Ajebo Hustlers: The art of mixing harmony and urban realism
Ajebo Hustlers, this musical duo hailing from the tumultuous city of Port Harcourt, perfectly embodies the blend of Knowledge’s fluid and melodious narrative style and Piego’s melody shaping skills, making their music a work of art that thrives on the simplicity of language and the strength of the relationship she maintains with her audience.
Immersed in the harsh realities of life in Port Harcourt, the Ajebo Hustlers are driven by the desire to succeed and put their city on the map, like other major exports of this oil-rich city. That ambition shines through in their track “Dreams II,” on which they surround themselves with in-form hip-hop stars like Zlatan and Blaqbonez to share what continues to fuel their quest for success.
Focused on their goal and averse to all forms of distraction, Ajebo Hustlers reaffirm their desire to lead a stress-free life through the subtle deployment of Port Harcourt’s pidgin language, harnessing Piego’s brilliance in shaping the melodies on “You Go Know “.
Ajebo Hustlers draw inspiration from their personal experiences and share their struggles with addiction on the upbeat track “Last Week,” where Jeriq questions the cliché “smokers might die young” in typical hip-hop star fashion street and cannabis user.
While adopting an image and musical style that embraces the rugged appearance of the “tough boy” from Port Harcourt, Ajebo Hustlers often uncovers themselves to show a more emotional side. This exploration of tender subjects such as matters of the heart constitutes a large part of their album, where they give news of their romantic quests.
On “Bad Boy Etiquette 102,” Ajebo Hustlers juggle their sounds and ideology with guest artists who offer authentic versions of themselves. Odumodublvck’s hyper-masculine rap pairs perfectly with Knowledge’s calm narrative style on “Celine Dion,” making Piego’s melodies shine as they blur the lines between love and lust.
On “Kisses II,” they bring in Magixx, an artist who likes to delve deep into his emotions to discuss matters of the heart, admitting that even a “bad boy” can fall deeply in love.
If listeners learn anything from the Ajebo Hustlers’ quest for romantic happiness, it’s that it is far from successful. On the Afro-Swing track “Sweet & Sour,” they team up with Ghanaian superstar King Promise to express the pain of seeing your partner ready to leave.
Listeners Share Ajebo Hustlers’ Painful Experience in Searching for Love on ‘Wicked’. Women will have the opportunity to express themselves thanks to Raebel’s captivating vocals on the track “Undecided”, where she accuses Knowledge and Piego of being alternately hot and cold while pouring out fast lyrics and soft melodies in a impressive art of seduction.
The art of being a bad boy requires introspection and awareness. Ajebo Hustlers clearly underline this on the rap track “No Wam”, promising that two can play this game. On the highlife sounding track “Burn My Cable II”, where Sarkodie leaves his mark with his iconic flow, Knowledge reveals the accusations of “fuck boy” which he faces without trying to defend himself.
With “Bad Boy Etiquette 102”, the Ajebo Hustlers offer keys to the construction of a cunning young man. By tapping into the realities that shape their talent and fuel their ambitions, the Ajebo Hustlers produce music that captures the nuances of everyday life amid the ongoing quest for pleasure. Placing “Dreams II” as the album’s opener symbolizes that personal ambition takes precedence over emotional and sexual desires, also emphasizing the need for confidence and awareness in the relentless pursuit of success, love and happiness.
Ratings: /10
• 0-1.9: Failure
• 2.0-3.9: Close to failure
• 4.0-5.9: Average
• 6.0-7.9: Pass
• 8.0-10: Champion
Pulse rating: /10
Album sequencing: 1.6/2
Writing, Themes and Deliverance: 1.6/2
Production: 1.5/2
Pleasure and Satisfaction: 1.5/2
Execution: 1.6/2