“Saleh Money”- Toobi Smolz’s Fierce Prelude to North Land

Northern Uganda’s rap scene is evidently evolving fast and Toobi Smolz is standing tall at its front line. His latest single “Saleh Money”, produced by Giniman and mixed and mastered by Nase Avatar, is a bold declaration of identity, and hunger- the kind that only a true “North Lord” could embody.

From the opening bars, Toobi sounds unbothered, self-assured, and deeply grounded in his roots. There is a raw energy that feels both personal and communal; like he is speaking for an entire region that’s long been underrepresented in Uganda’s hiphop story. The beat, courtesy of Giniman, is a head-nodder: clean, crisp, and heavy with bass, yet layered with melodic undertones that allow Toobi’s verses to breathe. It’s the instrumental that commands respect without overshadowing the rapper.

Lyrically, Toobi raps like someone who has seen the struggle, but refuses to be defined by it. There is an undeniable defiance in his tone- a reminder that Northern artists are not here to play second fiddle to Kampala’s scene. His wordplay is local, his delivery sharp, and his presence magnetic. You can tell he is comfortable in his skin, proud of where he is from, and hungry for recognition. The track explores many creatives in pursuit of that “Saleh Money” and it’s effect on community.

Nase Avatar’s mixing and mastering brings the track home. The clarity is impressive, with every verse cutting clean through the beat. The production feels industry-ready, signaling a major step forward for Toobi’s upcoming album North Lord. If Saleh Money is any sign, this album will mark a defining moment for not just Toobi, but the Northern hiphop identity as a whole.

Ultimately, Saleh Money is more than just a rap single. It is Toobi Smolz saying he is ready to take his rightful seat at the table of Ugandan hip-hop heavyweights. The north has spoken, and the rest of the country needs to listen.

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