Rooftop MCs' 'Lagimo' Is A Spiritual Discourse on Fame, Faith, and Redemption
Cobhams Asuquo's soul-stirring bridge is a pivotal moment in the song. Asuquo, a renowned Nigerian producer and artist, lends his emotive vocals to the track, adding an extra layer of
Nostalgia XTRA:
Listen to the song to grasp this piece:
After many years, Rooftop MCs' seminal song, 'Lagimo' is still humming in my ears, and hitting hard on my head. After humming the song for a few minutes and bobbing my head to the melody, the catchphrase of the song seeps into my mouth and I scream: "Ori mi wu o, e lagi mo (sorry, I can't translate that; I don't want the message to lost in translation).
'Lagimo', the opening track on the group's classic album Shock Therapy: The Minority Report, remains evidence of the transcendent power of rap music in delivering profound spiritual messages. Released in 2008, the song transcends genre boundaries, fusing the gritty rhythms of hip-hop with rock music, and an unapologetic Christian message.
The song is a lighthearted but poignant reflection on the perils of chasing fame at the expense of spiritual well-being. Snatcha, one-half of the duo, raps about fame, wealth, and the desire to acquire more. "I know we’re big here, we’re also big overseas," he begins. "Guys around the world are feeling our sneeze. And the ladies are screaming it’s 'ROOFTOP MCs'."
Snatcha also raps about them being in the spotlight with their clothing line, how they easily make more money than they spend, establishing their own comics, investments in Germany, and by thirty-five, he would own a jet and mansion by the lake.
But towards the end of the verse, he stops to reflect on his ambition and heavenly vision. He realizes that he needs to put the kingdom of God first above everything in his life. "Wait a minute," he raps, "I’m losing direction." He feels foolish and needs God's correction, so he begs the Lord to please bring him back, even if it would take hitting his "head like a conga slap".
Throughout the song, Rooftop MCs employ vivid imagery and evocative language to paint a vivid picture of the consequences of forsaking one's faith. Snatcha's powerful lyrics serve as a stark warning against the allure of worldly recognition and the potential spiritual bankruptcy that may accompany it. But it wouldn't be poignant without Soul Kleva's calm, retrospective second verse.
“Need you to put me back on the track again, save me cos I’m slowly going insane," Kleva raps, explaining how "music brought fame and how he misused it". The line "Seems like I’m addicted to the mic and the limelight, sacrificing rhyming right just to rhyme tight" encapsulates the perilous nature of fame-seeking among gospel artists, likening it to a double-edged sword that can lead to both success and self-destruction.
'Lagimo', a leftover phrase from a childhood play song, is infused with rock-tinged instrumentals, which serve as a musical embodiment of the song's powerful message. The use of electric guitars, robust drums, and lush and tinkling synth patterns infuses the track with an energetic intensity, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the urgency of the lyrics. This fusion of hip-hop and rock elements not only showcases the group's musical versatility but also amplifies the emotional impact of the song's spiritual discourse.
Cobhams Asuquo's soul-stirring bridge is a pivotal moment in the song. Asuquo, a renowned Nigerian producer and artist, lends his emotive vocals to the track, adding an extra layer of depth and gravitas to the gospel message. His soulful delivery imbues the song with a sense of spiritual weightiness, driving home the urgency of the warning against the pitfalls of fame.
“My head is spinning like a carousel for all the attention," Asuquo sings about his confusion, though he can't deny that he is enjoying the attention when the crowd is cheering him. Asuquo screaming "Please save me, Lord, from my flesh, and kill my hidden pride until I am broken deep inside", underscores the group's central thesis—that the relentless pursuit of worldly success can lead one astray from their spiritual path.
Even though the Rooftop MCs aren't doing music again, 'Lagimo' will forever remain a masterpiece of Nigerian gospel hip-hop. Rooftop MCs' astute lyricism, coupled with the rock-infused instrumentals and Cobhams Asuquo's soulful bridge, create a rich musical piece that resonates on both an emotional and spiritual level. The song serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of grounding oneself in faith, even in the face of worldly temptations.
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