Review: Dancehall Newcomer Adofo Is in his Bag with “Paper Chaser”
Across 11 tracks, the son of Montego Bay puts his range on full display, making “Paper Chaser” a clear statement of ambition, versatility, and hunger
Upcoming dancehall artiste Adofo
Upcoming dancehall artiste Adofo has released his anticipated mixtape Paper Chaser, delivering a cohesive project built around ambition, hustle and street motivation.
The project opens with “Spinn,” laid over the high-energy “Spinn” riddim produced by Cash Code Records. Adofo brings his usual bravado and hustler mentality, declaring, “Mi have ih world inna mi hand, a new owner,” setting the tone for his confidence and hunger for success.
The momentum continues with the previously released “Mill to a Billion,” produced with contributions from Bhad Gad Records and DNJ Records. Adofo switches between flows over a subtle production that keeps his vocals at the forefront, reinforcing his relentless grind and big-money ambitions
For the new generation of dancehall fans, “2Granny Boy” featuring dancehall star Skippa is a standout. Opening with “Tell ih yutes fi believe and wuk,” the track carries an inspirational tone as Adofo and Skippa trade bars about ambition, big aspirations and their respective journeys. With the chorus declaring, “Did affi rich mi dawg,” the message is clear: for both artistes, success was the only option.
“Hell Gates” is perhaps one of the project’s more popular tracks, with infectious chorus having taken the internet by storm in recent months. The verses make for strong showings of Adofo’s Adofo’s lyrical ability. The track fits seamlessly into the project, placing further emphasis on his versatility and ability to balance catchy, memorable hooks with compelling lyricism.
Midway into the project, Adofo switches gears with “Kyaw Lose”, returning to the boastful energy, with the deejay claiming on the chorus that “Mi money nuff and anybody can tell yuh dat, we mek the richest look small in America”. “Kyaw Lose” is Adofo at his sharpest and most unapologetic.
Following that up with “Torment”, the artiste gets experimental and adds versatility to the project, putting his vocals to work on the chorus and switching up his delivery. The razor-sharp lines complement the production handled by Bigbone Music, VMG Music and DiTruth Records well, making for a track that gives another side of Adofo’s artistry while furthering the project’s energy.
“PC Princess” serves as the project’s gyal anthem, opening with a sample from OBLVN’s “I’ll Be Waiting.” With playful lines including “pretty filly look good naafi tan a back,” Adofo delivers a catchy cut aimed directly at his female listeners.
Adofo switches gears with “Kyaw Lose”, returning to the boastful energy, with the deejay claiming on the chorus that “Mi money nuff and anybody can tell yuh dat, we mek the richest look small in America”. “Kyaw Lose” is Adofo at his sharpest and most unapologetic.
The project’s second and final collaboration, “Believe” featuring Quill Dem, mixes street motivation with reflections on their journeys. The labelmates trade verses smoothly, while the chorus - “Di Benz cyaa buy if yuh in a bed and a sleep” - reinforces the project’s hustler mentality.
“So Hard” slows things down with a melodic delivery and an early-2010s dancehall feel, before “Prison Break” raises the energy through Hatrick Records’ dramatic production and elements of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.”
Adofo closes strongly with “Doh Bawl,” produced by Speng Records, bringing the bravado, boastfulness and fast-paced delivery back to the forefront.
Adofo delivers a cohesive project built around ambition, hustle and street motivation.
Released by Pooh Don Records, Paper Chaser is a solid showcase of Adofo’s lyrics, versatility and ambition, further establishing the African artiste as a driven new-generation voice in dancehall.
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