’s safe to assume that “Hot Body” might garner significant momentum both at home and abroad. Outside of her music, the singer recently wrapped up the shooting of the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone which is reportedly set for release in early 2027.
Listen to “Hot Body” here.
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Zulo Details His Evolution On New ‘Z’ EP
Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a series of gritty mixtapes that chronicled his upbringing, thrills, and connection to the community. Since his rebrand, he’s steadily grown into a renowned voice in South African Hip-Hop, regarded for his storytelling, cultural homage, and genre fusion.
Three years after the release of ‘Talk To Me Naace,’ his reintroduction to the scene, ZULO has returned with ‘Z,’ a three-track EP that shows a glimpse of his evolution as an artist and human. Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a refined sound that’s bold, emotional, and distinctly South African.
The three-tracker opens with “God’s Armour,” a gospel-inflected protest anthem layered with brass and trap drums. It is followed by “Sweeter Success,” an infectious Afropop-inspired groove built around a nostalgic sample of UPZ’s iconic “Pure Surprise”. Beneath its shine lies a darker message: the emotional cost of ambition, the toll of always pushing for more. ZULO produced the track himself, with additional production from Miglow and SpiceDrums.
‘Z’ closes with “Spaan”, a gritty street anthem that samples Kamazu and confronts addiction, poverty, and the lingering scars of apartheid through the lens of coloured identity. “These songs are battle cries and war journals,” ZULO says. “‘Z’ is everything I’ve fought through to stand where I am. The EP follows a strong run of 2024 singles, including “Adawise,” “JOL,” “Garden,” and “Smaak To Love (Lamza).”
Listen to ‘Z’ here.
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