I'm on Fire (mixtape)

I'm on Fire
Mixtape by Slim Burna
Released	11 April 2013
Recorded	2012–13
Length	53:24
Label	Street Rhymes
Producer	Slim Burna, P Jaydino
Singles from I'm on Fire
"I'm on Fire (Freestyle)" Released: 25 June 2012 "All Day" Released: 16 November 2012 "Claro" Released: 8 February 2013

I'm on Fire is the début mixtape by Nigerian multi-genre musician and record producer Slim Burna. The mixtape is a 15-track effort released as a free gift for fans on Slim Burna's 25th birthday, 11 April 2013.^[1] It features guest appearances from Attitude (of Dem Mama Soldiers), Squeeze, Bukwild Da Ikwerrian, Pi Piego (of Ruud Boiz), Knowledge, and many more.

The mixtape consists of mostly hiphop-tinged dancehall vibes, and fusion of elements from a few other musical genres such as pop, R&B, rap and reggae, and also puts Slim's versatility and ingenuity in the spotlight.^[2] I'm on Fire was met with generally positive reception. It became arguably the most successful mixtape ever released by a Port Harcourt artist, garnering thousands of downloads on multiple music sites, while reaching Number 3 on the Music of Africa Top 10 Mixtapes.^[3]

Recording and production

I'm on Fire was recorded, mixed, and mastered at the Street Rhymes Studios in Port Harcourt.^[4] The mixtape includes original tracks—with production helmed mostly by Slim Burna and P Jaydino—as well as a few remakes of Burna's favorite dancehall hits. In an interview with Vanguard newspaper, Burna said that I'm on Fire describes him on a new level of artistic maturity. He elaborated, "I'm on Fire" is the best thing I've done lately. I've grown both lyrically and vocally, my style has improved and I feel like I have more control of my abilities now."^[1]

Composition

	"Hold Yuh" (2013) "Hold Yuh" has a chorus that basically reveals the longing for a female to handle and spend time with. It also contains vocals by P Jaydino. "Love Me Tonight" (2013) "Love Me Tonight" is a song that incorporates a lovers rock-esque groove.
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The first track of the tape which serves as its lead single and title track demonstrates a certain distinct style of singing by Burna that sounds like a cross between reggae and blues. In the song, he creates a verbal picture of himself as a survivor who has been through different trials and tribulations and is currently on fire.^[5] On the second track "All Day", Burna is joined by Bukwild Da Ikwerrian on a socially conscious number that touches upon Aluu 4. Both artists condemn the act in an artistic fashion, while encouraging the young ghetto people to stay away from violent acts, and work towards making positive contributions to society.^[5] The third track on the tape "Claro" finds Burna and Ruud Boiz member P.I. Piego expressing their love for Mary Jane.^[6] The fourth track, "Turn Me On" comes with more of an uptempo, club-friendly vibe and steamy lyrics, which according to Nigeriansounds, is a treat for young female listeners and a contribution to the DJs' playlists. Some sober reflection blows in on "The Orphan", a slow-paced rap infused R&B ballad that uses a sample of DJ Khaled's "I'm on One". The song tells the tale of a young girl on the street with no parents, who has nowhere to go.^[5]

The mixtape's sixth track "Hold Yuh" is a pop style club song, performed by Slim Burna and P Jaydino, with the latter behind its production. The seventh track on the tape "Plenty Money" makes reference to the covetous nature of man, Slim Burna states "Money good iye/Poverty na disease iye" on the hook.^[5] On the eighth track "Bad Man", he displays his ability to flow over ragga-influenced beats and gets the help of singer Squeeze, who appears during the second and third verse. The ninth track "Shokoto" combines hip hop, African rhythms and pop, with Timaya's protégé Attitude providing guest vocals on the song while Burna displays his hit-making capabilities.^[5] He assembles a posse of rappers—Young Stunna, Zubi Da Gr8est, and DJ Joenel—on the tenth track "Real Recognize Real" where he once more taps into his rap side and delivers potent, searing rhymes. "On My Way" finds Burna declaring himself number one in the city, stating that he's on his way to the top. He receives the backing of friend and long-time music partner Knowledge on "Port Harcourt Boy", where he puts on for his city, displaying his pride while singing a few lines in his native language. On "Love Me Tonight", he does his own rendition of Bruno Mars' "Lazy Song" with a bit of Peter André and Shaggy medley. The fourteenth track "Side To Side" offers a Kwaito-influenced afrocentric sound, and the final track, "Take You Home" is a dancehall-tinged romantic offering, which closes the tape on a good note.^[5]

Reception

Critical response

NigerianSounds gave the mixtape a generally positive review, with a rating of 7 out of 10 stars, and in conclusion commented, "I definitely agree that he's on fire and with hardwork and dedication, he may be the next PH City superstar."^[5]

Commercial performance

Being his first mixtape as a Port Harcourt based artist, I'm on Fire weeks after its release went on to take the third spot on the Music of Africa Top 10 Mixtapes after being downloaded over 5000 times on the site alone, not including the number of times it was downloaded on other music websites. It is arguably the most successful mixtape ever released from a Port Harcourt-based artist.^[3][7] By 26 May 2014, The Neighbourhood reported that I'm on Fire had now received over 50,000 downloads worldwide.^[8]

Singles

The mixtape's title track was released as the first single in June 2012.^[9] "All Day" which features a guest verse from Bukwild Da Ikwerrian was released as the second single in November 2012.^[10] "Claro", a collaboration between Slim Burna and Ruud Boiz member Pi Piego was released as the third and final single from the mixtape on 8 February 2013.^[6][11] Burna first performed the song at the Miss Boodilicious party in December 2012.^[12]

Track listing

References