OlayemiMusic’s Role in Too Late to Repent: A Producer in His Prime or Just Getting Started?

By Odion E Okonofua

In the current wave of Nigerian Afro-fusion and street hop, where gritty storytelling meets genre-blending experimentation, one name that has steadily been making the rounds is OlayemiMusic. His recent work on Too Late to Repent, the latest project by underground sensation Attitude Rhap, is earning him quiet but growing acclaim within the scene.

We’ve seen many producers ride the wave of Afrobeat’s global explosion, but only a few manage to combine technical finesse with street credibility and Olayemi seems to be finding that sweet spot. One standout track that captures his signature touch is “Big Bag”, a street anthem laced with confessions, ambition, and the daily hustle of survival in the Lagos trenches. While the album leans heavily on raw lyrical content and unfiltered narratives, it is in the production choices, crafted largely by OlayemiMusic—that the album’s emotional backbone is built.

From the moment “Big Bag” kicks off, it’s clear that Olayemi isn’t trying to overwhelm the listener with a flashy beat. Instead, he opens the track with a moody, filtered vocal loop that draws you in slowly. This approach, reminiscent of production elements used in Burna Boy’s earlier mixtape days or even sections of Odumodublvck’s Eziokwu—sets the stage for something more introspective than your average street banger. It’s a choice that immediately signals that this isn’t just noise—it’s mood music.

OlayemiMusic serves as both co-writer and producer on the track, and his presence is felt in the way the beat gives room for Attitude Rhap’s storytelling. In a landscape where many young producers often overcompensate with heavy drums and endless loops, Olayemi does the opposite. His 808s are subtle, his kicks purposeful, and his percussion never overcrowds the space. It’s a production philosophy that shows maturity—he lets the message lead.

A pivotal moment comes mid-track, when Olayemi steps out from behind the console and into the booth, offering a raw and catchy hook: “Na big bag I dey chase! But if I see small one I go take…”

It’s a line that captures the desperation and flexibility of youth grinding in an unforgiving city. His delivery isn’t pitch-perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s an authenticity to it, a street sincerity that connects more than a polished studio vocal ever could. Think of what Tekno did on Pana or what Bella Shmurda brings to his hooks rough, unfiltered, but packed with emotion.

Still, no creative effort is without its flaws. Critics might point out that the beat on “Big Bag” plays it a bit too safe. While it’s emotionally driven and technically solid, it stops just short of being memorable in a revolutionary way. In a time when producers like Pheelz and Sarz are experimenting with hybrid tempos, live instrumentation, and unexpected drops, Big Bag might feel slightly linear. The hook, while catchy, risks becoming repetitive after a few spins and could’ve used a sonic switch-up or background harmony to give it more replay value.

That said, it would be unfair to reduce OlayemiMusic’s contribution to just this one track. His work on Too Late to Repent as a whole whether on skits, transitions, or background arrangements shows a producer who understands the bigger picture. He doesn’t just make beats; he builds atmospheres. He knows when to step back and when to lean in. And in a genre like Afro-fusion rap, where emotions and energy must meet halfway, that skill is gold.

So, is OlayemiMusic in his prime or just getting started? Based on what we’re hearing, he’s somewhere in between. The talent is evident. The instincts are sharp. Now, the question is whether he’s ready to take more risks and leave an even bolder stamp on the game.

In an industry constantly searching for the next sound, OlayemiMusic might just be the quiet architect behind it. Keep your ears close this name isn’t going away anytime soon.