Jeriq has become one of the few important voices in Nigeria’s contemporary rap scene. Since his breakout in 2020 with the EP Hood Boy Dreams, the world has been paying attention to the indigenous rapper. In his latest album, King, Jeriq positions himself as both a leader and a survivor. And “Rands on Rands”, the sixth track where he enlists South African rapper, Maglera Doe Boy, encapsulates this duality perfectly. 

Hailing from Nigeria’s streets and now finding himself on the global stage, Jeriq speaks to the tension between the desire for success and the sacrifices that often come with it. “Rands on Rands” kicks off with a gritty, strangely addictive beat that immediately sets the tone. It’s the kind of production that demands your attention, pulling you into the world Jeriq has designed. The rapper’s delivery is sharp, almost confrontational. ‘The Hussla’ vocalises about stacking “rands on rands,” using the South African currency as a metaphor for the wealth and power he has accumulated. There’s no sense of frivolous bragging here; Jeriq’s lyrics are grounded in the reality of hard work and sacrifice.

The production feels intentionally claustrophobic, compressing the sounds into a tight, focused space where every element is designed to hit hard. The bass kicks in with a thick, rumbling presence, anchoring the track while the synth line writhes above it, creating a tension that mirrors the lyrical content. The Maglera Doe Boy feature adds a complementary texture to the track. His verse slides in with a smoother flow, providing a contrast to Jeriq’s more aggressive delivery. The way his voice glides over the beat adds a new layer to the song, balancing the chaotic energy with a calm confidence. The South African rapper doesn’t try to overpower the track; instead, he finds his space within it.