It was this huge expectation based on proven talent that preceded the release of 2Baba‘s debut album ‘Face 2 Face’ which was an emphatic statement of his ability and ambitions.
Released under the iconic Nigerian music label Kennis Music on 15 May 2004, ‘Face 2 Face’ would carry the zeitgeist of Nigerian pop music in the 2000s with heavy hip-hop and RnB influences.
For 2Face, the album was crafted to position him for commercial success justifying his decision to leave the Plantashun Boiz. ‘Face 2 Face’ would achieve this as it houses some of the biggest hit tracks that defined the 2000s and rocketed 2Baba as the face of Nigerian pop music.
‘Face 2 Face’ welcomes listeners to 2Baba’s world where he shares his many thoughts through mind blowing lyrics, melodies, and compelling versatility.
“Today is the first day of the rest of my life,” he says in the hit song ‘Nfana Ibaga’ where he delivers his statement of intent that will alter the direction of change the Nigerian soundscape
2Face had many things to share and he found exciting ways to communicate these thoughts. When he raps about love on the hit track ‘Ole’ he effortlessly molds melodies in unprecedented fashion.
2Baba is arguably Nigeria’s most gifted artist and his unbelievable ability shines in elevated lyricism, remarkable shapeshifting, and mind blowing delivery.
The acceptance of his fallibility offers food for thought on the lyrical masterclass ‘U No Holy Pass’ where he cautions his critics who have a lot to say over his decision to leave Plantashun Boiz and the way he choose to live his life. This record is one of those songs that reminds listeners that there’s about nothing 2Baba can’t do as he effortlessly flows over the strings and drums of Rock music.
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While the album carries significant hip-hop influences, it also has the palpable RnB music that shaped the American soundscape in the early 2000s.
On ‘Right Here’, 2Baba pours out his heart on a brilliant domestication of RnB and hip hop hybrid popular with Western RnB stars like Usher, Craig Davids, and Joe.