Coming nearly 10 years after the release of his groundbreaking sophomore album The Playmaker, Phyno’s sixth solo album Let That Sink In (Ltsi) is a showcase of the Nigerian hip-hop star’s surefootedness and ability to evolve across eras. Influences from soul, R&B and his own Indigenous African music traditions coalesce in a 15-song set that explores faith, romance and legacy. Atop the choral-style instrumental of opener “Ndu Ka Aku”, Phyno is taking on the work while praying for bigger blessings for himself and his loved ones alongside street-pop star Seyi Vibez. On the highlife-influenced “Nwa Aturu”, we hear a plaintive request for mercy, and on “Chukwu Okike” an earnest declaration of devotion to a higher power. “Ije Enu” plays as a cross-generational link-up with protégé and fellow Igbo star Jeriq. Phyno is an artist who built his reputation on a biting flow and an unfiltered honesty about personal growth, his country and life in the public eye. It’s an MO that holds ever true across Let That Sink In. Whether flexing his connections and standing as a people’s champion on “Na Afa Nna”, taking the government to task while paying homage to the grit and resourcefulness of his people on “20 Years to Come” or urging supporters to keep dreaming of good tidings on the aforementioned “Chukwu Okike”, Phyno is a true leader, and the music of Let That Sink In is his edict.