Young Jonn’s transition from hit-making producer to established artist is no small feat. Juggling both roles requires remarkable dexterity, and Young Jonn has emerged as a major player in the Nigerian music scene. This writer believes he’s poised to compete with industry titans like Don Jazzy.
His foray into music wasn’t a cakewalk. “Hello Baby” initially led some to believe he was simply collaborating with Tiwa Savage. But with “Dada” (and the Davido remix), Young Jonn firmly established himself in the music scene.
Since then, his discography has boasted a string of solid tracks from the 2010s, including “Shakiti Bobo,” “Story For The Gods,” “Science Students,” and “Confam Ni.” This consistent quality culminates in the release of his debut album, “Jiggy Forever.”
Having already dropped two EPs, this 16-track album featuring both Nigerian and international artists undeniably screams “Young Jonn.” It embodies his signature style, tailored to the narrative he consistently weaves through his music. While albums often showcase an artist’s willingness to explore new territory, Young Jonn comfortably embraces his established sound. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Young Jonn’s music is generally easy to digest. His captivating vocals, perfectly intertwined with the rhythm, consistently reel listeners in. His music is inherently upbeat, preventing boredom with its infectious energy. “Jiggy Forever” reinforces this strength: Young Jonn excels at selecting captivating beats that seamlessly blend with his own vocals or those of featured artists.
The album explodes with freshness right from the start. The intro, “Tony Montana,” sets the tone with Young Jonn’s signature vocals wrapped in vibrant beats. “Pot Of Gold” takes a fascinating detour, introducing Arabian/Asian-inspired instrumentals with seductive string arrangements before Young Jonn dives into his familiar groove. He masterfully blends this foreign sound with heavy percussion, creating a unique sonic experience.
“Bahamas” has emerged as one of the album’s semi-hits, showcasing Young Jonn’s signature raspy flow. This track perfectly exemplifies his style, easily identifiable even without his vocals.
One of the album’s highlights is the impressive list of features – Blaqbonez’s signature jig in “Showcase,” Ya Levis’ velvety touch in “Maya Maya,” Zlatan’s energy in “50 Billion,” Sean Paul’s seductive allure elevates “Hold On,” add a delightful twist to the album. The legendary producer/artist duo of Young Jonn and Don Jazzy in “Full My Tank” is a clash of the titans, fusing their legendary talents.
However, the album’s strength can also be its weakness. While Young Jonn’s consistent sound and energetic delivery are initially captivating, they can become tiring after a while. The transition from track to track can feel repetitive, with only “Aquafina,” “Sharpally,” and the featured tracks offering refreshing detours.
This doesn’t diminish the fact that “Jiggy Forever” is a well-curated project showcasing Young Jonn’s artistic vision. One might argue that a wider range of sounds could have enhanced the album’s diversity and displayed Young Jonn’s versatility to a greater extent.
The replay value of “Jiggy Forever” fluctuates. Certain tracks are undeniable bangers, while others, although enjoyable, might not require constant revisiting. Nevertheless, the music remains thoroughly engaging.
Young Jonn’s debut album is an impressive step forward, demonstrating his vast potential. Time will undoubtedly solidify his musical legacy.
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