Over the years, Phyno has proven to be an artist fully involved in creating bodies of work that align with specific themes and showcase certain periods of his life, including No Guts, No Glory, The Playmaker, Something to Live For, Deal With It, and his latest offering, Full Time Job. FTJ, his fifth studio album, comes at a mature time in Phyno’s career, as it marks 10 years since the release of his debut album. The 15-track project scans through moments in his life, and that of his family and friends.
Having played at the top, in the Nigerian Rap scene for over a decade, he takes a cross-border approach on this album, initiating features with some of the best rappers in the U.K., including Chip, Ardee, and NSG, to promote the culture without diluting any part of it. He also enlists Flavour, Cheque, Johnny Drille, Burna Boy, Fave, and Hushpuppi as features on the album.
The album starts off with an impressive intro, It’s Nothing, featuring the Southeastern skit maker EmmaOdiaa, who at intervals raises praise to Phyno, with Phyno launching a new verse after each round of adoration. The melodies are sublime, the lyrics well-patterned, and the track—a solid reminder from Phyno that he is still that guy.
Cheque hops on Back Outside, flowing on a mid-tempo tune while delivering an amazing hook that accompanies Phyno’s bars. The track is produced by Jaysynths, who eventually produces a major part of the entire project.
Released as a lead single from the album, “Do I” blends amapiano and rap to create an energetic party starter. The song is well-written and serves as a statement from Phyno to anyone who cares to listen, that he is unperturbed by whatever ridiculous standards have been set for him. It affirms his knowledge of his position in the Nigerian music industry, which gives way to his braggadocious statement, “Do I Look Like I Give A F***?”
The Fave-assisted track, Deep, is one of the highlights on the album, as she shines through on the track. With a beautifully rendered chorus, she gives the song an entertaining feel that forces you to sit up and tap the repeat button.
“Time of My Life” ft. Ardee is one of the most commendable cross-border features I have heard in a while. On this track, Ardee properly intersects the Igbo language with English. He flows perfectly verse after verse and picks up at every point that Phyno passes the baton, and the joint effort of both artists creates an enjoyable tune.
Flavour backs Phyno with the much-loved highlife gyration on “Men Don Show,” which many have referred to as the perfect December jam. This is indeed a valid description considering how frequently this kind of song is played during festive periods in the southeastern part of Nigeria, especially during Christmas. Similar to their hit track “Doings,” released in 2020, Phyno and Flavour once again link up to create an amazing tune and succeed in doing so.
Phyno samples Princess Njideka‘s 2004 track, “Kporo Ya Isi N’Ala,” on “Grateful.” For core listeners of Phyno’s music, this doesn’t come as a surprise, as he makes it a duty to sample works from older artists as often as he can, including his sample of Osita Osadebe’s “Nwanne Ebezina” on “The Bag” and the Oriental Brothers’ “Nwanyi Di Ya Bu Eze” on “Pino Pino.” “Grateful” makes you reminisce on the original song while enjoying Phyno’s brilliance on the sample.
“Nwoke Esike” features Hushpuppi—the Nigerian social media influencer who was charged by the United States for conspiracy to commit money laundering—in a pensive mood, reflecting on the past and sharing words of inspiration with Phyno via a phone call. This is followed by an acapella rendition from Phyno, and Hushpuppi’s last words bring the song to an end.
Burna Boy comes on board for “Do I remix”, which he does justice to, extending the streak of the original, and making it resurface on music charts and playlists. It is an enjoyable tune, and one that hits you from the jump.
The album comes to an end with the outro, “Anthem Ndi Eze.” This song is the perfect highlife mix and an ode to kings, which the title loosely translates to.
Full Time Job is Phyno’s way of stating his commitment to his role as an artist, and how he is willing to continually find new ways of perfecting his art. He wants you to make no mistake in knowing that Music is his Full Time Job.
Chukwuebuka Mgbemena is a writer focused on the Nigerian & African entertainment industry. He loves fashion, art and is a staunch chess player.
