Phyno embodies clarity in his artistic vision.
The Nigerian musician stands out in the music scene, establishing his influence while remaining relevant to current trends. On his fifth album, Full Time Job, the essence of his artistic drive is pronounced. “Greatness is a full-time job,” he shared in an interview with TunesDeck, shortly before the album launch. “Noticed success, whether in music or sports, comes from relentless effort.”
Phyno began crafting his new album in early 2023 but ultimately discarded the initial tracks to start anew. By April, he realized he had formed enough material for Full Time Job. “This album encompasses essential genres,” he explains, “ranging from rap to thought-provoking messages, ensuring the work conveys the right themes.”
The album truly reflects this diverse approach. With elements of rap, highlife, R&B, and gospel, Full Time Job offers extensive replay value, showcasing Phyno’s skillful genre fusions. The opening track “It’s Nothing” features Southeast content creator Emaodiaa blending humor with Phyno’s sharp lyrics about ambition, reminiscent of his well-received debut, No Guts, No Glory.
Full Time Job highlights Phyno’s evolving outlook. He aims for genuine artistry over rapper bravado. Collaborations with UK rap artists Chip and ArrDee demonstrate their seamless chemistry, fitting naturally into the album’s structure. Newer talents Cheque and FAVE appear in “Back Outside” and “Deep,” while longtime allies Burna Boy and Flavour join him on “Do I (Remix)” and “Men Don Show Face.”
Producers Major Bangz, Duktor Sett, and JaySynths crafted most of the beats, infusing them with experience and creativity.
“In the studio, I let the music dictate its own direction,” Phyno states about the creation of Full Time Job. “Ideas evolve, and we don’t rigidly stick to preconceived notions.”
“At this point, I’m not merely chasing hits,” he adds. “I desire an album that resonates, one that listeners can enjoy from start to finish without focusing solely on individual hits.”
Reflecting on timeless albums, Phyno references his 2014 work, No Guts, No Glory, which showcased his impressive talent and successfully highlighted the fusion of rap and Afrobeats.
It’s noteworthy how Chibuike Azubike Nelson—Phyno—evolved from initial success to impact. While grounded in hip-hop, he remains connected to his roots in Enugu and Anambra states. Experiencing Phyno in his element immerses listeners in the rich cultural narrative of the Igbo community.
Phyno has traversed this cultural terrain throughout his career, conveying diverse musical perspectives on Full Time Job. Previous albums like The Playmaker (2016) and Deal With It (2019) blended anthemic rap with Gospel influences, celebrating personal triumphs.
Phyno’s Igbo identity is a continuous thread in his music. His visual highlights include the blockbusting single “Alobam”, which propelled the term “my guy” in Igbo into broader pop culture. By the time Something To Live For debuted in 2021, Phyno had undoubtedly cemented his status as a music great in Nigeria and a staple figure in the Southeast.
“Every creator is shaped by their surroundings,” Phyno reflects. “My upbringing in Enugu profoundly influenced me, and I continuously reference my roots, the Igbo language, and regional culture.”
In the track “Grateful” from Full Time Job, Phyno honors the 2004 gospel hit “Kporo Ya Isi Na Ala” by Njideka and Gozie Okeke, acknowledging its significant place in East African gospel music heritage. He connects this with a respectful reflection on his life journey, bridging past influences with contemporary relevance.
“The rights holders were very accommodating when I cleared the sample,” Phyno recalls. “They appreciated my artistry and swiftly approved its use.” He aimed to create a song that would resonate with hip-hop lovers and evoke memories without confining itself to traditional gospel norms.
In just one verse, Phyno trended online, delivering a heartfelt tribute to Igbo icons in “HERO,” a collaboration with emerging rapper Aguero Banks. This verse demonstrated Phyno’s lyrical skill and ability to weave cultural elements into his music.
Prior to this, Phyno took the reins as executive producer for King, the anticipated second album of fellow East artist Jeriq. Their previous collaboration on Jeriq’s track “Remember (Remix),” became significant for Igbo rap. Phyno’s involvement demonstrates his commitment to nurturing this legacy while continuing to be a defining figure in the genre.
Discussing his collaborative approach, Phyno mentions the value of acquiring new experiences to inform his music creation. “Since my last album in 2021, I’ve grown—now I’m a father and have produced various projects. These experiences enrich my creativity, allowing me to craft content with depth.”
“I continue to share ideas behind the scenes,” he notes, while recognizing the shift brought by social media where private moments quickly become public. “If I don’t express these stories, perhaps no one will. Ultimately, I pursue this passion because I genuinely love it.”
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