Back in 2021, it was quite the difficult affair escaping the words “Big Thug Boys” thanks to the catchy breakout single by Bad Boy AV. Following a number of singles and his 2022 Thug Love EP, the artist returns with Pace EP.
Pace finds Bad Boy AV leaning strongly into his storytelling chops as he grapples with all the changes that life has offered over the years, both good and bad. Right off the bat, he makes it clear that at this stage, his primary focus is on finding and keeping peace with acoustic opener “Who Dey”. “Give me love/ give me life/ give me peace/ no give me wahala,” he sings in a flat almost defeated tone making it known that regardless of external pressures, he will continue standing firm.
By the second track, “Undisputed”, we witness a tempo shift punctuated by a groovy baseline and silky rhythm, but the central idea persists. This time, he issues a warning to his doubters and naysayers alongside superstar singer, songwriter and producer, Tekno. He boldly and repeatedly declares his self-appointed status as an “undisputed” and “undefeated” titan of the new age music scene. The track may double as a personal affirmation chant or dancefloor sizzler depending on the time. Midway into the project, “State of Mind” stands out as a warm palette cleanser before things kick into gear with the logdrum-laden “Wicked Lo” as an entry point into the second half of the project.
On the sultry number, “Obianuju” Bad Boy AV taps fellow new age afropop singers Victony and Ckay. The result is effortless harmonies and an unexpected vocal synergy between the artists. To close out the project, “Who Dey” makes another appearance only this time, the uptempo approach gives it more life transforming it to a statement of triumph.
With Pace Bad Boy AV invites his listeners to experience his artistry on a deeper level as he merges highlife and Afrobeats for a sound that’s uniquely him while paying homage to his roots.
