Ghanaian rapper Gambo hits hard with his latest project, the aptly titled “1Mb” EP. Dropping on the heels of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, Gambo uses this project as a launchpad to deliver a powerful homage to the genre’s roots while firmly planting his flag in its future.
Gambo’s “1Mb” (pronounced “one more bullet”), is a resounding celebration of hip-hop’s global influence. The standout track “Drip” Remix serves as the EP’s glittering crown jewel.
Featuring Ghanaian rap heavyweight Edem and American hip-hop legend Jim Jones, “Drip” remix is more than just a song—it’s a cultural bridge. Edem sets the tone with his opening bars, “Man on the road weh I shada, Ghetto boy no dey give gaba, Harlem to New York and all the way straight to Ghana,” seamlessly blending street vernacular with a nod to Hip-Hop’s transcontinental journey.
American rap legend, Jim Jones, known for his Harlem swagger, adapts effortlessly to the Ghanaian context. His lines, “When I touch down say Akwaba, That’s how they greet a don dada… Tryna holla like hey ma! But in Ghana it’s Ohemaa,” showcase a respect for and integration of Ghanaian culture. This elevates the track beyond a simple collaboration.
The accompanying visuals are a feast for the eyes, presenting the artists in stunning traditional Ghanaian attire. This visual representation of “African Drip” serves as both a celebration of heritage and an invitation to the diaspora to reconnect with their roots. It’s a masterful use of Hip-Hop as a vehicle for cultural pride and tourism promotion.
But “Drip” remix is just one gem in Gambo’s treasure chest. The “1Mb” EP boasts an impressive roster of talent, including Kofi Jamar, Fortune Dane (who also produced the EP), E.L., Nova Blaq, and Tanzania’s G Nako.
This pan-African approach to collaboration speaks volumes about Gambo’s vision for Hip-Hop’s future—one that honours its past while embracing its global potential.
