Olamide’s 2014 album, Street OT (Street Orientation), is a raw and unapologetic masterpiece that solidified his position as the voice of the streets in Nigerian music. The 22 tracks album is a powerful showcase of indigenous street-hop, featuring Olamide’s signature blend of Yoruba language rap, high-energy beats, and themes of hustle, loyalty, success, and the realities of life in Lagos.
The album’s production, primarily handled by Pheelz and Young John, is aggressive and hard-hitting, perfectly complementing Olamide’s intense delivery. Street OT boasts numerous hits, including “Goons Mi,” and high-energy collaborations like “Skelemba” with Don Jazzy. The project also introduced new talent like Lil Kesh and Chinko Ekun, showcasing Olamide’s knack for spotting potential. Critics praised the album for its authenticity and infectious energy which resonated strongly with the youth. Critics were a bit mixed back then, some calling it inconsistent, but the streets ate it up, and it even hit the Billboard World Albums Chart! This album cemented Olamide’s place as the true voice of the street, proving you can stay true to your identity and still make a massive global impact.
