Victor Ad, the Nigerian singer-songwriter, has emerged with his much-anticipated album Realness Over Hype, a collection of 14 tracks that offer a refreshing take on his career.

In an era often dominated by superficiality and ostentation, Victor Ad, born Victor Eugenie Adere, sets himself apart by delivering a raw and authentic musical experience that resonates deeply with listeners.

Realness Over Hype is a testament to his growth as an artist and a reflection of his journey since his 2018 breakout hit, Wetin We Gain. This 14-track album delivers a mix of Afrobeats, R&B, reggae, and street-hop, wrapped holistically in his signature heartfelt and syrupy lyricism.

From the outset, the album captivates with its sincerity and depth. The choral vocals, inspiring message, and Victor Ad's emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics shine through in the first track ‘Realness Over Hype' while setting the tone for the album and drawing the audience into his world.

The second track, See God, featuring 2Baba is a mid-tempo tune. Composed over a decade ago, the message on this track is clear with catchy lines like “You no need kpai before you see God…”. With a flawless delivery, this track keeps the listeners engaged as the message sinks in.

Billion Dollar, which takes the third spot comes with a bouncy feel and the initial flute solo at the start will give you a hint that it's meant to be a party starter. Laced with the South African log drum and its catchy chorus, “One billion dollars, one billion dollars for my hand, transaction plenty, transaction plenty for my hand”, it is enough to pull you off your seat and to the dance floor.

The Love serenade, Your Heart, starts with soft guitar riffs, coupled with the sound of a saxophone before Victor Ad’s syrupy lyrics kick in. He injects passionate lyrics boldly, saying, “I have been around the world, all I want is your heart”.

He teams up with Joshua Adere in the desire-themed track, Again. It starts with soft piano tunes before being joined with a bouncy bass beat. Laced with emotive storytelling from both artists about their desire to show sincerity in their relationship they create a sultry track and a treat for Gen Z Alte listeners, with incredible synergy and we get a rarely seen version of Victor Ad.

In the sixth track, Healer, he talks about the love story of a lady whom he’s involved with in what seems like a toxic relationship. He talks about how someone who brings you unending joy can also inflict wounds with lines like “She gives me migraine; she gives me joy.”

The phenomenal collaboration which takes the seventh spot, Eye Clear, shows the immense talent of Victor Ad and the enigmatic Bella Shmurda, casting a spell that leaves critics breathless and their skepticism shattered like glass, with each note a shimmering reflection of their boundless creativity. This song serves as a testament to their introspective nature and their willingness to explore themes of struggle, perseverance, and ultimately, triumph.

The Afrobeats track, Simple Life, comes eighth. He urges listeners to find joy in life’s simple pleasures, even amidst its countless tribulations with lines like “A simple life and peace that is all I need.”

He features Kelvyn Boy, a talented Ghanaian artist in the next track, Person Daughter. Where they perform a serenade for their lover Anita and shower her with praises. The song's infectious melody and poignant lyrics speak to the simplicity of the modern woman whom he fell in love with.

The infusion of amapiano elements and delivery of Mayorkun, the featured artist, makes Owo Lo Se an interesting track, adding a fresh dimension to the album. Mayorkun delivers a stunning verse with wit and a beautiful melody. The beautifully crafted track is on to be a chart-topper and is likely to gain social media traction.

In eleventh place, Victor Ad creates a gratitude-themed track in Celebrate where he pays homage to God, appreciating him for every circumstance he finds himself in. He follows suit with his declaration of his ultimate victory in the reggae-inspired track Victorious. It shows Victor Ad can maintain his signature storytelling lyricism across different genres.

In the 13th and 14th positions are Holy Water and MIDF respectively, acting as the final straws in this event, drawing the curtains with their ad-libs.

Victor Ad’s Realness Over Hype album will have you bouncing your heads to every tune. The focused sense of storytelling and poetic writing resonates with self-confidence and stands as a testament to the power of genuine storytelling and musical integrity. Whether it is the infectious rhythms of Billion Dollar, the introspective vibes of Eye Clear, or the romantic serenade of Person Daughter, the album offers something for every listener, transcending genre boundaries with an eclectic mix of sounds, features, and influences. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, Realness Over Hype, is not a release to underestimate.

Performers: Victor AD, 2Baba, Joshua Adere, Bella Shmurda, Kelvyn Boy. Selez, Mayorkun.

Song Writers: Adewale Mayowa, Joshua Adere, Akinbiyi Ahmed Abiola, Innocent Idibia, Victor Adere

Producers: Napji, Rex MadeIt, DALORBEATS, Kulboy, Beat Vampire, Black Culture

This is the cover art for incredible "Realness Over Hype" album by the super talented Nigerian artist Victor AD.

Victor Ad: Realness Over Hype review - an authentic musical experience

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