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Along with the breakout album, “Boo of the Booless”, Basketmouth’s “Yabasi”, is one of the sleeper classics of this decade. 

A 10 track mesh of excellence, it was one of the most acclaimed albums of 2020, and a dark horse in many year-end lists. With his follow up, “Horoscopes” Basketmouth attempts to make another great record… And succeeds.

The great thing about Horoscopes is its length. At 9 tracks, it is even shorter than “Yabasi” and thus low on filler. Johnny Drille, Simi and M.I are perfect on the opening track as cogs in a complex triangle, though Johnny Drille’s trademark diction takes over the song (no complaints, however)

Wande Coal’s vocal performance is exquisite as usual. Oxlade and Efya deliver a stunning highlife ballad and save for another song in this record, it is the most obvious single on the album. 

Reekado Banks is of course in impeccable form coming off hit single, “Ozumba Mbadiwe”. But it is Peruzzi, who has the best showing on the record with “Celowi”. The song is as urgent, primal and dramatic as Peruzzi’s talent. A bold performance through and through.

However, the best song on this record is simply Bnxn’s “Your Body”. By now, Bnxn’s knack for hooks is unparalleled, yet we are shocked at every turn. The hook for “Your Body” is simply exquisite. His best hook so far for this year.

Is “Horoscopes” better than “Yabasi”? Probably not, but it does not matter. 

Basketmouth has nothing to prove. He’s made two great records and made the smartest choices in A&R while at it.  An impressive run so far.

We look forward to the Hatrick.