When it comes to Obi Davids, I'm one of those who was late to the party. The first time I listened to him was on Denimwood's "Feela," which was released in early 2023. His verse on the song was equal parts melody-driven and emphatic. As a hip-hop aficionado, I immediately felt the need to hear more from him, and while his catalogue wasn't vast his talent was easy to see.
While comfortable in the soundscape of hip-hop, Obi Davids is a versatile talent who can navigate other genres just as well, and his debut EP Close No Comebacks showcases this. While only 4 tracks and 12 minutes in length, the project feels like a terrarium of earworms. You could easily put it on and have it feel like a project twice its length.
Close No Comebacks embraces the ever-growing global influences Afrobeats has taken on, and with both Nigerian and Zimbabwean roots, it feels like he's rightly placed for such sonic exploration. While bound together by Obi Davids' velvety vocals and heartfelt lyricism, the project branches out like an octopus spreading its tentacles to touch on genres like RNB, Amapiano and Soul. I'm even tempted to say he might be a better singer than he is a rapper.
The EP title Close No Comebacks seems to be a reflection on how Obi Davids won't go back to the places that caused him pain. There seems to be something inherently personal on every track and the lyricism feels just too specific to not be inspired by some lived experience. A betrayal in "December (Elele)" flows into the blindness of love on "Rudo Ibofu," which culminates in a shattered heart on "Obi's Heartbreak" and ends in reflections of being played/playing each other like a childhood game on "Amina."
If I told you where I was last I'd be lying, Lord have mercy on me, I know I wasn't perfect
And if the things I did in the dark, ever come to the light will you please have mercy on me, I know I wasn't honest - Obi Davids on Amina
While the vocals are well delivered, the EP's production equally carries it to a soft landing on the ear. "December (Elele)" is slow in tempo with ever-present percussive elements, while "Rudo Ibofu" and "Amina" have an Amapiano-esque sound that somehow tames the log drum without distorting it and "Obi's Heartbreak" has strumming of a guitar that pulls right on your heartstrings.
From a recognized hip-hop artist, I applaud the experimentation and refusal of Obi Davids to be boxed in as an artist. If anything, I wish the project was longer. Close No Comebacks, it seems like it can only get better for Obi Davids from here.
Greedysouth rating: 7.6/10