Within the world of African Hip-Hop, some tracks hit hard, while others hit deep. However, Big Kela's new track, "Pass me lighter," manages to do both with ease. The song resonates in your brain, and this isn't your ordinary, chill music to nod your head along to the beat. Opening with the very first downtempo yet lively bars, "Pass me lighter" plays with a smoky feel and an undeniable rhythm. The production hints at its Hip Hop foundation, with an African touch that produces a base that is both traditional and fresh. The production is tight yet naturalistic, pulsing with the kind of rough, streetwise energy that makes genuine conscious rap.
Straight to the core of the track comes Big Kela, assured, plotted, and consummated. He has a laid-back but razor-sharp delivery that emphasizes every single line. On the lyrical front, it is a commentary fused in rhythm, touching on matter-of-fact themes yet keeping the vibe alive. It evokes a feeling similar to one that belongs blaring on speakers at a late-night event, while also being equally comfortable in an intellectually driven playlist. The standout quality of "Pass me lighter" is the union. It's intelligent Hip-Hop without feeling preachy, Afrocentric without being stereotypical, and catchy without sacrificing substance. A metaphor that runs seamlessly like a red hot rod through the song and keeps the verses and hook nice and tight with unique cohesion. The concept of the lighter as an energy source, ignition switch, or spark that propels our vehicle forward is reflected throughout the verses and hook.
The African Hip-Hop scene is changing rapidly, yet in this track, Big Kela proves he is not about following trends. Reminiscing about the storytelling, social reflection, and cultural pride that speak African Hip-Hop roots, "Pass me lighter" is a record that not only illuminates the room it was made in, but leaves its warmth long. With "Pass me lighter," Big Kela doesn't just pass the flame, but keeps it burning. This is Hip-Hop, for the brain, the body, and soul. And after listening to the record, you are going to want to take that lighter right back.