History

With History, Didi B—one-fifth of Francophone outfit Kiff No Beat—assertively embarks on his solo journey. Brandishing slick flows, gripping lyricism, and engaging melodic turns, the Ivorian rapper depicts his story over bass-laden production largely courtesy of Tam Sir. This sonically diverse offering sees the artist born Bassa Zéréhoué Diyilem deftly incorporate elements of coupé-décalé, Afropop, and zouglou into trap- and drill-leaning beats. The emo-rock tinges on opener “La Conspiration” signal an intention to bring worlds together—something the guitar-driven “Yeye,” crafted alongside French rapper SDM, does spectacularly. Meanwhile, features from compatriots Black K and Josey on “Nouveau Millionnaire” and the groove-heavy “Toute La Night,” respectively—plus an infusion of local sounds on tracks including the bouncy “Tala” and dedicatory “Arafat”—suggest solo greatness is in Didi’s future.