Manzini-based artist Golden Oldie recently released his debut album, Less Is Enough. After listening to the 10-track album, If I Had Wings immediately stood out to me and was one of my favourites on first listen.

If I Had Wings sounds that feeling you get when meeting a long-time friend who knows you so well, good vibes is all I can say (if you get, you get). The beat gives this song an energy boost, and Swiss and Trent Nicks delivered and the flow from Trent Nicks really made me like this all the more.

The intro starts with Swiss who goes in hard and delivers as expected, and somewhere he speaks of longevity which is something I admire about the rapper. Swiss has been making music for the longest time and from this project I see his dedication to the art. Thereafter, comes in Trent Nicks who found a way for the beat and his lyrics to work for him. He was able manipulate his lines for the flow of the song. For a song that is 2:03 long, its truly packed up with all the good stuff.

Golden Oldie has been working on this album for quite some time, and I must say the patience paid off. The production is polished, the vocals are clear, and the background instrumentation provides a solid foundation. For me, If I Had Wings captures the true essence of hip-hop, much like the rest of the album. It is a strong body of work that will resonate most with listeners who appreciate underground hip-hop. While it may not be designed for the mainstream, those who connect with it will appreciate both the album and this track for what they truly are—a well-crafted gem.