Artist: Li-Wu
Album: Word Was Born
Lyricism: 4 / 5
Style of Delivery: 4 / 5
Content: 2.5 / 5
Musical Production: 2 / 5
Quality: 1.5 / 5
Arrangement: 1 / 5
Concept: 2.5 / 5
Originality / Creativity: 1.5 / 5
Li-Wu in Chichewa means “word” and when “word was born” was released in 2009 the whole of Malawi fell asleep and missed it altogether (including me). In-fact, when the “Word” was born over 2000 years ago “His own did not recognize Him” either. But can you blame Malawi for having missed this album? Poor promotion probably led to its downfall. With features from a younger Delegate (who apparently sounded like Swoope), and a bi-lingual K.B.G providing one of Malawi’s important but largely ignored albums.
Jeremiah “Li-Wu” Chienda is a lyrical genius with almost little musical creativity, and I will explain why. I made a personal decision not to review any project older than 3 to 6 months ago, but “word was born” is different. Malawi failed to get a hold of one of its most pivotal projects to date but can you blame her? Whilst the album was on a different platform entirely when it came to lyricism and delivery, it was poor creatively with at least 60 or 70% of the songs not having any hooks. In-fact the first track with a hook is a track titled “Read your books” and comes in only at track 7; a crunk beat with a chopped and screwed hook which is unclear to understand but you forgive it because you’re relieved there is a track with a hook. I do not know if he is intentional in not having hooks to his music but there is a reason why I believe it is poor creativity: despite his awesome lyrical ability it becomes mentally exhausting trying to keep up with him; and while it is impressive to hear him unravel bar after bar consistently without missing a beat with punch-lines that actually accomplish their purpose in conveying the message without being corney, the song doesn’t feel finished because it lacks something to keep you coming back. And you really don’t come back. You’re liable to hear the album through once and therester VERY selectively. The idea of the “hook” is very important because as the word suggests it is something that “catches” the listener. Another reason I feel as though Li-Wu is not musically creative with hooks is because of his mix-tape “before the answer” (released 2011) which is similar in that way too: it has no or very few tracks with hooks!
“Presidents elect” (track 5) has a great concept where he uses presidents the world over to illustrate the point that Jesus is president of presidents – very nice, you must listen to this. There are also some great features in this album: “Victory anthem” features Delegate, and “Maganizo anga” which features Purpose - both are good for tweaks and re-releases. However, the best feature in the album goes to “Why we do” with K.B.G who delivered well in both English and Chichewa – this track certainly has to be tweaked and re-released! A back and forth between K.B.G and Li-Wu about two rappers, one “secular” and the other a “gospel rapper” provides a humorous but insightful song into values and priorities and where you lay them. There are also very dreadful songs (and I don't say that lightly) like “Morning star” which has less than standard vocals from Lu and dizzo, and the instrumental doesn’t fit at all with the content, mood or attitude – a fly in the ointment for what is otherwise a jaw-dropping album! “Nthawi zina” is another victim of poor vocals although I think this track has to be re-released with better vocals and at least a 2nd and 3rd verse, it has to be given more flesh because it has the greatest potential to blow a listener away. Li-Wu gave a very great rap on this track and the instrumental fit like a good shoe.
“Presidents elect” (track 5) has a great concept where he uses presidents the world over to illustrate the point that Jesus is president of presidents – very nice, you must listen to this. There are also some great features in this album: “Victory anthem” features Delegate, and “Maganizo anga” which features Purpose - both are good for tweaks and re-releases. However, the best feature in the album goes to “Why we do” with K.B.G who delivered well in both English and Chichewa – this track certainly has to be tweaked and re-released! A back and forth between K.B.G and Li-Wu about two rappers, one “secular” and the other a “gospel rapper” provides a humorous but insightful song into values and priorities and where you lay them. There are also very dreadful songs (and I don't say that lightly) like “Morning star” which has less than standard vocals from Lu and dizzo, and the instrumental doesn’t fit at all with the content, mood or attitude – a fly in the ointment for what is otherwise a jaw-dropping album! “Nthawi zina” is another victim of poor vocals although I think this track has to be re-released with better vocals and at least a 2nd and 3rd verse, it has to be given more flesh because it has the greatest potential to blow a listener away. Li-Wu gave a very great rap on this track and the instrumental fit like a good shoe.
This album shouldn’t be missed and that’s why I review it, so that you can get it and own it for you, it’s a collector’s edition because you can trace it back to some important Malawi hip-hip gospel roots. The second reason is that it is a "rappers textbook" - if you are a rapper you ought to own this album for an educational experience. Finally, I also write this review assuming that Li-Wu is reading so as to encourage him that his lyrical gift shouldn’t be quenched and I eagerly anticipate his up-coming album “Yankho” (still awaiting release dates for that). I believe he needs to get in-touch with some very creative people which is why it is good he is label-mates with K.B.G and Delegate, but I think input from Q and Lawi is something that could give this phenomenal lyricist suitable creative direction. If you have never listened to “word was born” then get it now!!!
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