Odysseus

Odysseus is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer Jesse Jagz. It was released on September 8, 2017, by Jagz Nation. The album features guest appearances from Hotyce, Styl-Plus, Cynthia Morgan, Melon and Burna Boy. Prior to releasing the album, Jesse Jagz released a number of singles in 2017, including "Midnight Vibes" and "New World". "Best in You" was released as the album's lead and only single. Odysseus draws influences from Caribbean sounds, supporting the dancehall identity that Jesse Jagz embraced on his second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come (2013). Background and artwork Jesse Jagz originally began production on Odysseus in August 2014. The album was initially scheduled for release in 2015, but was delayed multiple times. Its title was inspired by the Greek king Odysseus. Although built on a predominantly hip-hop foundation, some of the tracks on Odysseus are infused with Caribbean riddim and patois-laced rap. In June 2017, Jesse Jagz unveiled the album's cover on his Instagram page. The cover features a picture of his mother, Lydia Abaga, as a child. In it, his mother can be seen sitting with Reverend Jan Boer's three biological children. The photo was taken in the grounds of Boer's idyllic Jos home. Jesse Jagz performed tracks from the album to select listeners at Industry Nite. The event was held on June 28, 2017, at Spice Route in Victoria Island, Lagos. Music and composition On the album's opener "Genesis", Jesse Jagz channels Drake and is reminiscent of his life's journey. He can be heard rapping over ambient layers of vocal harmonies. Reviewing for Filter Free Nigeria, Ehis Combs said the song is "repetitive" and has a "one-dimensional rhyme pattern". "Wide and Blue" contains an alternate piano sample of "Murder She Wrote", as performed by Chaka Demus & Pliers. The Hotyce-assisted track "Dirty" is composed of bass, percussions, drums and a trap instrumental. "Best in You" explores themes of romantic declarations, assurance, doubt and paranoia. The song contains the nursery rhyme "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and a sample of Lighthouse Family's "Ocean Drive". Oris Aigbokhaevbolo said "Best in You" is "lyrical cohesive" and that its "delivery, slurred and semi-comical, takes some imagination". The nostalgic track "Alright" features vocals by R&B group Styl-Plus.