A review of Qing Madi's, I am the Blueprint
“... will her claim of being the blueprint age well and join the starboys, LTGs, Mushin-to-mohits?”
AfroPop princess, Qing Madi just marked her name present on the list of 2025 LPs, with her album, I am the Blueprint which also stands as one of the earliest releases of the year.
I am the Blueprint, which comes on the heels of her very successful EPs Qing Madi and the deluxe version which spawned hit songs like, American love, Ole (with Bnxn), visions( with Chloe Bailey), ybil (with Kizz Daniel)
Her run of hit songs continued with songs such as adenuga (with Joeboy) and the releases like favorite psycho, Goosebumps, Akanchawa, which served as lead singles in support of the Fast-rising Act’s debut Album.
I am the Blueprint landed on DSPs in the early hours of Friday, the 31st of January and was released under Jton music, under exclusive license to Bu vision LLC, and it boasts of being the project which could etch Madi’s position as AfroPop’s crown princess.
Comprising of 13 songs, with a total run time of 35 minutes, the project explores Madi’s artistic reach as it sees her touch on various subjects, such as ambition—cited in Bucket list, the Project’s intro track. She largely borders on the subject of love and affection which has shown to be her strongest writing station thus far.
Sonically, the project boasts of some of the most innovative Producers and composers which the 2024 Afrobeats scene had to offer.
From the Afrobeats intelligence offered by famed producer, Ozedikus on feeling alright, there's also the strong presence of Wademix, who executes his art on tracks, It's a game, gimme your love, feeling alright.
MarveyMuzique, the hand behind some of q4 2024 biggest hits is also present with his work on Akanchawa.
There's also Prestige on Ali Bomaye, Jad Oh on bucket list, BGRZ on pressure; Hitmaker Semzi on one day, Tuzi on goosebumps, Big fish on favorite psycho.
The staffs at The Talking Drum made their top 5 picks and this is what the consensus turned out to be:
Bucket List: If there's one thing an opening track can do is make or break an album, and Qing Madi nails it with "Bucket List." It’s a strong, ambitious intro that sets the tone for I Am The Blueprint, encapsulating the album’s theme of dreams and determination.
With wistful vocals and smooth production, Madi's ambitious lyrics shine through, drawing listeners into her world.
Pressure: While Madi might be searching for her inner rhythm, this track is nothing short of rhythmic and melodic. With introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, Madi delves into the personal yet universally relatable themes of self-expectations and anxiety, ultimately emphasizing the importance of surrendering what lies beyond our control.
The magic of this track is how Madi wraps lyrics about fear and anxiety in a vibe-able sound, making you feel at ease. It resonates deeply while keeping you grounded in the rhythm.
Goosebumps captures the provocative rush of being intoxicated by someone. With thrilling vocals, Madi takes us through the emotional highs of attraction, using sharp metaphors and haunting production. The track subtly conveys the very attraction it describes, making it more captivating with each listen and drawing us back every time.
Ali Bomaye: Simply beautiful, simply enthralling. Madi confesses her love from the very first line of the tracks and the yearning continues throughout the song. Just in time for valentine's, lol :)
5 Gimme your love: In accordance with the theme of most tracks, it's just another day in the life of a yearner cum finished woman. Top 5!
Honorable mentions:
All the songs, really.
Critique:
While the album’s solidly written with signature Afro lyricism, and equally amazing production, there's a question mark at the titling of the project, I'm the blueprint.
While there's little doubt as to whether Qing Madi is the blueprint, the album not being in thematic tandem with the title stands out to the critic’s lenses.
Perhaps it could be an indication to her colour code, Blue rather than the obvious meaning we might attribute to it, but that's for us to decode.
Beautiful project, but will her claim of being the blueprint age well and join the starboys, LTGs, Mushin-to-mohits?
Only time will tell.
Final rating: 7/10
Thank you for reading our review of I am the Blueprint.
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