Kenyan hip-hop heavyweight Robah Mwenyeji has once again asserted his dominance in the rap game with his latest EP, Unapologetic Barz.
The nine-track project as he describes it is a manifesto, a battle cry, and a fearless declaration of hip-hop’s raw essence.
Robah cleverly merges boom-bap grit with sharp social commentary.
The EP kicks off with ‘Unapologetic Freestyle,’ a track that rekindles the golden era of hip-hop, calling for a return to lyrical depth and artistic integrity. The beats are hard-hitting and they allow his bars to take center stage as he spits with the conviction of a man on a mission.
Tracks like 'Hustlas Anthem' challenge the commercialization of hip-hop, rejecting mainstream gimmicks in favor of rap’s original ethos.
On 'Wametuzoea,' Robah turns his lyrical fire on Kenyan politicians, exposing their tendency to disappear once elections are over. The track’s punchy, no-holds-barred delivery resonates with a population tired of empty promises.
Amidst the defiance, Robah gets introspective on 'Dear D.C.', paying homage to the streets that shaped him. The deeply personal track is a love letter to Dagoretti Corner, the neighborhood that instilled in him the grit and wisdom necessary to survive in Nairobi’s tough music industry.
But Unapologetic isn’t all war cries and resistance. 'Ma Chérie' introduces a softer side, showing that even street soldiers have hearts. With a melodic, Afro-infused instrumental, the song balances thug-life bravado with heartfelt affection, proving that vulnerability has a place in hip-hop.
The EP’s soulful core shines through in 'Most High', a gospel-tinged ode to faith and perseverance. The track stands as his belief that spiritual grounding is essential in navigating the chaos of modern life.
Similarly, 'Prophecy kwa Kila Soul' takes on a preacher-like tone, urging discipline and humility in an industry often dominated by ego and excess.
Robah also pays homage to hip-hop’s pioneers with 'Tuna Songa,' featuring veteran Otero Kalamashaka. Their collaboration is a fusion of old-school and new-school, a symbolic passing of the torch while respecting the genre’s elders.
Closing out the EP is 'Nine Lives', a powerful reflection on survival, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of hip-hop.
