It’s been one month since NSG released their debut album titled Area Boyz, an album that comes 10 years after their debut single Whine and Kotch, an afrobeats remix of the original Whine and Kotch by dancehall artistes J Capri and Charly Black. NSG, an acronym the group claims stands for many things such as, ‘No Sleep Gang’, ‘Non-Stop Grinding’, and ‘Nigeria Slash Ghana’ is a movement started by six friends, Papii Abz, Mojo, Kruddz, Mxjib, Dope, and OGD. Coming from Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage and also growing up in East London, they have been able to craft a unique sound, perfectly balanced with influences from afrobeats, hip hop, and dancehall.

Undulating between heartfelt tracks and party anthems, this 19-track roller coaster takes you on an amazing sonic journey. From hard-hitting rap verses to harmonious melodies, there’s something for everyone on this album. While the album employs a stellar cast of collaborations including Seyi Vibez, Libianca, Odumodublvck, Sarkodie, and Tion Wayne as well as Aitch, MHD, Nines, and Meekz, NSG remains the climax of this project. Executively produced by 4PLAY, a producer collective headed by NSG’s very own OGD, the album also features production from longtime collaborator and older brother to NSG members OGD and Kruddz, JAE5 as well as Legendury Beatz, TSB, Rise N Shine, Diztortion and Steel Banglez amongst others.

Area Boyz Prayer makes for a perfect intro with a short yet sweet verse from Seyi Vibez. This transcendent record is an unfeigned appeal to God for guidance. Mansa Musa comes in next, throwing light on social and political issues with lines like ‘Naija government, Evil pass Lucifer, African leaders more like tyrants’. This track samples Atewer Abroba by Ghanaian highlife guitarist and composer Ebo Taylor. On Tonight, Jae5 crafts an infectious bounce as Libianca’s outstanding hook holds together the diverse range of verses synonymous with NSG. Lose My Cool is up next, a sample of Akula Owu Onyeara by Nigerian 70s Afro-Rock band The Funkees is coupled with lyricism that resonates with the street to birth an excellent track*. Azonto* swings between themes centered around intimacy and ambition, ‘Do both legal or illegal, where I grew up similar to favela’ Papii Abz sings as they attempt to communicate their desire to succeed against all odds.

Stevie Wonder kicks off with an interpolation of Simi Rapp by Ghanaian highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley. OGD proceeds to deliver one of the album’s most memorable hooks alongside an impressive verse from Aitch. Seihor sees the use of yet another sample, this time Bravehearts’ Oochie Wally is woven with hard-hitting kicks to produce one of the hip-hop-leaning records on the album. NSG and French rapper MHD banded together on 1985 to create another standout party anthem. This track peaks with the seben at the end – an extended guitar solo popularised by Soukous music

The lead single on Area Boyz Nella Rose comes next, another party anthem that surely gets you dancing. Halfway through the album, they are yet to falter as they usher in Zombie, a song they recorded on psychedelics in Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of the best songs on the album. Tion Wayne seamlessly fits in on Pocket-Watching as they explore the intricacies of the road on this 4PLAY-produced record. Toxic Love, a harmonious fusion of melodic beats and profound lyrics sees the group delve into a tale of malignant relationships. An amazing love song is birthed as they go full-on romantic on My Only, ‘For you I'll give my bank account in ghana-must-go bag’ they say, pouring out their hearts to a love interest. Lonely is another notable moment on the album, featuring Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, they reinforce the notion that success has many friends as they reminisce about times before fame. Guided by log drums, they deliver another exhilarating party record with Cola.

Life on the road, brotherhood, and past transgressions seem to be recurring themes on Area Boyz, Corleone featuring Odumodublcvk, and Ride featuring Nines are not left out as they revolve around similar themes. Unruly, the penultimate track on this project is an up-tempo record previously released as a single featuring Meekz who brings his usual grit and vigor while OGD delivers yet another standout chorus, it’s evident why he’s been nicknamed ‘Captain Hook’. Area Boyz closes out with Cult, a perfect outro that encapsulates the deep-seated message of this album.

Area Boyz was released with accompanying visuals as well as a capsule collection with Amsterdam-based streetwear brand La Fam. From Lagos to London to Accra, they boldly flaunt their identities and sonic diversity on this project as they tell a story of their journey to success. NSG’s ability to employ different vocal textures, accents and languages makes what they do impossible to replicate. 10 years in the making, this project is indeed a cross-cultural masterpiece and definitely my album of the year.

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