The Ones: LADIPOE’s “Yoruba Samurai” [ft. Joeboy]

With artists releasing songs at a fast and furious pace, it’s difficult for the average hip-hop head to keep track of it all—no matter how tapped in they are. That’s why we created The Ones, a daily post to highlight the song you need to hear.

LADIPOE [ft. Joeboy] - “YORUBA SAMURAI”

There’s nothing like December in West Africa, and Nigerian rapper LADIPOE knows it. In cities like Freetown, Accra, and Lagos, it’s warm, dry, and jovial, alive with large concerts, beach outings, and family gatherings. On “Yoruba Samurai,” LADIPOE sets a love affair in this summery bliss, where a bright yellow sun hangs at the horizon and generators hum like a lullaby. “Baby, I’ll go to war for you,” he assures his paramour before singer Joeboy comes in with the assist, gently stressing the girl’s perfection. This coming December could feel different in Nigeria, with the looming threat of coronavirus and ongoing activism against egregious police brutality. LADIPOE and Joeboy are already engaged in that battle, sharing critical information with the droves of followers they’ve amassed with sauntering grooves like this one.

Check out previous Ones, and listen to new rap from LADIPOE and more on our Spotify playlist.

Originally Appeared on Pitchfork