Just when the dancefloor felt like it was settling into a predictable rhythm, Silly Billy and SmallzTheDJ have disrupted the frequency. Their new collaborative effort, “GLIZZYYY,” is a high-gloss, percussive masterclass that proves the Afrobeats “New Wave” is still finding fresh ways to make us move.
“GLIZZYYY” doesn’t waste time with a polite introduction. From the jump, SmallzTheDJ deploys a menacing, textured Log drum that pays homage to Amapiano’s South African roots while being firmly rooted in the chaotic, infectious energy of Lagos street-pop. It’s a production style that favors “the shake”—a heavy bottom end designed for subwoofers and sweaty basement sets.
Silly Billy provides the perfect foil to the heavy production. Eschewing over-complicated metaphors for raw, rhythmic delivery, his performance is an exercise in “Lamba”—the art of melodic wordplay that feels spontaneous yet deeply calculated. His vocals sit right in the pocket of the beat, shifting between a laid-back swagger and a commanding presence that demands a “pull up” from any DJ worth their salt.
“We weren’t looking for a radio ballad,” says Silly Billy. “We wanted a ‘steeze’ anthem. Something that feels like 3:00 AM in Lekki when the energy is at its peak, and the bottles are flowing. It’s about that ‘Glizzy’ energy: unapologetic and loud.”
“GLIZZYYY” feels like a return to the grit. It captures the authentic “Ariya” spirit—the Nigerian ethos of celebration despite the hustle. It’s a track that bridges the gap between the “Alté” kids and the street-hop loyalists, finding a middle ground in pure, unadulterated groove. SmallzTheDJ and Silly Billy have captured lightning in a bottle, delivering a sonic punch that is as authentic as it is addictive.
Stream “GLIZZYYY” on all platforms.
