BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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On Monday, December 16, 2024, the Anti World Gangstars (AWG), an Abuja-based hip-hop collective, released their long-awaited mixtape, Nothing Changed. The group, comprising Odumodublvck, Reeplay, Agunna, Fatboy E, and Shagba, has spent months teasing the project and building anticipation through snippets, visuals, and the early release of standout single, Amabanga released just a week before the mixtape.
The mixtape highlights AWG’s lyrical prowess and group chemistry, while featuring some of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, further elevating the project.
Right from the intro song, My Bandwagon, the energy is infectious. The stellar rap delivery by the boys on the hard hitting beat is truly, truly impressive and this shows forth throughout the mixtape.
The 10-track mixtape includes appearances from Don Jazzy, Olamide, M.I Abaga, Xcafino, Smada, PsychoYP, Hotyce, Unknown T, Tomi Obanure, and Mizzle, each contributing their unique flavor to the project.
Notable collaborations include previously teased single, Jegede, featuring Olamide and Smada. Olamide as always, delivers a stellar rap verse and crafts a lingering earworm of a chorus that will certainly linger in the minds of listeners long after they listen.
After God, featuring Xcafino and rap genius, M.I Abaga, blends insightful lyricism with compelling production. It is a truly deep song that lyrically weaves a story about humanity’s dark and sadistic side. Social vices and outright evil acts are talked about with one message standing out, “Fear human beings.”
Don Jazzy’s contribution to Asampete adds a simple and smooth blend to the mix, while raw and gritty Thunderstorm brings together heavyweights like Unknown T, PsychoYP, Hotyce, and Tomi Obanure, showcasing AWG’s ambition for global appeal. This track is high energy showcasing the purest form of rap with a vibe reminiscent of those street-rap brawls.
The DJ Mono P-assisted Amabanga has already emerged as a fan favorite with it’s exciting tempo and solid verses from Odumodu REEPLAY and Fatboy.
Grrr sees the crew channeling that UK style rap and absolutely killing it. Hotyce’s commanding delivery certainly adds to the song’s flair.
Mama pray exudes alté charisma with its unique beat pattern and smooth chorus while Rumuokoro is an afro-rap vibe with introspective as well as carefree storytelling from the crew.
The production across “Nothing Changed” is top-notch, with producer credits including Cross, who produced tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, as well as Ucee, who handled tracks 3, 6, 9, and 10. There were also contributions from Eskeys, XL, DJ Shuolz, GMK, Mizzle, and Trill Xoe.
“Nothing Changed” is a testament to AWG’s growth, consistency, and influence in the Nigerian music industry. The project strikes a perfect balance between lyrical depth, hard-hitting beats, and collaborative energy. Each track serves a purpose, showcasing AWG’s ability to evolve without losing touch with their raw, unapologetic style. With its diverse features, standout production, and dynamic group performances, the mixtape solidifies AWG’s place as a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian hip-hop. Certainly, with the AWG Fest commencing on the 19th, Nothing Changed significant expands the repertoire of songs that fans will get to witness live performances of.
