Though Oma Mahmud’s latest project is labelled as an alternative project, much of it heavily leans towards hip-hop. It could be argued though, that the alternativeness comes from much of the genre-mashing and experimentation with Afro-electronica that goes on in the production side of the album. But Oma Mahmud’s album is better passed off as a casual take on the same texture of blurry-eyed hip-hop that has become increasingly popular in the works of Lil Uzi Vert and xxxTetenacion. Oma-Mahmud’s PINK shares the same emotional bend, leveling the concept with Afropop flirtations like his colleagues have done with rock and Alt-Rock.

PINK is many things, and considering how Mahmud occasionally dips a foot into into experimental obscurity without completely veering off course, it’s not unlikely to get lost in its build up. An accapella spoken word-rap intro titled “New Dawn”, slinks to an auto-tune charged “Truth”, past mid point on the tape, DJ Yin helms, “Hurting” a psuedo-emotional EDM-banger. And Thus the EP unfold with features from Barelyanyhook, Fasina Tomi Thomas, WavyTheCreator and BrisB amongst others bringing an added twist to every turn the project takes.

Oma Mahmud may have not intended it, but when PINK tips towards a close with “Road”, a bass-heavy ride along anthems reminiscent of today’s trap-infused contemporary hip-hop, you’re almost too aware you are getting a raw taste of modern African hip-hop. To think a so-called OG called out rappers to fix up their lives, one would almost instantly wonder if he has been listening to anything from Oma Mahmud.

Stream PINK via SoundCloud here

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