On the list of things that Africans often shy away from, the concept of addiction is probably high on the list. Even the thought of it was associated with mostly narcotics and lust. Anything outside was barely laid at the doorstep of addiction. However, a deeper look into what addiction is reveals many things people get addicted to but never talk about openly. In a space where people shy away from sensitive topics, it takes a level of creativity to speak on these issues while ensuring that people do not only listen but pay attention to you. That is where Ghanaian rappers RBD and KooKusi come in.
The two are admired by many within the rap and music community for their craftiness, lyricism, flow and overall approach to utilising rap to entertain and echo society’s realities. Off the back of their existing synergy working together, the pair dropped a thought single in 2023 titled “Power”. The song and the accompanying visuals drew diverse commentary from social media for the song’s messaging.
Following their pre-released song, the pair have released their joint EP, “Addicts Anonymous.” The eight-track project consists of five full songs and three skits with two guest features in Anabel Rose and Arathejay. Albeit a rap project, the project blends elements of R&B and Afro in its sound while maintaining a stance of educating people and bringing to light how addiction flows in other aspects of our lives beyond sex and narcotics.
The project’s sequence follows well-curated storytelling as the rappers embody the personas of addicts battling their varied addictions starting with Sex down to drugs. While the subject matter of the project is one many are quick to shy away from and turn to point accusing fingers at the addict, the rappers take a different approach. They refuse to lay blame on the victim but also offer education and a wider perspective on factors that lead one into addiction.
“Sex” featuring Anabel Rose talks extensively about various sexual situations that may lead to addiction. The song highlights sexual abuse and harassment as catalysts of hypersexuality as well as how porn addiction puts one in prison where it owns their thoughts and actions. However, they provide some hope as the victims do not only admit to their addictions but also open up about seeking help.
A song like “Drugs” , another more widely known addiction, makes an appearance on the project. The song takes a dive into how people depend on drugs as a coping mechanism. People who find themselves in an overwhelming situation and battling with the pressure on their shoulders tend to seek some clarity and calm from the high narcotics provided.
They drive the conversation away from a known addiction to something many rarely pointed out anytime addiction is mentioned, “Power”. The song highlights how people become slaves and drunk with the authority they possess so much they begin to abuse it. It is the realisation that even things like wealth and thirst for control can become addictive.
The tape gets into an Afro mood with the song “Screen” featuring Arathejay. The song addresses a present and pressing matter of addiction to phones and devices. Attention and love for the devices have left many lonely and no people skills in the world. People become glued to their screens so much that they forget there is a real world outside the rectangular-shaped screens of their phones, laptops and TV screens.
“Addicts Anonymous.” comes off as a real-life AA meeting with all addicts opening up and facing their demons head-on. Conceptualising a project of this nature and then delivering it to the T as RBD and KooKusi have done deserves applause. It is one thing to write about something and another to not only embody the message but present it as though you have lived. Maybe they have lived it or perhaps both rappers are showing off their creativity. The sequencing with the skits in between presents the project in a proper sequence where one addition leads to the other. The arrangement of the project and the overall execution of the project make this one an exceptional project.
In a time when we seem to be losing out on conceptualised and thematic albums as far as messaging is concerned, RBD and KooKusi have shown that it can be done and can be done well.
Written by Nana Kojo Mula.
