Loverboy Turns Gangster: Lojay Makes An Audacious Claim On ‘Gangster Romantic’ (Review)

A Review of Gangster Romantic by Lojay.

Lojay's first project LV N ATTN (Love and Attention) exposed us to a young unrepentant lover boy. The 26 years old graduate of the University Of Portsmouth worked with the legendary producer Sarz and their sonic collaboration birthed LV N ATTN which was the artiste's first offering. The EP talks about love and Lojay pours out his heart in the wildest yet loving manner.

Less than 2 years down the line, Lojay makes a U-turn, and a lover boy becomes a gangster. The EP ‘Gangster Romantic’ is where the singer chooses to wear his pain on his sleeves.

Beginning the adventure is “YAHWEH’‘ a mid-tempo love tune with powerful percussion reminiscent of Dancehall. In the chorus, the drums are joined by brilliant piano chords, mallet accents, a rumbling bassline, and a peculiar synth melody, this is a song that evokes sexual excitement.

Next is Leader, an audacious and probably alpha-male song. The instrumental has layered guitar riffs, bouncing mallet chords, and rattling Afrobeats drumming, creating a sonically rich and complex piece. Moreover, the song’s subject matter has been greatly expanded, the singer talks about he wants to lead his woman in the bedroom.

MOTO which is actually my favorite is where the singer talks about his cheating partner, the instrumental is smooth, featuring sparse percussion-driven songs, and warm lavish pads. The song perhaps shows why Lojay changed his attitude, he sings

“All of my gees say make I move slow You do me things wey nobody else knows know I know your poison deep in my soul But I no fi leave you uh leave you alone lone

I been dey use fentanyl Make I no reason all the evil way you do me on the low low Oh my baby we are like oil and water Olomi but“

Canada on the other side talks about how women are hypocrites and lovers of money over love. The music is funky, featuring shakers, drums, a bass guitar rhythm, and a bouncy synth line that keeps the party going. The remaining song IYD, Availabu, and Ova shows the flexibility of Lojay, Ova particularly is a heartbreak song.

Lojay is a star and this EP is arguably the best project released so far this year.