There are moments when an artist touches a relatively large amount of riches that begins to seep into their melodies and lyricism. They shift away from narratives of persistent hustle and resilience to loudly bragging about higher aspirations and hedonism that reflect their inner desires. But for Erioluwa Olowo, the lyricist and composer behind Khing Dee’s “Coded”, it’s more about a measure of confidence in what he and his circle make amidst the noise.

It’s no hidden fact that while Nigerians are often loud, extravagant people, they can also be calculative when it comes to making money. It’s this feeling the songwriter, Erioluwa Olowo, captures with the title, “Coded.” It’s a restraint not to be loud about what he owns. And sometimes, it is to send a subtle message to doubters and belittlers. That while he and his circle choose to be discreet about their lifestyle, their bank statement is stealthily making the most noise.

So on the Street-pop track laced with an Amapiano backdrop, he doesn’t dismiss the need for an infectious melody that communicates the message of the song. As the composer, he brilliantly makes enough space for a steady, infectious Afro-fusion bounce layered over structured house percussion and African rhythms.

Such that before the track’s theme kicks in, you’re already immersed in the groove.

The lyrics do not miss with the lamba and striking verses, blending Yoruba and street lingo that resonates quickly. The first verse sees the writer effortlessly bounce between conversations of being calculative, grinding, and wanting to lavish.

“Ja’ye, emi kan fe ja’ye ni te mi / mo kan fe ja’ye,” the pre-chorus lands. There’s a desire to splurge and live life to the fullest, but one fueled by the evidence of hard work.

“Chasing the Moola, been on my grind coded / awon temi gba wo coded,” the catchy chorus storms in as a response to the rising side talks. It sends a reminder that he and his gang are busy making money while the hate talks fly about.

“24/7, là fi ja’ye,” the second verse continues the conversation of indulging in pleasures. There is no introspective message, only the need to ask for what brings money. After all, information is what separates the rich from the poor. But in this verse, the production and vocal delivery of the artist, in conjunction with Erioluwa Olowo’s creative composition, steal the show. The pre-chorus enters again, seamlessly pulling listeners into the groove of the main chorus.

“Coded” is a record where Erioluwa Olowo’s lyrical and compositional prowess is impressively seen. It doesn’t try to do much, yet, expansive to keep your ears close to the sound. It’s a track that will greatly resonate with the streets, where the need to be rich should be exalted over the need to look rich. More than a bragging right, it’s a message.