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Friday, November 1, 2013

Fire Of Zamani by Ice Prince (Album Review)

Fire of Zamani is an album by a man that needs no introduction. Man by the name Ice Prince, one of Nigeria and Africa's biggest musical acts no doubt recently released an album titled Fire of Zamani (abbrev. #FOZ) on Monday(28th of October) and though the tracks from the album are still circulating themselves across several media outlets, I already got my hands on the 18 track record.

First of all production kudos to the up and coming producer Chopstix, Don Jazzy and all other producers that worked on this album. I must give that first kudos to them because from what I can hear on the record, they all obviously tried to bring new beats to the table. Ice Prince sadly kept on dragging them into the same old, same old. I listened to track after track hoping for something different. looking for that rapper that wow'd us all with Oleku, Super Star and the entire "Everybody Loves IcePrince" compilation but this album got more and more disappointing the more I listened on.

"Whiskey" featuring veteran Sunny Nneji could have easily passed for one of the best songs of the album with the high-life rhythm and groove of the song if Ice hadn't confused us with the title, hook and verse of the song. We deserve an explanation for why a song should have such an ambiguous overview. Only Wizkid is allowed such ambiguity and that's because, he is Wizkid. Ice continued with the ambiguity on the track titled "Jambo" at a point I wasn't sure what I was listening to, I just had to hit the next button.

Generally guest artistes on this record did alot to revive the soul of the album, "Gimme Dat" featuring Burna Boy, Olamide & Yung L is probably the best track on this Album. Burna Boy delivered beyond expectations, Olamide and Yung L also came in hard. Another song worthy of mention is "Stars and Lights" featuring Ruby Gyang. Ruby delivered powerful vocals on this song, I wish she had a verse or at least a bridge on the song. This is also one of the few tracks on the album that Ice Prince did not slack on or bore us with unrelating cool stories. Other features on the Album came off as being either disappointingly average or simply boring. One of such tracks is "Komotion" featuring Wizkid. Wizkid being one of those artistes whose voice one to looks out for, I have to categorically say, made zero effort on this song. It sounded like one of Wiz's in-house freestyles that got leaked. I automatically got bored after the hook. Ice Prince' attempt to revive the song just kept dragging the song deeper into the abyss. Compared to their previous collaborations on "Olofofo" and "Hold Yuh (cover)" this is a very disappointing performance. "Kpako" featuring M.I and Ex Choc Boy Jesse Jagz should have been a hit if It didn't sound like I was listening to "More" the remix. M.I is getting more and more watery by the day and seriously that should make us, enthusiasts of Nigerian music worried. Jesse Jagz also came in with his reggae fusion, which I must admit we're bored of already, another average song I must say. Though an all round average song the trio managed to spin a track that will stick to your head with this song. The catchy hook, will remain on mental replay for a long time trust me, kudos to Ice for that.

Ice Prince's international collaborations took the format most International collaborations done by Nigerian artistes take; over produced songs with a sub par performance by the so-called "International" artiste, FOZ didn't do any different from that norm. Wale sounded like he was unexpectedly booted into the studio to record and impress his "people back home". We know you're Nigerian Wale, you don't have anything to prove to us, now give us a world-class verse not a cheap freestyle-look-alike, knock-off version! "Mercy" featuring U.K based rapper chip offered nothing to the LP, the song was so average that you probably wouldn't believe there was a foreign act on the track unless you're told. Don't even get me started on "I Swear" featuring French Montana. Ice Prince sounded so excited to be on that song, French Montana's drag verse and sloppy punches made the song sound like a soundtrack to a terrible gangster movie starring Jim Ikye and Mr Ibu.

Well, before y'all think I'm another hater, I have to point out some awesome tracks on the album, "Tipsy" featuring Wale and Morell, turned to be better after a few replays. "N-Word" produced by Don Jazzy is also a good song, despite the Rick Ross impersonation, Ice was doing throughout the song, it's pretty awesome when you're driving. Of course tracks like "Aboki", "More" and "Gimme Dat" that already circulated the media before this album release are all awesome tracks in their own accords. "No Die Tomorrow" can also pass for a great song after a lot of replays and alcohol.

In Conclusion I have to admit as much of a Chocolate City empire fan as I am, the label hasn't been living up to expectations in the most recent times, losing two key star artistes and to cap it all, allowing Ice Prince to release this watery album is a big fail on their part. Most of this album sounded like I was listening to a free mix tape and the album i paid for itself will be released soon. The album itself couldn't pass up for the commercialism we all recognize Ice Prince for. There seemed to be no improvement on the standards already set by E.L.I, most of the album sounded like I was listening to E.L.I on new instrumentals, especially with the "Aboki" format Ice has consciously infused into every song. The album didn't sound like what you'd expect from the Ice Prince who has had countless tours in the U.K and The U.S and hence should have gained more exposure. Overall the album was very tiring to listen to and offered very little excitement to the average Afro-Hip Hop enthusiast expecting a banger from his favorite artiste. To make things worse, there was so much reggae infusion into Ice' verses, that lyrically only few songs didn't have evidence of Ice Prince's inner rasta man, for a supposed rap album, it got annoying at a point.

I honestly don't know how Ice came up with the Title "Fire of Zamani", there was clearly no heat or burn from this album that we had not felt already from E.L.I. In fact the albums should switch names as it is clear from the delivery of this album, Ice Prince just took advantage of the love of fans for him to release this watery album. E.L.I definitely had more fire. Grab a copy and review for yourself. Its out in stores nationwide.

Overall Rating : 4.8/10

Download Here

Written by : @ToyeTrill

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Nicki Minaj Goes Semi-Nude In Raunchy Halloween Picture Updates(18+)

I'm waiting for a time when people are actually famous for the works of their hands and not for their fame whoring. Just see this one. Anyways this is raunchy and as sexy as well, feel free to feed your eyes brothers. Enjoy :)

"Kim and I are More Influential Than The Obamas" Says Kanye West

In the wake of the recent release of Forbes most powerful people in the world, rapper Kanye West has concluded that not only did he deserve to be on that list. he also believe he and baby mama Kim Kardashian are more influential than America's first couple; Barrack and Michelle Obama.

The 'Yeezus' crooner, spoke with Ryan Seacrest regarding Kim's Instagram updates and explained that Kim is probably the most intriguing woman in the world and deserves to be on the cover of the best magazines the world has to offer. Kanye said "There's no way Kim Kardashian shouldn't be on the cover of Vogue," he said. "She's like the most intriguing woman right now. She's got Barbara Walters calling her like everyday." Kanye also made reference to the recent bikini Instagram picture of Kim that went viral recently. "No one is looking at what [Barack Obama] is wearing. Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a [bikini] pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day," he added.

Kim has been according to reports snubbed by Vogue editor Anna Wintour with Michelle gracing two covers over the years. Meanwhile, Kanye has come under fire from fans once again this week after postponing another gig on his 'Yeezus' tour in Anaheim due to equipment problems

Photos Toolz & Yvonne Ekwere In Yobe Back Before Fame

The Hot BeatFM OAP shared this picture of herself and yvonne back in the days. I guess money changes lot of things.

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NEWS: 22 Students Faint After Inhaling Gas From Photo Lab

Ogba Junior Grammar School

There was confusion at Ogba Junior Grammar School, Lagos, on Thursday after about 22 pupils fell unconscious.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident was caused by a gaseous substance emitting from a neighbouring laboratory, close to the school. The chemical was said to have engulfed the entire school.

When our correspondent visited the school premises, it was deserted. However, a security guard, who did not identify himself, said the incident occurred around 1pm.

He said, “I was just by the gate when I perceived this offensive smell. I quickly ran to a corner and covered my nose with my shirt.

“Pupils came running, saying some of their colleagues had fainted. When the smell subsided, teachers rallied around and rushed them to a hospital.

“I don’t know the exact number of pupils affected but they were over 20. A few minutes later, emergency officials came around to attend to the victims.”

Panic-stricken teachers reportedly fled in different directions, using clothes to cover their nostrils so as not to be affected by the foul smell.

Moments later, the teachers rushed four of the pupils to Blue Cross Hospital, Ijaiye Road, Ogba, Lagos, while the others were attended to by emergency officials.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the rescue officials went around the compound in a bid to identify where the smell emanated from.

Our correspondent learnt that the odour was traced to Ogba Shopping Arcade, Ijaiye Road, which shares a fence with the affected school.

Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Razaq Fadipe, said it was discovered that a photo laboratory located in the complex was emitting the substance.

He said, “On getting to the school, 22 students were unconscious. LASAMBUS was able to revive most of them and their parents took them home.

“Four were not alright and had been taken to Blue Cross Hospital. We were able to trace the odour to the complex which shares a fence with the school.

“We spotted the laboratory where the smell was coming from and the place has been cordoned off. Investigations are still on.”

When asked why it was only those in the school that were affected by the chemical, Fadipe said it was probably because the lab faced the school directly.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the matter had been reported to the police while the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency had taken up the case.

An official of LASEPA, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We will revisit the laboratory on Friday (today). If it is discovered that the laboratory was run illegally, then those running the place will be prosecuted.

“However, it is too soon to jump into conclusions; we will inform the public of our findings.”

When our correspondent visited Blue Cross Hospital, a nurse on duty said the pupils had been revived and transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

“Four children were brought here and we were able to stabilise them before transferring them to LASUTH. We don’t know the nature of the chemical they inhaled,” she said.

-PunchNG

BREAKING: Jonathan Finally Succumbs To Pressure, Reacts On Stella Oduah's Case

President Goodluck Jonathan may have placed the embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, on “tactical suspension,” findings have revealed.

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A reliable Presidency source said Jonathan decided on the “tactical suspension,” hours before the signing of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Israel on Monday.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. George Ossi, had on October 24 told the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation that Oduah led a Nigerian delegation to Israel to sign the BASA.

The House committee is probing the purchase of two bulletproof cars at a whopping N255m price by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the minister.

A source explained that it was the ‘tactical suspension’ that made Jonathan to direct the Minister of State (1) for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, to sign the agreement instead of Oduah.

When asked by one of our correspondents what ‘tactical suspension’ meant, he said, “Oduah will not be allowed to attend public functions that will have the President in attendance until the three-member committee set up to investigate the matter turns in its report.”

The source, who said he did not know whether the “tactical suspension” order had been formally communicated to the minister, stated that the step became necessary in order to dissuade Nigerians who hold the opinion that the President was shielding Oduah.

In what seemed a corroboration of the “tactical suspension,” the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, insisted that Jonathan would not associate with or shield anybody found to be corrupt.

He insisted during an interview with one of our correspondents on Tuesday, that the minister did not travel to Israel on the entourage of the President.

“Did you see them (Jonathan and the minister) together in Israel? The President will not associate or shield anybody found to be corrupt. That is why he set up that panel because he will not want to act based on media reports,” Gulak said.

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She Broke The Record As The World's Largest Natural Bréasts [PHOTOS]

Annie Hawkins-Turner is her name, she is 53-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia who has a bra size of 102ZZZ, told TLC's Strange Séx that she is a 'celebrity in other countries' due to her Guinness World Record-breaking bréasts.

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The woman with the world's largest bréasts also said that she has to employ security to help defend herself against unwanted suitors who 'chase' her. I guess a lo of men wanted to have her bréast.

Her bréasts have since helped her develop a career as a self-described 'fantasy model'. She has appeared in 'over 250' self-directed fetish videos.

SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW

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MUST READ!! How Nollywood Topnotch Actor RMD Was paid N1.6Million to show up at the GIAMAs!!

Razzmatazz claims that the organizers of the awards paid $10, 000 to have RMD honour the invitation.

See their report below:

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"Getting RMD to attend the show didn’t also come easy. Strong indications emerged that it cost the organisers close to $10,000 in logistic, to get the actor, who was also being honoured with a lifetime achievement award, to attend. The actor, known for his class and style, was said to have flown in the First Class cabin of a Virgin Atlantic; his regular airline and stayed at Hilton Hotel. But for the seclusion and crowd control at the show, fans clamour for the actor was said to be overwhelming.

The attention was no less for the superstar host, who arrived in grand style. Reports say the helicopter, which was originally scheduled to land on the red carpet was, due to safety and permit issues, diverted to the nearest street. From there, Nouah was said to have been escorted to the Stafford Centre in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class."

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Pregnant And Se-xy!! 2Face Idibia's Wife Shows Off her Baby Bump!

She looks really great... *wink*

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NEW MUSIC: Ojim Na Njo B’WhY - [ @BWhy_Recklezz ]

B’WhY the PRINCE OF HIPLIFE. He just dished out Another Banger/Street Anthem “OJIM NA NJO” [Prod. @aizbag]. Ojim na njo means (E HOLD ME BAD!!). Follow @BWhy_Recklezz for more direct badt high/hiplife tunez. Download Listen Enjoy and Share. #Yesssss!!!!

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NEW MUSIC: Kcee – PullOver [Remix] Ft. Don Jazzy & Wizkid

Kcee got Don Jazzy fro the remix of his banging joint, pull over. And meanwhile his album hits the store tomorrow be sure to cop

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Ex-footballer Beheaded And Head Left Outside His Family House

A former professional footballer's head was severed and left on the doorstep of his home for his horrified wife to discover.

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Ex-footballer Beheaded, Then Head Put in Rucksack, Left Outside Family Home

SEVERED: Brazilian footballer Joao Rodrigo Silva Santos' head was found in a rucksack outside his home in Rio.

Brazilian footballer Joao Rodrigo Silva Santos' wife found her husband's head in a rucksack as she left their Rio de Janeiro home on Tuesday morning.

The 35-year-old's tongue and eyes had also been cut out according to police.

Mr Santos retired from the game two years ago after a career which saw him appear for several Rio teams as well as clubs in Honduras and Sweden.

Ex-footballer Beheaded, Then Head Put in Rucksack, Left Outside Family Home

RIO: The murder took place in one of Rio de Janeiro's poorer areas

Since quitting football he had started his own business selling health foods and various dietary aids.

Police believe the former footballer was attacked as he left his shop on Monday night after witnesses confirmed seeing several men forcing him into a car.

Investigators are looking into whether Mr Santos was murdered by a drugs ring due to his wife's work at a nearby military police base.

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Ronaldo Scores & Mocks Blatter With Celebration (Pics). Hilarious

Remember when Sepp Blatter insulted Ronaldo and said he was the commander type? Well check out pics after Ronaldo scored to take a swipe at Blatter as a so called Commander.

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PHOTOS: MEET The Top Three Richest Nigerian Footballers (LOOK)

The adventure of the likes of Stephen Keshi, Etim Esin, Daniel Amokachi, Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George overseas changed their fortunes from ordinary amateur footballers struggling with daily existence to professional footballers worth millions of naira.Investments of those who play the round leather game already amounts to billions of naira.

Here our list of the top three richest footballers in Nigeria:

John Mikel Obi

Sources say John Mikel Obi, the Chelsea midfielder is the current highest earning Nigerian footballer. He joined Chelsea in 2006 from Norwegian club Fc Lyn Oslo on a US$25 million. He is currently on US$120,000,(N20m), per week excluding bonuses, and income from participating at the UEFA Champions League.

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The 25-year-old Jos born player owns mansions in Jos, Lagos and London worth about N800m. He has shares in top companies, and he recently launched a record label, MATURED MONEY MIND(MMM). He drives a Mercedes G Wagon

, Black Mercedes G 500, a Range Rover

Sport and a N30Million Bentley Continental. He once said, its very difficult finding a wife. Why won’t it be with all that cash…

OBAFEMI MARTINS

He’s been everywhere. The on loan UD Levante of Spain forward has played for top clubs like Inter-Milan of Italy, Newcastle united of England , Birmingham City of England, Vfl Wolfsborg of Germany , Rubin Kazan of Russia and currently Seatle Sounders in the US. Obafemi Martins is the fifth highest paid player in US Major League Soccer for the 2013 season, according to a players’ union release.

He is also the highest ever paid player for Seattle Sounders with an annual basic salary of $1.6million. The 28-year-old striker owns 2 mansions at VGC Lagos worth N500 million, a massive home in Como, Italy valued at N800 Million, and top hotels in Italy. He splashed N400million on his charity foundation not too long ago. He drives a Lamboghini worth N50m,Porsche Gemballa worth N20m, Bmw X6worth N 18M,and a Ferrarri sport car.

YAKUBU AIYEGBENI

Yak as he is popularly called is still widely regarded as the most successful Nigerian footballer to play in England. His assets include a mansion on Manchester Road, London, a duplex in VGC, 2 massive buildings in Benin city and hotels in Auchi,Edo State. The former Boro man owns a petrol station in Benin City which is run by his brother Momo Aiyegbeni. In his garage back home in Nigeria are a fleet of cars including a Range Rover

and a BMW.

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PHOTOS : Rihanna Gets A New Henna-Inspired Art Tattoo

The 25 year old singer has added another set, to her extensive tattoo collection, and this happened over the weekend, while in dominican republic.
She was tattooed by famous celeb tattoo artist Bang Bang McCurdy and Cally-jo of famous Bang Bang NYC tattoos on Sunday. She showed off the new work during her Puerto Rico concert on Monday.