Montclair NJ Jazz kids Festival

 Montclair NJ Jazz kids Festival 

The Afrobeat Kings: Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido

The Afrobeat Kings: Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido

Afrobeats has exploded beyond Africa, dominating American charts and global playlists alike. At the front of this movement are three of the genre’s biggest stars: Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido. Each has carved his own musical lane, carrying African rhythms into worldwide arenas. Noneillah ranks them based on lyrical depth, catalog, and current impact.

1. Burna Boy – The Storyteller King

Burna Boy has elevated Afrobeats by blending it with dancehall, reggae, hip hop, and traditional African rhythms.

🔹 Musical Style & Flow: Burna Boy’s flow is unique—smooth yet powerful, with melodies that feel rooted in Afro-fusion. He brings a raspy richness to his delivery, making every track soulful.

• Example (from “Anybody”):
  “Me I no dey find their validation, yeah / Everybody say dem dey run, but who dey run well?”

  • Analysis: He mixes humor, confidence, and commentary with a rhythm that flows naturally, giving his songs substance.

🔹 Catalog Strength: Albums like African Giant and Twice as Tall earned him international acclaim, even winning a Grammy. His catalog combines anthems for the clubs with deep songs about African identity.

🔹 Impact: Right now, Burna Boy is leading the Afrobeat wave globally, sweeping both African and American charts.

Verdict: Burna is the crown jewel of modern Afrobeats—a balance of artistry, commercial hits, and cultural storytelling.

2. Wizkid – The Melody Genius

If Burna Boy is the storyteller, Wizkid is the melody magician. His music is smoother, leaning toward R&B-infused Afrobeats.

Musical Style & Flow: Wizkid’s flow is light, melodic, and emotionally charged. He doesn’t overcrowd his verses with lyrics; instead, he lets rhythm and melody take control.

• Example (from “Essence” feat. Tems):
  “You don’t need no other body / Only you fi hold my body.”

  • Analysis: Simple, sensual lines transformed into a global anthem. Wizkid knows how to craft music that sticks to the soul.

Catalog Strength: From Made in Lagos to Ayo, Wizkid’s catalog leans on timeless melodies. His songs age well, and his ability to dominate both African and Western charts proves his global ear.

Impact: Wizkid, along with Burna Boy, is at the forefront of Afrobeat’s global explosion. His music is less political than Burna’s, but his emotional delivery resonates widely.

Verdict: Wizkid is the melody-driven superstar, making Afrobeats soft, sleek, and irresistible.

3. Davido – The Hitmaker

Davido came into the Afrobeats game as a powerhouse, dropping hit after hit with catchy hooks and danceable beats.

Musical Style & Flow: Davido’s style is loud, energetic, and built for the clubs. He thrives on chants, call-and-response, and high-energy performances.

• Example (from “Fall”):
  “Money fall on you / Banana fall on you.”

  • Analysis: The lyrics are simple, but the beat and delivery turned the track into a global smash. Davido’s genius is in creating crowd-pleasers.

Catalog Strength: Songs like “If”, “Fall”, and “FIA” once ruled Afrobeats and even crossed into American playlists. But in recent years, his dominance has slowed compared to Burna Boy and Wizkid.

Impact: About three years ago, Davido was the face of Afrobeats in America. Today, while still respected, his music doesn’t dominate global charts at the same level as his peers.

Verdict: Davido is a pioneer and hitmaker, but at this moment, he has ceded ground to Burna Boy and Wizkid.

Final Breakdown

• Burna Boy → The storyteller with depth, range, and Grammy-winning catalog.

• Wizkid → The melody-driven genius whose smooth flow captures global hearts.

• Davido → The hitmaker who once dominated Afrobeat’s rise but has slowed in recent years.

Together, these three artists represent the trio that globalized Afrobeats. Burna Boy and Wizkid are currently sweeping the charts, while Davido remains a respected figure whose earlier work laid the groundwork for Afrobeat’s worldwide takeover.

Burna Boy, Wizkid & Davido: Lyrical & Flow Comparison

Afrobeats isn’t always about rapid-fire lyricism—it thrives on rhythm, melody, and emotional delivery. But when we look closely, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido each have distinct lyrical approaches that explain why they dominate (or once dominated) the Afrobeat wave.

1. Burna Boy – The Storytelling Lyricist

Burna Boy’s lyrics often blend social commentary with swagger, painting pictures of both African pride and personal success.

Example (from “Anybody”):
“Anybody wey wan fight you / Make them come, they already know.”

• Analysis: Burna flips a simple chant into a defiant anthem. His lyrics carry confidence and cultural weight, often addressing struggle and resilience while still being catchy.

• Flow Strength: His raspy delivery makes even straightforward lines feel layered and soulful.

Verdict: Burna is the lyrical heavyweight of Afrobeats—balancing meaning with melody.

2. Wizkid – The Melody Poet

Wizkid prioritizes vibe over complexity. His lyrics are usually simple, but paired with his smooth flow, they become emotionally powerful.

Example (from “Essence” feat. Tems):
“You don’t need no other body / Only you fi hold my body.”

• Analysis: Wizkid uses repetition and minimal words to create intimacy. The strength isn’t in wordplay—it’s in how the delivery feels almost hypnotic.

• Flow Strength: He leans into melody-driven chants, giving his verses a timeless, almost R&B-like quality.

Verdict: Wizkid is the melodic genius—his lyrics may be simple, but his flow transforms them into global anthems.

3. Davido – The Hitmaker with Anthems

Davido’s lyrics are usually the simplest of the trio, but his energy and catchy hooks make him a crowd favorite.

🔹 Example (from “Fall”):
“Money fall on you / Banana fall on you.”

• Analysis: Lyrically, it’s not complex. But Davido’s strength is in his chant-style hooks that audiences sing along to instantly. He’s less about storytelling, more about creating party records.

• Flow Strength: His delivery is bold, punchy, and designed to get stuck in your head.

Verdict: Davido is the anthem machine—less lyrical, more vibe-driven.

Final Breakdown

• Burna Boy → Lyrical storyteller: depth, cultural pride, versatile flows.

• Wizkid → Melody poet: simple but powerful, flow-driven, emotionally resonant.

• Davido → Anthem hitmaker: straightforward lyrics, high-energy hooks, dance-floor dominance.

Together, these three represent the pillars of modern Afrobeats, each contributing something different: Burna brings depth, Wizkid brings vibe, and Davido brings party energy.

Noneillah’s Ranking: Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido

Afrobeats is global, and three names sit at the center: Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. While all three have shaped the sound and carried it to America and beyond, Noneillah ranks them based on who is dominating the charts now, who brings the strongest musical lane, and whose lyrics and flows resonate the most.

1. Burna Boy – The Crown Holder

Right now, Burna Boy is the number one Afrobeat artist in the world. His catalog (African Giant, Twice as Tall, Love, Damini) has range—from conscious storytelling to party anthems.

• Why #1: Burna’s lyrics have weight, and his flow blends African pride, global rhythms, and depth. He’s the Afrobeat artist sweeping both the African and American charts today.

• Signature Strength: He can go from motivational (“Anybody”) to global smash hits (“Last Last”). Burna makes music that works in the club and at protests—something no other Afrobeat star does as well.

Verdict: Burna Boy is at the top because his artistry feels timeless and current.

2. Wizkid – The Melody Genius

Wizkid runs second—but only by a slim margin. His album Made in Lagos solidified him as the voice of smooth Afrobeats, and “Essence” became a worldwide anthem.

• Why #2: Wizkid is sweeping the charts with Burna Boy, but his lane is softer and more R&B-driven. He doesn’t have Burna’s lyrical storytelling, but his melodies make him just as global.

• Signature Strength: His simplicity works like magic—turning short phrases into unforgettable hooks (“Ojuelegba”, “Essence”).

Verdict: Wizkid is the vibe-creator, the smooth operator of Afrobeats.

3. Davido – The Hitmaker of Yesterday

Davido once ruled Afrobeat’s crossover into the U.S. market. Songs like “If” and “Fall” made him the king of the moment. But today, Burna Boy and Wizkid are leading the lane.

• Why #3: Davido’s catalog is strong and full of anthems, but his momentum has slowed in the past few years. He still makes hits, but his dominance isn’t what it was three years ago.

• Signature Strength: Big hooks and high energy. Davido is less about lyrical depth, more about making tracks that move crowds instantly.

Verdict: Davido laid the groundwork for Afrobeat’s rise, but Burna Boy and Wizkid now carry the global torch.

Final Ranking

1. Burna Boy – The Storytelling King (dominates charts, deep catalog, versatile flow).

2. Wizkid – The Melody Genius (smooth, global vibe, unmatched melodies).

3. Davido – The Hitmaker (pioneer with past dominance, still respected but no longer leading).

Noneillah’s Take: Burna Boy and Wizkid are currently sweeping the charts, proving that Afrobeat is no passing trend but a global force. Davido may not dominate like he once did, but his legacy as a hitmaker helped open the door for Afrobeat’s worldwide takeover.

Ranking the Queens of Hip Hop: Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B

 Ranking the Queens of Hip Hop: Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B

Hip hop has always been a proving ground for lyrical mastery, confidence, and cultural impact. Today, three women dominate the conversation: Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B. Each has carved her own lane, but if Noneillah had to rank them based on lyrical flow, catalog, and growth, here’s how the list plays out.

1. Nicki Minaj – The Wordplay Queen

When it comes to lyrical complexity, Nicki Minaj remains untouchable. She has mastered the art of bending words, layering metaphors, and delivering bars that demand replay after replay.

• Lyrical Flow: Nicki’s flow is versatile—she can switch cadences mid-verse, bounce between alter egos, and still land punchlines with surgical precision. Songs like “Monster” (her legendary verse on Kanye West’s track) and “Roman’s Revenge” highlight just how technical and commanding her delivery is.

• Catalog Strength: Her discography is stacked. From Pink Friday to Queen and her recent releases, Nicki balances mainstream hits with lyrical showcases.

• Cultural Impact: Nicki has influenced an entire generation of rappers. Her word game is fire, and her ability to dominate both rap and pop crossovers keeps her at the very top.

Verdict: Nicki Minaj is the lyrical benchmark. She doesn’t just rap—she creates experiences with her verses.

2. Cardi B – The Rising Lyricist

Cardi B has always had charisma, stage presence, and the ability to make a hit. But lyrically, she started at a much simpler level.

• Lyrical Flow: Early on, her verses were straightforward and often labeled elementary-level. But she has made strides. On songs like “Up” and “Hot Sht”*, she demonstrates growth with tighter wordplay and a more confident delivery.

• Catalog Strength: What Cardi lacks in technical lyricism, she makes up for in music that resonates. Her debut album Invasion of Privacy won a Grammy and continues to be celebrated for its commercial and cultural impact. Noneillah even notes her music catalog hits harder than Megan’s, even if Megan has the sharper bars.

• Cultural Impact: Cardi’s authenticity and personality shine through her music. Her relatability has cemented her as a mainstream star, and her lyrical growth proves she isn’t stagnant.

Verdict: Cardi has moved past her entry-level beginnings. She’s improving, and while her lyrics aren’t as polished as Nicki’s or Megan’s, her music and presence make her impossible to ignore. 

3. Megan Thee Stallion – The Flow Specialist

Megan Thee Stallion’s rise in hip hop has been fueled by her confident delivery and sharp wordplay.

• Lyrical Flow: Megan’s biggest strength is her consistency. She rides beats with a cadence that feels both natural and commanding. On tracks like “Savage (Remix)” with Beyoncé and “Thot Sht”*, her verses cut through with precision.

• Catalog Strength: While her bars are polished, some critics argue her music catalog leans heavily on similar themes, which can affect replay value. Noneillah feels her catalog doesn’t resonate as much as Nicki’s or Cardi’s in terms of versatility.

• Cultural Impact: Megan embodies empowerment, independence, and self-confidence. She has the lyrical tools, but her discography has room to expand beyond her signature style.

Verdict: Megan’s word game is strong, but her catalog isn’t as memorable. Still, her flow makes her a respected force in hip hop.

Final Thoughts

Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B each represent different strengths within hip hop:

• Nicki Minaj = unmatched lyrical firepower.

• Megan Thee Stallion = consistency and sharp flow.

• Cardi B = charisma, strong catalog, and evolving lyricism.

Together, these women prove that female rappers aren’t just participating in hip hop—they’re shaping the culture at the highest level. Noneillah ranks Nicki at #1, Megan at #2, and Cardi at #3, but what’s undeniable is that all three are queens in their own right, taking hip hop to new heights.

The Queens of Hip Hop: Ranking Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B

Hip hop has always been a competitive space where lyrical flow, delivery, and star power make or break an artist. Among the women dominating today’s rap game, three names stand tall: Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B. Each brings her own flavor, strengths, and signature style to the culture. But if Noneillah were to rank these lyrical giants, here’s how the list would shape up.

1. Nicki Minaj – The Wordplay Queen

Nicki Minaj has built an empire on her word game. Her lyrical flow is razor-sharp, witty, and layered with double entendres that demand a second listen. From punchlines to storytelling, Nicki has proven her dominance with a catalog that spans from club bangers to hip hop anthems. Simply put, her music catalog is fire. Nicki has set the bar high, and her consistency in delivering hits keeps her at the top of the list.

2. Megan Thee Stallion – The Flow Specialist

Megan Thee Stallion’s lyrical skills cannot be denied. Her flow is commanding, polished, and powerful—perfect for her unapologetic themes of confidence, independence, and empowerment. While her word game is on point, her overall music catalog doesn’t always hit the mark for every listener. For Noneillah, Megan’s songs sometimes lack the replay value compared to Nicki or Cardi. Still, her skill as a rapper places her second on this ranking.

3. Cardi B – The Rising Lyricist

When Cardi B first hit the scene, her lyrics were often criticized as basic or elementary-level. But over the years, she has shown remarkable growth. Cardi has evolved from catchy, straightforward bars to more polished verses that showcase her improvement as a writer and performer. While her lyrics still have room to grow, her music itself is strong—arguably stronger than Megan’s catalog in terms of impact and popularity. Noneillah acknowledges her progress, recognizing that Cardi has climbed far beyond entry-level status.

Final Thoughts

Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B are three women shaping modern hip hop at its highest level. Each contributes something unique: Nicki with unmatched lyrical dominance, Megan with sharp flows and stage presence, and Cardi with undeniable charisma and improving lyrical chops. Together, they represent a powerful era for women in rap—proving the game is no longer just male-dominated, but a stage where women are thriving, evolving, and rewriting the rules.

Breaking Down the Bars: Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B

Hip hop is judged by more than beats—it’s about how words bend, flip, and ride the rhythm. Noneillah’s ranking of Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B comes down to lyrical sharpness, music catalog, and growth. Here’s a breakdown with real examples of their wordplay.

1. Nicki Minaj – Wordplay Architect

Nicki is celebrated for her ability to switch flows mid-verse and pack layers of meaning into her lines.

 Example (from “Monster” verse):

“Pink wig, thick ass, give ’em whiplash / I think big, get cash, make ’em blink fast.”

• Why it works: The rhyme scheme is tight and playful, bouncing with alliteration (“wig/whip/whiplash”) while keeping braggadocio energy. She uses rhythm shifts that almost feel like two rappers in one verse.

• Impact: Nicki doesn’t just rhyme words—she creates a theatrical performance within her bars.

Verdict: Her lyrical agility and catalog depth put her on top.

2. Megan Thee Stallion – Flow Technician

Megan thrives in her cadence. Her delivery is confident and precise, often flipping clever rhymes with a Texas swagger.

 Example (from “Savage”):

“I’m a savage / Classy, bougie, ratchet / Sassy, moody, nasty.”

• Why it works: Simple but hypnotic. Megan makes a chant-like flow stick in the listener’s head, turning word repetition into empowerment.

• Example of sharpness (from “Hot Girl Summer”):

“Handle me? Who gon’ handle me? / Thinkin’ he’s a player, he’s a member on the team.”

• Why it works: The flip of “player” from dating slang to sports metaphor shows her word game.

• Impact: Megan isn’t as experimental as Nicki, but she’s consistent—her flows always ride the beat perfectly.

Verdict: Flow sharp as a blade, but catalog still has room to grow.

3. Cardi B – The Improver

Cardi’s strength has always been her authenticity and ability to make a record hit hard. While she started with simpler rhymes, her recent work shows growth.

Example (from “Bodak Yellow”):

“Said little b***, you can’t f*** with me / If you wanted to / These expensive, these is red bottoms, these is bloody shoes.”*

• Why it works: The rhyme scheme is basic but catchy. The confidence sells it. It’s not technical, but it became an anthem.

• Growth Example (from “Up”):

“If it’s up, then it’s stuck.”

• Why it works: Again, simplicity turned into a cultural catchphrase. Cardi knows how to brand her words so they stick.

• Impact: Cardi’s catalog connects with listeners more than Megan’s for some, because her hooks and one-liners have staying power.

Verdict: Cardi’s lyricism has grown past entry-level. She’s not Nicki-level, but her charisma + stronger catalog keeps her highly relevant.

Final Breakdown

• Nicki Minaj → Technical queen: layered metaphors, multiple flows, legendary catalog.

• Megan Thee Stallion → Flow master: consistent, sharp, but catalog isn’t as versatile.

• Cardi B → Charisma and impact: improving lyricism, catchy hooks, stronger music catalog than Megan.

Together, these three women prove hip hop isn’t just a man’s game anymore—it’s a stage where women are setting the standards and rewriting the culture.

What is your thought? Did Noneillah get it right or wrong with these hip hop trios? 

Cardi B Scores Court Victory in Beverly Hills Assault Case

On September 2, 2025, Cardi B walked out of a Los Angeles courtroom with a decisive legal win. A jury unanimously found the rap superstar not liable in a civil assault and battery lawsuit brought by security guard Emani Ellis, stemming from a heated 2018 incident at a Beverly Hills doctor’s office.

The case, which sought $24 million in damages, centered on Ellis’s claims that Cardi B scratched her face and spat on her during an altercation. Ellis argued she suffered both physical injury and emotional trauma. However, after less than an hour of deliberation, the jury sided with Cardi B, ruling the evidence failed to prove any assault occurred.

Cardi B’s Defense

During her testimony, Cardi B firmly denied ever laying hands on Ellis. She explained that the confrontation was verbal, sparked by Ellis recording her without consent in the waiting area. “We argued, but I never touched her,” Cardi B testified.

The jury found the rapper’s account consistent with the evidence, noting that Ellis’s allegations did not hold up under scrutiny.

The Aftermath

Outside the courthouse, Cardi B expressed relief, though she revealed the toll the case had taken on her personal life. She missed her children’s first day of school due to the trial, something she described as “heartbreaking.”

“This was about clearing my name,” Cardi B told reporters. “I’m grateful the jury saw the truth.”

Meanwhile, Ellis vowed to keep fighting, stating her intent to appeal. “The verdict doesn’t reflect what really happened,” she said.

What This Means for Cardi B

The verdict marks a significant legal victory for the Grammy-winning artist, who has faced her share of courtroom battles throughout her career. For Cardi B, this win not only closes a seven-year chapter of litigation but also reinforces her determination to defend her reputation when challenged.

As Ellis prepares her appeal, the case may not be over just yet. But for now, Cardi B is celebrating a hard-fought victory—and getting back to family life and her music.