Raph Jay’s New Project, ‘Successful’, Is An Essential Listen.
At any given moment there are easily a dozen new and talented hip-hop acts emerging from Nigeria’s underground, each one varying in cultural impact, sound, and staying power. They are often touted as music’s next big spectacle, when more often than not they serve to showcase a new style or trend that will quickly eclipse them before fading into obscurity. Nigerian based Raph Jay is unlike these artists. He’s a tried and true leader of the next class of hip-hop, eager to showcase his undeniable skill without gravitating towards or pandering to a popular style or sound.
Raph Jay has a succinct explanation of what an industry plant is in his eyes. His input, like much of his stellar discography, is boastful and wryly funny, but Raph Jay is kind of a perfect example of a musician who could never be branded with the industry plant label.
After establishing strong hometown support in Port Harcourt, he emerged in the national consciousness with 2017’s single Remember. Since then he’s built a passionate, widespread fan base on his own that has carried on since he started Oil Cartel Music.
The single “Successful” which is the reason why we are here right now, is a more sparse, stripped back song, ambitious in a different way for a an artist who seems to have a crystal clear vision and a patient approach to sharing his art in a world that is moving faster than ever.
If you’re a fan of music that isn’t afraid to make you furrow your brow while pressing the replay button, then Raph Jay is an artist that needs to be on your radar.
