Album Review: Few Kings - The Feeling A'int Fear 2

Few Kings (Take Fizzo, Jnr Brown & Tehn Diamond) made a solid name for themselves in 2013 when they released their debut album The Feeling A'int Fair, which was received very well by a lot of Zimbos and they went on to win Hip Hop Album of the year. After that the lads decided to take a break and work on their solo projects a decision that later proved not to be the best of ideas. Before we get to the review lemme give you a summary rundown of what has happened in the past 4 years as these guys embarked on their solo runs:

Take Fizzo was in the headlines a number of months back when he was battling his drug addiction and he then decided to turn to gospel music, which he produced for some months then he went quiet again before making a comeback this year and he is back to those genres that made him an iconic producer. He has been gaining some mileage in 2017 with some very good productions, the rise of Tulk Munny for example is a testament of Take Fizzo's growing influence, he is also behind the production of Ammara's current hit jam Akiliz. 

Jnr Brown after some years in obscurity came out in early 2016 and challenged the then best hip hop artist Cal_Vin, complaining about his claims as the King of hip hop a move which created a beef between the two artists and trended on twitter for some time in the process earning local hip hop some attention. At the height of the hype when all the attention was on him he released the politically and socially charged track Tongogara which was received well by a lot of people. Breezy and his team claimed that the track earned $5000 plus in sales and that was going to be used to finance the upcoming album Morning Glory. The hype lasted a couple of weeks till people realized we were not gonna get any album from Breezy. He later that year featured on Kalyf KemaBoss which got some airplay on radio and that was it for year. This solo thing was definitely not working for Jnr Brown, this album now gives him a platform to prove he is still as lethal as he was, its more like a last hurray for the lad, his reputation and relevance is at stake.

Tehn made a name for himself and earned a cult following with his Student Of The Game Mixtapes and since then many have been hoping for his debut solo album which now never seems to be coming. Towards end of 2015 he announced that his much delayed album The Perfect Tehn was complete and that ignited a lot of excitement on social media. Fast forward to early 2016 he announced that as he was putting the final touches to The Perfect Tehn he is gonna release a couple of tracks from his poem collection so that his fans can at least have something to fill up the time with. Fast forward again to the middle of 2017 he then announced that he is no longer releasing The Perfect Tehn but he was instead going to drop the collection of his poems as his first album (A Few Good Poems). Really !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can imagine the disappointment. The album was released during the last half of the year and it failed to catch on. Early in 2017 he re-released the album citing it was now mastered to his liking and again it fell flat, even worse that the first release which on it own was nearly non existent. So like fellow mate Jnr Brown this album is also like do or die for him, he has to prove he still got the touch and magic on the mic.

Whilst they were in obscurity local hip hop has moved on and evolved "kinda". Takura entered the scene and is dominating the trap scene with his infectiously catchy tracks. Sharky has taken rap to new heights with his superb rapping style and well produced albums. Asaph has taken storytelling to absurd and unrivaled levels. So basically Tehn and Jnr Brown are now the underdogs and playing catch up, are they still the Kings, Few Kings???

The album contains 13 tracks and like always will be doing a track by track review:

1. Still The Few

The first track sets the tone perfectly for the album, the production is done superbly. The instrumental is structured very well, its chilled and creates a solid platform for the vocals to shine. Superb work by Take Fizzo on the production. Tehn Diamond was equally superb on this track, his rapping style is perfect for such an instrumental, he did a solid job on the verses. On this track Tehn is declaring that they are still the Kings and were just out for a bit but they are now back to resume their roles as the Kings on hip hop. He is responding to the statements that the Few Kings were finished. Loved the "Are you beefing, Are you speaking?? Are you niggas making cheese now?? We're still the few !!!"loop, its serves as a massive jab and dare to anyone who celebrated that the Few Kings were finished. Was also impressed by the fact that Tehn acknowledges the fact that in their absence a number of very good rappers emerged, it shows he at least appreciates the work that was done in their absence. The second verse is absolute flames, the best I have heard from Tehn in a while (maybe ever!!). He also hinted that there will be a fourth album named The Feeling Ain't Easy, niceeee but what about the 3rd one you ask??? keep on listening and the answer is coming.

2. Famba Famba

They take it a step further from the first track with this jam which is aimed at those people (artist's mainly) that celebrated the fact that Few Kings were finished. Those people who wanted to gain reputation but highlighting the fall of Few Kings. The guys are saying we will not spend time on petty issues and irrelevant people who are looking for relevance. The production is done very well, love the simplicity of the instrumental, it has this edgy element to it which complements the theme perfectly. Tehn and Jnr Brown were also at par on the verses, complementing each other extremely well. This is going to be a favourite of many.

3. Bad Boy

This track addresses the issue of guys who are preying on the young innocent girls, those guys who take pride in sleeping with the young vulnerable girls. Tehn and Breezy are saying no-one anyone who takes part is such action must be apprehended and face the consequences. Such issues are more rampant in this social media age because of these young girls yearn for the good life which they cannot afford and end up getting abused by the so called blessers. The productions is done quite well, love the acoustic guitar work. Tehn and Breezy also did well on their verses. 

4. Mamero

Love the reggae vibe of this track, the instrumental arrangement is done very well, great work by Take Fizzo. Love the Mugabe audio samples that were used on this track. The track is addressing the issue of corrupt ZRP Traffic officers that are scattered all around the country roads, an issue which every Zimbabwean has witnessed or experienced at some point. They are saying the police Mamero, they slow progress, when all is going well you come across a roadblock and they will harass you, sucking all the energy and life out of your day. Breezy was in charge of the first verse and he did quite okay, enjoyed that conversation part of his verse. The chorus is structured well and makes use of the superb instrumental but its lacking. Tehn was in charge of the second verse and like Breezy did quite okay but its one of his weakest verses on the album. The instrumental however makes up for the overall weak vocals and salvages the track.

5. In The Water

Take Fizzo again showed his brilliance on the production, the layout of the instrumental is done well. Now rather than the instrumental complimenting the vocals, it's actually leading the track on this track and the vocals are doing the complimenting part. The performances by both Tehn and Breezy is blending quite well with the instrumental but there is nothing solid from them, its a lacking, arguably the weakest track on the album.

6. 15 Billion (Hapana Hapana)

This track in a clever way talks about the cash crisis that we are facing as country, when one has deposited money into the account they are entitled to access their cash when they want it. Its also about getting what is owed to you, when you have done the work and its time to get paid, you must get paid. Promoters are exploiting and taking advantage of local acts and Few Kings are saying that has to stop, give us what we agreed upon. The title in a way refers to the missing 15 Billion that caused some stir sometime back. The production is done well, love the keyboard work, another superb job by Take Fizzo. Tehn was in charge of the first verse and love his style on that verse. Jnr Brown was in charge of the second verse and he did quite a good job also.

7. Bum Bum

This is the only purely party jam on the album. They went for a kwaito inspired kind of sound and the instrumental will definitely get you bumping your head to the beat, also love the guitar work on this track, another solid job from Take Fizzo. In terms of the verses, I'm not that impressed by the first verse by Mc Chita and the second verse by Jnr Brown's, they blended with the beat but the content is not that interesting. Tehn's verse however is better one, he added some humour which made it quite entertaining. The chorus is also another well done part of the track, the backing ladies did a good job and made good use of the bouncy kwaito nature of the beat. This is however a party track, not much is expected in terms on content so I can forgive it.

8. Vaskana Ava

Like the track mamero this one also starts with a voice clip sample, this time it's the Facebook Live Queen Olinda. The track is celebrating the Zim ladies, Tehn and Breezy are saying Zim ladies are queens and must be treated queens. The production is again done well, love the chilled laid back nature of the instrumental, in some way when the synthesizer starts playing up top of the beat it reminds me of Dre and Snoops Nothing But A G, another good job by Take Fizzo. The vocals are good, the theme is okay but because of the Olinda clip one will be constantly listening for Stunner references throughout the track. In the end it becomes a track with a lovely beat but lyrics you cannot remember, in fact you will remember the Olinda sample part more that what Tehn and Breezy were saying.

9. Versace and Gucci

They went for an RnB Rap combination on this track and it works, the track is sounding good. The production is mainly RnB, the lovely guitar work and smooth keys are controlling the mood of the track. Good work again by Take Fizzo on the production. Tehn Diamond loves to sing and this song gives him a platform to showcase how good he is and I have to say he did quite well. Junior Brown also did quite well on the verses. On this track they are talking about a fear many of us guys have; does she love me as a person or it's because of what I can do or provide, won't she leave me if I lose the stuff I have. You want to give your lady the best of lives but you also want her to love you for you. Lovely feel good jam.

10. Stuck In The Clouds

They sampled the classic Svovi Yangu from Dr Oliver Mtukudzi on this track. The productions is done very well, the instrumental is sounding good. In some way I believe this is a continuation of their classic love jam I Need from their last album. On this track they are just testifying how that perfect lady has changed them for the better, how that person makes life worthwhile. The performances from both Tehn and Breezy are quite commendable, but they are not as hard hitting and jaw dropping as on I Need. Its a lovely jam but the vocals are overshadowed by the instrumental and Tuku loop.

11. Kutaura Nemi

This is a dedication to all the father figures I this world, their importance and how we all want to make our fathers proud. Tehn delivered a solid and emotional first verse, its more like a letter to his father where he is giving his respect to his father, telling him how he wishes he could just spare more time in between his many meetings for him, he goes on to share his dreams with him, and acknowledges that his is his Superman. Jnr Brown was in charge of the second verse and the verse is a prayer to his late father where he's sharing the struggles he is facing as the man of the house trying to make ends meet, he also goes on to share his visions and dreams. This is one touching jam, it makes you appreciate the fathers and father figures we have in our lives, we usually overlook their importance but Fathers are priceless. The production is done quite well, the Kutaura Neni loop adds a traditional feel to the track.

12. The Remedy

This is a call to rise up to the youths of today. The economy is crumbling, the social unrest all around us, our values have all been dissolved and it's up to the youths to stand up and be the remedy to all that is occurring around us. The youths are seen as people who just want to have a good time with no vision of the future but we must change that and take our future into our own hands. The production is again done very well, the instrumental is spacious and emotional, which is perfect for the theme at hand. Both rappers, Tehn & Breezy did good jobs on their respective verses. Tehn was also in charge of the chorus and he did a superb job on the hook.

13. Long Live The Few

This is the Junior Brown that has captured the hearts of many, sharp and lethal on the verses, dropping bars after bars. Was looking for this version of Jnr Brown throughout the album and he finally appeared on the final track. This track is about the legacy of the Few Kings, the ground they have and continue to pave for other rappers. It also serves as a prophecy that the Few Kings will be controlling the hip hop industry as the kings they are. He also hinted that there will be another album(s) in the works "The Feeling Ain't Free" and probably a Fourth one after that (The Feeling Ain't Easy) which Tehn hinted on the 1st track. The production is splendid, Fizzo is indeed a legend in the production business, he has earned my utmost respect. The first track was Tehn saying we are still the Few Kings, we're even better than before and then to cap the album off we get  Breezy saying we creating leave a legacy which will last forever, Long Live The Few Kings!. Mic Drop.

So yeaaaah this is one good album, I have enjoyed listening to this album. It really made me smile, it has a lively, innovative and sometimes playful vibe throughout which makes it a joy to listen to. The production is top class, Take Fizzo was too much throughout the album, he held the album together even on those tracks where the lyrics, themes and vocals performances were a bit lacking. Highlight of the album, Absolute Legend. The album tackles a number of themes and they also showed their emotional side on Kutaura Newe.. The album started strong with the superb Still The Few but kind of dropped in the middle but they turned it up and finished strongly with Long Live The Few, arguably the best two tracks on the album.

The performance by the two rappers was not as consistent as i hoped but they did a good job. Tehn was the better of the two, his performances varied less and was more on point as compared to Breezy, his delivery and layout was much more versatile. Tehn was also in charge of many of the choruses and he did a good job in that regard, adding a soulful touch to the songs. Jnr Brown's performance was the least consistent on this project, he did not showcase that much versatility on his verses and he did not really bring out the iconic form he is known for till the last track Long Live The Few. He showed some flashes of  brilliance on tracks such as Famba Famba, Kutaura Newe and 15 Billion but he never really hit full stride, well till the last song that is. In conclusion, despite the varying performance levels by Tehn and Breezy, Take Fizzo brought his A game and he was superb throughout. If there was no Take Fizzo the album would have gotten a lower rating, B or C but the instrumentals and production are done extremely well and that is the winning part of this album.
My Overall Rating: A, B, C, Poor

To answer my question; are they still the Few Kings??? Yes, they are still good but still need to put in some more work to regain the throne. The Feeling Ain't Fear is not as deep or lyrically rich as Take Back The Land but it definitely gives Sharky's album some competition and thats what local Hip Hop needs. Moreover if Asaph gives us an album at the same level of his 2016 Kingsvilla2 and/or if Takura's album is as good as his Stripped EP this will be the most competitive year for hip hop and will surpass 2013 as the best year for local hip hop.

What are your thoughts on the album???

Proud_Zimbo