A Promising Start That Fizzles Into Confusion
Ayo Maff’s first LP, Prince of the Street, arrives with an ambitious title—but the album often feels like it’s chasing a version of “street credibility” that doesn’t align with the artist’s sonic identity. While the project opens with promise, the thematic thread unravels as it moves from track to track, making the album feel more like a scattered playlist than a cohesive body of work.
Despite its street-oriented branding, the album is, at its core, a soft-hearted, emotionally tuned collection of tracks. Rather than being aggressive or boastful, many of the songs are melancholic and introspective—often dipping into themes of love, heartbreak, self-reflection, and longing. The irony is that Ayo Maff doesn’t come across as gritty or raw enough to embody the image that Prince of the Street suggests. That mismatch creates tension throughout the album’s narrative.
Oshimiri ft. Bnxn – Vulnerability Over Vibes
“Oshimiri,” featuring Bnxn, is one of the standout tracks. Rooted in a gentle reggaeton rhythm, the song explores emotional vulnerability in the face of romantic loss and financial struggle. Both artists sing from a place of reflection—sharing how love interests drifted away during times of lack. The laid-back delivery, lush harmonies, and groovy beat make the track highly listenable, even danceable, despite its somber message.
Realness ft. Chike – Amapiano Betrayal
“Realness” is a betrayal anthem draped in Amapiano and Afro-house influences. Chike and Ayo Maff recount disillusionment with fake friends, centered around a biting question in the hook: “How much you go pay to see the real me?” The track effectively fuses heavy log drums with emotional storytelling, making it one of the project’s more thematically cohesive songs.
Felony – The Love Song With a Warning
Perhaps the most sonically rich song on the album, “Felony” begins with an unforgettable intro—an elegant blend of electronic guitar, bongos, conga, flute, and a deep, steady bassline. On this track, Ayo Maff sings about a woman whose love seems persistent but toxic. While he appreciates her consistency, he urges her to leave, warning that she could push him into actions he’d regret. It’s romantic, but layered with caution, making it a complex standout.
Beginning – Self-Awareness in Streetwear
The album opener “Beginning” leans into Yoruba oral tradition and hip-hop influence, offering listeners a glimpse into Ayo’s origin story. With interludes that feel like ballads, the song is deeply introspective. He reflects on his life journey, using the Igbo phrase “Isi imbido” (from the beginning) to stress how his path, with its ups and downs, is guided by divine orchestration. It’s a refreshing and vulnerable entry into an album that otherwise tries to sound tougher than it feels.
9 Day – Who Will Be There When I Win?
“9 Day” plays with elements of Drill, Afrobeats, and subtle Amapiano. Lyrically, Ayo Maff questions loyalty—asking if those around him now will still stand by him in his moment of triumph. It’s a track about survival and success, wrapped in hypnotic percussion and brooding melodies.
Gang ft. Seyi Vibez – Bravado in Brotherhood
With Seyi Vibez in tow, “Gang” takes a more combative tone. The two artists rally around themes of loyalty, dominance, and rejection of outsiders. The message is clear: they’re the life of the party and kings in their own circles. While it contrasts sharply with some of the softer songs on the album, it offers an energetic jolt that breaks up the emotional density.
Lazy Baby – A Relatable Rant
“Lazy Baby” turns Ayo Maff into the voice of a generation tired of the endless hustle. In this humorous yet resonant track, he reflects on how school—especially learning about Pythagorean theory—feels useless in the real world. It’s one of the few moments on the album where he drops his emotional armor to joke and vent, offering much-needed variety.
Remind Me – The Gospel of Money
The final track, “Remind Me,” sees Ayo Maff grappling with the significance of money in his life. He critiques the falsehoods people tell about money not being important and confesses that without it, he would feel invisible. There’s a brief cry for help in his line about needing to be saved from himself, but he ultimately asks for a constant reminder of how bad life was before the money came. It’s a sobering conclusion to an emotionally heavy project.
Final Thoughts
Prince of the Street is a debut that shows potential but suffers from thematic inconsistency. Ayo Maff shines brightest when he leans into emotional storytelling and melodic vulnerability. However, the album’s attempt to create a “streetwise” identity feels forced and often out of place.
This isn’t the project that will break him into a new audience—unless by sheer luck or viral success. But for those willing to sit through its soft-spoken confessions, it reveals an artist still figuring himself out—and maybe that’s the most authentic thing about it.
