SLAP DEE: BLACK NA WHITE 2
A Landmark Album in Zambian Hip-Hop History
Album Details
Title: Black na White 2 (BW2)
Artist: Slap Dee
Release Date: March 3, 2017
Record Label: XYZ Entertainments
Total Tracks: 17
Genre: Hip-Hop / Zed Hip-Hop
Key Feature: First 1,000 physical copies hand-signed
About Black na White 2
Released on March 3, 2017, “Black na White 2” (often abbreviated as BW2) stands as a significant milestone in Slap Dee’s discography and the broader Zambian Hip-Hop landscape. Following the success of its predecessor, BW2 arrived after considerable anticipation, showcasing Slap Dee’s evolution as an artist.
The album masterfully blends raw lyrical content, diverse production styles—incorporating elements of trap and traditional Zambian sounds—and features collaborations with prominent artists, cementing its place as a defining project of its era.
Release and Reception
The journey to BW2’s release was marked by high expectations, fuelled by Slap Dee’s established status and a two-year build-up. To connect directly with fans and combat piracy, the initial 1,000 physical CDs were personally signed by Slap Dee and sold at K100.
The album’s launch generated significant buzz, further amplified by a pre-release controversy involving the 2016 Zambian Music Awards, where it was prematurely submitted before its official release date. While withdrawn from consideration that year, the incident highlighted the album’s anticipated impact.
Upon release, BW2 achieved notable commercial success within the local market:
Tracklist
BW2 features 17 diverse tracks showcasing Slap Dee’s versatility:
- Vagwada
- Forget You feat. Kalu Koya
- Fire Burn feat. Elisha Long
- Be Here feat. Shadaya
- Realest
- No Wonder feat. Daev
- Radio
- Freestyle (One Man Cypher)
- Mutima feat. Micheal Brown
- Cigarette feat. B-Mak & Bombshell
- Nandi feat. Kunda
- Devil U’re a Liar
- Nanikane
- Vaupuba feat. Tommy Dee
- Dreams Come True feat. Crisis, Mr. Swagger & Vinny Boy
- Zonke
- Pick N Pay feat. Elisha Long
Highlights & Notable Tracks
“Radio”
Widely regarded as a fan favorite, gaining significant airplay and online traction.
“Forget You” ft. Kalu Koya
A hit single known for its catchy hook and relatable theme.
“No Wonder” ft. Daev
Praised for its smooth blend of Hip-Hop and R&B elements, featuring the late Daev.
“Freestyle”
A demonstration of Slap Dee’s lyrical prowess and flow in a concise format.
Musical Style & Impact
Described by Slap Dee as representing his past, present, and future sounds, BW2 showcased a dynamic range. The production incorporated contemporary trap influences alongside distinctly Zambian musical sensibilities (often referred to as ‘Zed Hip-Hop’). Lyrically, the album tackled themes of ambition, street life, relationships, and social commentary.
BW2 solidified Slap Dee’s position as a leading figure in Zambian music, influencing aspiring artists and contributing significantly to the commercial viability and artistic recognition of Hip-Hop within the country. Its success helped pave the way for future projects and further elevated the profile of XYZ Entertainments.
Legacy of BW2
“Black na White 2” remains a pivotal album in the Zambian music scene. It captured a specific moment in Slap Dee’s artistic journey, demonstrating growth, commercial appeal, and a commitment to authentic storytelling. Its blend of sounds and impactful tracks continue to resonate with fans, marking it as a classic within the Zed Hip-Hop genre.
