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    Reekado Banks  OTR Vol. 2’ EP propel on commercial viability [Review]

    AmosflashBy Updated:No Comments3 Mins Read

    Reekado Banks  OTR Vol. 2’ EP propel on commercial viability and transparency

    On the back of the record, Banks returns with a surprise sequel to his 2020 EP, Off The Record (OTR) EP Vol. 2. 

    Since Reekado Banks released the unlikeliest African smash hit in ‘Rora,’ and aided Skiibii’s mainstream resurgence, mainstream acceptance has been slightly uncertain for the former MAVIN artist.

    Regardless, the Banks Music boss never stopped releasing some incredible records.

    From a large pile, ‘Options’ featuring Parker Ighile and ‘Need More’ featuring Kida Kudz are just two incredible records, which curiously eluded mainstream attention. Soon after, the singer went down an uncertain path: first, he got unfairly demeaned by Burna Boy, in a public Twitter moment.

    Reekado Banks  OTR Vol. 2’ EP propel on commercial viability [Reveiw]
    Reekado Banks

    Despite Wizkid’s public rebuke – also a sad moment of public twerk for endorsement on the part of the Grammy winner, as he postponed his Made In Lagos release in the wake of #EndSARS – he released ‘Omo Olomo,’ a subpar and slightly aged track.

    He then released Off The Record EP, a quite shabby, forgettable, and unimpressive outing.

    Reekado Banks  OTR Vol. 2’ EP propel on commercial viability [Reveiw]
    Reekado Banks

    Like clockwork, Reekado was back with quality collaborations like ‘You Dey Mad’ with Attifaya, ‘My Chargie’ alongside Teejay & Lord Afrixana, and ‘Raise Your Hand’ featuring Nomcebo Zikode and Pheelz. 

    He then crowned it with the buzzing single, ‘Ozumba Mbadiwe,’ a commemorative commentary around the Lekki tollgate massacre and life on Lagos Island.

    Like Banks has always done, he found a pocket on verse two of ‘Ozumba Mbadiwe’ to elevate his record.
    Reekado Banks  OTR Vol. 2’ EP propel on commercial viability [Reveiw]
    Reekado Banks

    He sings that “When if you think say you be giant, you be giant for your pocket…” and sealed the song’s fate.

    While the record is obviously a nod to Nigeria’s flailing and questionable status as the cliche ‘Giant of Africa,’ some people have argued that it could be a belated reply to Burna Boy.

    From the opening record, the stellar R&B number ‘Pulling Up,’ it was clear that Banks had returned with an instant improvement on the lackluster ‘Off The Record.’

    Reekado Banks  OTR Vol. 2’ EP propel on commercial viability [Reveiw]
    Reekado Banks

    While ‘OTR Vol. 2’ has commercial viability, it feels like Banks was in a much better mental place, while recording its songs.

    It feels like he was simply speaking his mind on each record, not chasing hits.

    His songwriting is more centered around resonant, properly articulated topics around love, appreciation, socio-politics, and even confusion.

    Significantly, he also picked significantly improved beats. ‘Pulling Up’ is as stellar an R&B record as Nigeria has heard in 2021 and ‘Lupita Nyong’o’ has all the markings of yet another hit record, after ‘Ozumba Mbadiwe.’

    Ratings:

    Production quality

    Tracklisting

    Songwriting

    Intro

    Outro

     70%

    70%

    80%

    80%

    70%

    Mid = 0.00

    Average = 0.01

    Good = 2.5

    Excellent = 2.5

    Conclusion:

    Mp3bullet gives the EP 80% (Good) general rating