Ghanaian rap powerhouse E.L recently dropped his latest project, BAR 7, and it’s everything fans hoped for. The BAR series, which started back in 2014, has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s hip-hop scene, and this new installment keeps the tradition alive with 13 tracks that showcase some of the best talents around.
The album kicks off with the explosive “BAR 7 Intro” and the heavy-hitting single “Chakido,” setting the tone for what’s to come. E.L collaborates with nine producers, including himself, and fills the project with standout features and tracks. Lyrical Joe’s appearance on “Boogieman” delivers another lyrical masterclass, while “IDGAF,” featuring Kobi Onyame and Tradey, stands out with its smooth, fiery beat by Kojo Cooks.
E.L’s love for production is on full display, from the Drill-inspired “Delilah” to the narrative-driven “Tracy.” The album also nods to hip-hop’s roots with “HipHop,” produced by Altra Nova, and revisits the 2000s era with Samini on “One Ghana Guy.” Further collaborations, like the introspective “Pray” featuring Jean Feier, add depth to the project. The album closes with “God on the Sidewalk,” a reflective track that captures E.L’s journey and aspirations, making “BAR 7” a well-rounded and compelling addition to his discography.
Among the star-studded features on the album, one track that made me a curious cat and deserves a closer listen is “Pray.” Often overshadowed by the album’s more boisterous tracks, “Pray” is a contemplative journey into the soul. This song features the only female artist on the album, Jean Feier, and she is absolutely magical. Jean, a German-Ghanaian singer, makes her presence felt with her unique sound and emotional depth.
On “Pray,” E.L’s razor-sharp verses cuts through the beat and lay bare the raw realities of life – loss, struggle, identity. Then, like a shaft of sunlight breaking through storm clouds, Jean’s voice rises and elevates the song. Her melodic voice adds a layer of hope to the track, turning introspection into inspiration.
What makes this collaboration even more special is the journey behind it, as she gives a glimpse of the narration on her Twitter account. The story of Jean and EL’s relationship reads like a blueprint for how the industry could – and should – operate.
In an industry that has a strong glass ceiling and exploits female talents more than develops them, EL and Jean’s exemplary relationship is refreshing to see and essential to Ghana’s Alte scene.
Jean’s approach to music is as unique as her background. This intentionality radiates in her growing catalogue and evidently in “Pray.” Her vocals don’t just complement E.L’s rap; they create a dialogue with it, each enhancing the other.
While “Pray” might not be the most hyped track on BAR 7, it certainly grows on you with each listen. We don’t just hear two artists, we witness a musical journey coming full circle. And for music lovers, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as that.
A little cross-check indicates that Jean is not new to this space but is soon to certainly be a household name. Interestingly in 2021, she received a nomination for her song “You Are” in the “Best Alternative” category at the 3Music Awards in Ghana. The same year, she received a nomination for the same single at the Ghana Music Awards UK. Her single, “When I Need You” was nominated for Best European Song at the Ghana Music Awards UK 22 and her collaboration with producer Esquire garnered a nod for Best World Record at the Wammies DC in the year 2022.
Jean Feier could have been an outstanding contender for the “Best Female Vocal Performance” of the year at the 2024 3Music Awards. Jean Feier is undoubtedly having success with her music and even though she has already teased a few songs on social media amassing impressive reactions, it seems like she is yet untapped.
We are left wanting more after seeing her work with E.L on “Pray,” which is an assertion to the charm she possesses. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to watch her keep making waves in the alte community as a whole, not just with E.L. The upcoming year promises to be a landmark year for Jean Feier because of her skill and vision; I think it will be full of even more incredible partnerships and musical creations.
