The Spekk Dissect of @KiNG_Aktive_zw's Mambo veTrap #ZimHipHop

This was released almost 2 weeks ago at the new go-to spot for all things Zim Hip-Hop, The Volt. Kidd Aktive recently rebranded himsel...

This was released almost 2 weeks ago at the new go-to spot for all things Zim Hip-Hop, The Volt. Kidd Aktive recently rebranded himself by dropping the “Kidd” part of his name and adding a “King” to it. After the EP that was UnKAged (which you can read about here), I was looking forward to this one. Production credits include Fun_f, McZee, Ti Beatz, Boy Tricky, Tha Pro and Mclyne Beats. Features include Savage, Fun_f, Slay Yung and the relatively unknown Drenyc & AnaJae. Let’s get on with the dissect, shall we?

The Mambo veTrap mixtape back cover 

Before I go any further I feel the need to state that this is an album disguised as a mixtape. The production here is original, there are no "borrowed beats" aaaaaaand it's for sale. This is a mixtape in the loosest sense possible. The mixtape tag nowadays seems to be used as insurance in case the project isn't well received so that they can say, "IT WAS JUST A MIXTAPE!". Now that we've gotten that out of the way let's get on with what you really came here for.

The "album" starts off with Giroria on a Fun_f beat, which is energetic to say the least. The obvious chemistry between Aktive and Fun_f is seen throughout the "album" as these are the outstanding tracks on this project. Korona would have sounded like a more fitting first track than Giroria, in my view. 

The Bad News

Soon after Giroria we are already welcomed with some filler tracks. Baba Batai sounds like a regurgitation of Mhamha Honai, one of Aktive's hits off his critically-acclaimed debut album Trapped, with a remix appearing on his UnKAged EP. Bhenda sounds like a weaker version of Dhomo (which is from the good part of the project), making it a filler track candidate. Hupenyu Hwacho would have sounded better on another project but on a project titled, "Mambo veTrap" it's underwhelming. 

You Scared was painful to listen to since the hook is jacked from one of my favourite Ice Cube tracks Go to Church. I get what they were trying to do but....it's a NO from me. This makes the next song even funnier, COPY CATS!. AneJae shows a lot of potential though with her delivery. Just when I thought this was becoming UnKAged all over this happened.

The Good News

Zvisiko begins what I call the "good part of the album" as it appeals more to the Mambo veTrap. Trap God to easily be my most favourite track off here. That one track you're waiting to here? This is it! In-your-face, unapologetic and banging. Don't sleep on that Fun_f beat either. Vanhu Vaye Vatanga picks up where Trap God leaves off, making you forget about the first half of this project. This confirms my earlier statement about Aktive- Fun_f chemistry. Still to confirm how I feel about Nhamo, stuck at indifferent for the moment. Ruramai is a dope track with a strangely-mixed hook (it's a struggle to know what you should be listening to). A sad love song providing a wonderful distraction from the boisterous atmosphere prevalent on this project. 

The Verdict

An okay project with some placeholders that could have been a lean, mean 11-track album. There's a bit of everything here. Tracks that really dope, okayish tracks and WTF tracks. Since it is a mixtape I'm guessing that these are throwaway tracks from a sophomore album to announce the rebranding. 

Mambo veTrap is on sale via EcoCash or at the Big Shots Studio cnr. Samora Machel Ave/ Leopold Takawira Street. 

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