Indigenous rapper Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, popularly known as Phyno, unveiled the tracklist for his highly anticipated album “Full Time Job” on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The announcement, coinciding with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, has ignited a firestorm of speculation and excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
As the sun rose over Lagos on Independence Day, Phyno took to his social media platforms to share the tracklist that would soon become the talk of the town. The album, set to drop on Friday, October 4, boasts collaborations with some of Nigeria’s biggest musical talents, including Cheque, Flavour, Burna Boy, and Johnny Drille.
However, it was track number 10 that caught everyone’s attention. Titled “Nwoke Esike,” the song features an interlude by none other than Hushpuppi, the controversial internet personality currently serving time in a U.S. prison for his involvement in a multi-million dollar fraud scheme.
The inclusion of Hushpuppi in the tracklist sent immediate ripples through the music industry. Veteran music producer Olumide Ogunleye expressed his surprise: “This is unprecedented. I’ve never seen an artist feature someone currently incarcerated, especially on such a high-profile project. It’s a bold move that’s sure to generate a lot of buzz.
Social media exploded with reactions within minutes of the announcement. Twitter user @Alexandaaahh exclaimed, “You feature hushpuppi all the way from prison… Jesus.” Meanwhile, @AniOlua speculated on potential ulterior motives: “No. 10 interlude ft Hushpuppi keh? Phyno sabi subtle beef.”
The inclusion of Hushpuppi is particularly intriguing given the pair’s tumultuous history. In 2017, Phyno and Hushpuppi engaged in a heated online exchange after the rapper criticized the internet sensation’s flamboyant lifestyle displays on social media.
Entertainment journalist Chidi Nwoke provided context: “The 2017 beef between Phyno and Hushpuppi was intense. Hushpuppi even claimed one of his wristwatches could buy Phyno’s entire career. To see them potentially reconcile through music is a fascinating twist.”
This unexpected collaboration has led many to wonder about the nature of the interlude and whether it signals a reconciliation between the two.
“Full Time Job” marks a significant milestone in Phyno’s career, showcasing his evolution as an artist. The album’s diverse collaborations highlight his ability to bridge different musical styles and generations.
Music critic Funmi Adewale noted, “Phyno’s decision to work with both established stars like Burna Boy and rising talents like Cheque demonstrates his commitment to pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats and Indigenous rap.”
However, some fans, like @Muaalim518549, pointed out a notable absence: “First album without olamide.” This observation hints at potential shifts in Phyno’s artistic collaborations and direction.
Among the star-studded features, the collaboration with Grammy-winner Burna Boy on the track “Do I” has sparked particular interest. However, not all reactions have been positive.
Twitter user @realtimmywrld expressed disappointment: “‘Do I’ was supposed to be your biggest hit, Burna boy was the wrong person to put on the song.” This comment reflects the high expectations and strong opinions held by Phyno’s fanbase.
In the lead-up to the album announcement, Phyno was spotted at Cubana Chiefpriest’s new restaurant in Lagos, fueling speculation about potential business collaborations alongside his musical endeavors.
A source close to the production, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed, “Phyno has been working tirelessly on this album for months. The title ‘Full Time Job’ isn’t just catchy – it reflects the dedication he’s poured into every track.”
As the October 4 release date approaches, anticipation for “Full Time Job” continues to build. Industry insiders predict that the album could redefine Phyno’s position in the Nigerian music scene and potentially expand his international reach.
Music executive Kayode Johnson shared his thoughts: “With this tracklist, Phyno is making a statement. He’s not just an Indigenous rapper anymore – he’s positioning himself as a versatile artist capable of holding his own alongside global stars.”
Phyno’s “Full Time Job” tracklist reveal has done more than just announce an upcoming album – it has sparked conversations about artistic collaboration, redemption, and the evolving landscape of Nigerian music.
As fans eagerly await the album’s release, questions linger about the nature of Hushpuppi’s involvement, the potential for musical innovation, and whether this project will indeed mark a new chapter in Phyno’s career.
One thing is certain: by choosing to unveil his tracklist on Nigeria’s Independence Day, Phyno has ensured that “Full Time Job” will be more than just an album – it will be a cultural moment that captures the complex, evolving spirit of Nigerian music in 2024.
