Whenever we look at lyrical geniuses in the Nigerian music industry, one name comes up on every list. Highly underrated but with a great cult following from his fans who can relate to and understand his masterpiece. Vector is one of the best rap artists in the Nigerian music industry and Africa, but his music is not for everybody, and Teslim: The Energy Still Lives In Me’ proves that.
In fact, the 38-year-old Lafiaji-born rapper said this clearly in one of the songs in his latest album, ‘Teslim: The Energy Still Lives In Me’ where he addressed several topics ranging from fame, love, societal issues, and life drama. Vector in the usual confidence of his craft cooked something extraordinary for his fans and lovers of hip-hop with this album, strengthening his rep as a king in the rap game.
The 16-track album features Nasty C, Wande Coal, Seun Kuti, Erigga, Goodgirl LA, Cracker Mallo, Seyi Vibez, AO-Machine, Ichaba, Shado Chris, and Milare.
‘Teslim: The Energy Still Lives In Me’ is Vector’s fourth studio album and it is a lyrical composition with some deep messages and many great vibes. From the brilliant introduction to the last track on the album, Vector spoke to his fans with his rap.
The brilliant introduction
Not many artists understand the importance of a fancy introduction for either an album or an EP. Being the first thing that plays when anyone starts to listen to your project, this part of it should capture your audience, and that was what Vector did with ‘Teslim Introduction.’
Getting an OAP to open the floor for him was a brilliant concept but even more, having a conversation on the song and making it seem like an interview session with the OAP was a creative idea.
This again shows the creativity the rapper exhibits and how much thought he puts into his songs.
Lessons for his daughter
There is always that important question of ‘what message will you like to pass to your younger self,’ Vector through his art reached out to teach his daughter a life lesson instead of looking for his younger self which can also be his daughter.
On the second track with Ichaba & MILARE ‘I Need You,’ Vector encouraged his daughter to keep going and never stop. He also urged her to not listen to what people have to say, in a way inspiring her to just continue to be herself.
The symbolism of this is that Vector is always himself, and unlike other rap artists that have changed their style of rap over time to fit into the new generation of singing, he stayed true to what he loves doing.
Talking about fame
In a super link-up with Erigga, Vector delivered a track that insinuated he is grateful for the fame he has now while also stating that he raps and his fans find it interesting to listen to.
Erigga also reminisced on the days when he had nothing while coming back to the present day when he has it all and is like a role model for upcoming artists from where he came from.
As much as this song talks about fame and the luxury that comes with it, the track also speaks on how to handle it and not be carried away with it.
Activism and stance on religion
It is widely known that Vector was audible with his activism during the END Sars protest in Nigeria in 2020. There were videos of the rapper on the street of Lagos Island with protesters, giving speeches and encouraging them to fight for what is right. Also, he is one of the few Nigerian celebrities who are Pan-African and is not very big on religion.
In ‘Insomnia’ featuring Cracker Mallo, Vector channeled that energy to speak on how he feels about the killings during the protest as well as how religion feels to him. Also, he addressed societal issues like building collapses and how that wasn’t talked about enough.
The 2mins 45secs song was packed with many deep messages addressing societal issues in general.
Getting money
On more than one track in the album, Vector addressed artists who prefer chasing clouts and starting unnecessary beef. Over the years, the rapper has had his fair share of beef with Nigerian rappers like Reminisce and M.I Abaga (The Guy).
In ‘Teslim: The Energy Still Lives In Me’ however, he makes it clear that he doesn’t have time for them and he is conserving his energy for better things.
In ‘Soki Sombolo, he warns those snitching on him and policing his life to get their acts together, while in ‘Clowns’ he stated that ‘alawada ni gbogbo wa’ loosely translated to mean ‘we are all jokers.’
Conclusion
Over and over again, Vector proves that he is in the rap game because he loves it. It is incredible to see how far he has come with it, without compromising, gaining fans every day of the journey as he continues to educate, entertain, and inform people with his own form of art.