Holy Ten - Risky Life Album Review

This was arguably the most anticipated hip hop project in years, the last time a hip hop project garnered so much hype and anticipation was when Few Kings released their last album.

Ten managed to utilise the hype he currently has by doing a proper launch where various individuals can bid the album and it received a number of solid bids. In twitter he was trending all day as many waited for the project.

The album has finally dropped and as usual got my copy and got down to business. This project was among the ten projects I am looking forward to hearing the most in 2021 and it is my first review of the year.

So as is the usual will be doing a track by track review and at the end share my overall thoughts on the project. Let go!!.

1. Musazvituma

Ten snapped on this first track he is talking about minding what's important in life, your vision and goals. One should not spend time concentrating on those that show fake concern and love, but should be focused and do only that which will benefit you in the end. Production is done well, the arrangement of the track is good. 

2. Sahwira

Ten on this track is addressing a tough issue many people deal with on the road to success. You have friends whom you made future plans with, but as time goes your paths & characters will diverge and you may have to leave behind that friend who supported you at the beginning. Production is well done, love the arrangement of this track. The vocals are superb. My favourite on the album as of now. 

3. Time (feat Dhadza D)

This is quite a interesting collaboration, both artists have unique vocals. On the track they singing about time wasters, those people that just want to waste your productive time. Love the feel of the track, it's full of energy, which fits Dhadza perfectly he is one energetic singer and performer, Ten also amped up his energy levels. Production is done well, it follows a generic structure but it sounds good. 

4. Miss Please

Ten was playful and boastful on this track. He has also declared war on many rappers as he declared himself a top two, the only other rapper he feels is his equal is Ti Gonzi. Shots fired!! Production is done well. 

5. Taura Zvinokunetsa

As a nation we have a serious issue of ignoring mental issues, we all know Zim is stressful to many but very few care to check up on others. On this track Ten is telling his friend to say all that's troubling him, he should not keep it inside but he should share and he will help. The instrumental sounds like Anobva Kumba Kune Vanhu, even the vocals have a similar feel. 

6. Hanging Nevasikana

Ten is saying am no longer hanging out with ladies because they always make you change your plans. As a public figure he has to be careful as to the ladies that want to be around him as they can be a sure way to his downfall. Production is done well 

7. Pandichamuka

This track is about a woman finding the courage to leave his abusive husband. He beats her and the children up when he is drunk, he does not honor his fatherly responsibilities. 

8. Ma Chills

On this track Ten continues advocating against the abuse of the girl child. He is talking about how many people take care of the fact that most ladies cannot handle the bottle and drugs, they know most get freaky when drunk or high. He is saying he now wants the status quo to change, he wants guys to stop taking advantage of young girls. The production is done well, the arrangement borrows a lot from his previous tracks Ndaremerwa and Anotobvawo Kumba Kune Vanhu, and because of that it does not feel like a new song but one you have heard before. 

9. Youngest Achiever

Ten is talking about taking responsibility as public figures. He is saying he will continue addressing serious social issues and succeed at the same time. Loved the production of this track, it has this conscious feel that speaks to me a lot.

10. Combi Inonanga Mufombi

Love the feel of this jam, the production is well done, arrangment is also done well. On the track he is saying that my impact is bigger than many think. 

11. Wakatuka Amai

Ten went deep on this track as he is talking about the social issue whereby kids clash with their parents because of the frustration both sides face as a result of the economic and social decay that is happening all over. On this track the kid ended up insulting his mother because he feels she is failing to provide for him fully which is pushing him into drug abuse and he also believes she knows nothing so he does not listen to her. In our culture its always encouraged to listen to the words of the elders and also insulting your mother brings a curse upon yourself so he is urging those who have been in similar situations to apoligize and this will make their lives miserable in the future. Production is good, arrangement of the track follows a familiar format where the keys lead the track. 

12. Appetite (feat Anita Jaxson)

This was one of the first tracks released prior to this album. This is Ten's definition of turn up. He teamed up with fast rising dancehall artist Anita Jaxson. The production is done well, the arrangement is quite different to what many expected, the flute was a good addition.

Stream The album: Risky Life

So ya that's it for Holy Ten's much anticipated record. Its a project that is meant to make the most of the hype he currently possess. 

Production wise the project is good, the hard hitting bass lines ensure the tracks have an immediate impact. Most people love deep bass lines and they will love most tracks on project. The choice of instrumental arrangements was played safe but without sacrificing the sound that is working for him. He utilised the structures he knows are popular and it's definitely working to his favour. 

Vocally he delivered his signature performance, his unique vocals are dominating and blend well with his choice of instrumentals. However his vocal performances are not as dynamic which sometimes make tracks sound similar, but as of now his style is working but going forward he needs to be more dynamic. 

On the themes he dealt with various social issues. He has coined himself the leader of the Youth so he is speaking for the youth. Drug abuse is one issue that comes up in many tracks which I belive is an indication of the excessive drug  among the youths. He also is an advocate for the girl child as shown on the track Machills and also brushes throught that topic on Miss Please, he also adrressed domestic abuse on Pandichamuka. Another issue he constantly throws in is how he doesn't want to entertain ladies who are constantly in his DM, he does not entertain situations that will make him lose focus. In terms of themes he dealt with social issues very well. This is the strongest part of the album. 

In conclusion if we take away the hype and buzz this is a commendable project from him, many seem to fail when it comes to long format body of works but he did well. Its not among the finest local rap albums but its a good listen. A lot was expected from him and as of now he has delivered, the question now is will the album hold??!!. I feel the album will not live much after the hype has died down, its made to make the most of the hype and it will do well on doing that. For a first project this will do, his fans will enjoy it but there is still lot of improvement needed if he is to truly lead the genre onto the next level.

My overall rating: 6.8/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the album #RiskyLife down below.

Proud_Zimbo