Pascal is by far my favorite Anglophone Cameroon rapper. And this article is not to make a case for him or to make him more desirable whatsoever. It is only intended at pointing out a strength he possesses that puts him (in my opinion), a par above others in the industry; that of storytelling.
I don’t listen to rap music for the sake of being hip and to not feel socially excluded in conversations revolving around that theme; but really because I’m a lover of words. And I love it when they are well-crafted and fit into a pattern and rhythm and edify me on so many levels like good rap music is supposed to.I also love it when it tells a good story.
Slick Rick is a pioneer rapper and a master in storytelling. He epitomizes the art of storytelling in rap music; and to attest to that cornerstone he has laid down in hip hop culture, his songs have been sampled and interpolated over 500 times! His song “Children’s Story” from his first album has been listed in the VH1’s 100 greatest rap songs of all time.
In an industry where our rap culture has been rather ‘dumbed down’ to mostly catchy punchlines that are meant to thrill rather than edify or at the very least follow a general idea in a whole song, Pascal shines out.
Like most of you, I was first introduced to Pascal when he featured on Jovi’s “Check Sense.” It was an eye-opening moment for me. I was immediately drawn to his verse which was very much relatable as it dealt with something most of us have done at some point in our lives.
After that, I discovered Pascal the storyteller who unlike many, even his then-master Jovi, was capable of having a thematic in every verse and sticking to the proverbial script in a lucid, light and straight-forward manner that was a delight to the ears. He is perhaps not the most technical rapper around, but sometimes simplicity is the best medicine in some instances. And when you add a story to that, it makes it even more delightful.
As far as his storytelling ability is concerned, one song in particular stands out in his repertoire; “Douala-Brazaville” ft Fredy Massamba. It is an absolute delight as Pascal takes us on a journey where he tells the story of a girl he gets romantically involved with, in a well-crafted delivery. The voice of Fredy Massamba adds another layer of spice as he sings in a beautiful Lingala that strikes the soul. I highly recommend you click the link below and listen to the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7VNOfbUAg4
Other honorable mentions from pascal where his storytelling skills are showcased are; Manka’a, No waiting, Mango ft Reniss, King Don Kam and Tori Pt 1.
I only wish more rappers would take this route and take us on a journey where we can just put on our earphones, close our eyes and float away as we listen to their words while our mind paints a picture with the words reverberate on our tympanum.
-Wandji Wilfred