Igwe Aka | ‘Red’, The Needle in the Trap-stack
This is easily the most unique article I’ve written for Rap Fiesta yet. I turned on “Red” by Igwe Aka and immediately fell in love with the beat. I thought I heard guitar, then piano, and maybe even some crash or ride cymbal? I can’t be sure, but what I am unequivocally certain about is that the melody is both soft and loud at the same time. Soft in a trance-inducing sort of way and loud in that the heterogenous elements of the beat are in such a state of harmony that they just demand your attention. Instantly intrigued, I was actually disappointed in the first minute of Igwe’s vocals, and I was just about shut it down without even giving the song a full listen. Igwe’s trap-style flow was quite frankly a little basic, and un-excitingly similar to the countless trap artists of this generation. Aaaaaand then came the chorus:
“It’s hard to find these scars of mine they shoot, and I wear ’em its hard to hide, and when its late at night and I’m all alone and red. is. all. I. hear. babe. I. need. you.”
Igwe’s tone transformed into a RnB/Raggae crossbreed that stopped my finger right in its tracks, hovering above that ‘X’ button. That is what I was waiting for. If I were a chemist diagnosing the different elements in the compound that is Igwe’s voice, I would go with a scoop of Kid Cudi, and a scoop of Matisyahu, with some Damian Marley sprinkles on top. I don’t know how else to say it: this is the kind of music Igwe needs to be making. In those 15 seconds, Igwe hits every note. His voice is sensitive; subtle yet piercing. Oh, and that sandpaper vibrato is definitely stolen from the pipes of an angel.
At Rap Fiesta, we always keep it real. You’ll never get any fluff from me; I shoot straight every time. If Igwe wants to make more trap music, quite frankly I’m not interested. However, if he decides to transition to RnB or Raggae, or some kind of crossover hybrid baby of the two, he can make some truly soulful, heartwarming music with the potential to touch the hearts of millions.
Igwe, you have an incredibly special vocal gift. Don’t try to fit the mold of countless trappers; elevate and rise above them. Create your own lane. We believe in you.