Asake, the monstrosity of a Nigerian pop—scratch that, global popstar—has once again graced our music libraries with an album titled “Lungu Boy.” After the successes of his debut and sophomore albums, Asake aims to complete his own trilogy with this release.
In an interview with Apple Music, Asake explains that “Lungu” is a term for “ghetto,” and the album explores his upbringing, musical journey, and how these experiences have molded him into the person he is evolving into.
Asake kickstarts the album with a track titled “Start,” where he samples Asa‘s vocals from her legendary hit single, “Eye Adaba.” It makes for the perfect intro, as Asake enters the track with eulogistic lyrics.
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“MMS,” featuring Wizkid, which seems to be getting all the buzz online, however, feels underwhelming. It seems like Asake is letting the beat return jabs rather than being in full charge of it as usual. The overly mellow vibe of this song stays consistent even through Wizkid‘s verse and struggles to strike any good chords. It feels like getting bitter leaf-flavored ice cream all of a sudden from your favorite ice cream vendor—a beautiful song, nonetheless, that would’ve been perfect as a standalone single.
Getting back into his groove, Asake on “Mood” is everything you’d expect from him, as the energy and beat return to what he’s known for. What makes this song even more amazing is Asake‘s delivery of an impressive verse predominantly in Spanish and how he manages to nail it squarely. “My Heart” sees Asake displaying his loverboy side.
Riding the wave of his last album’s success and Grammy nomination, this Lungu Boy’s global reach has become evident, and he declares it on track 5, titled “Worldwide.” Asake continues to impact the music industry not just in Nigeria, but globally. For “Active,” the Lungu Boy teams up with Travis Scott for a creative party anthem. Featuring a sample from Jazzman Olofin and Adewale Ayuba’s “Raise the Roof,” Travis Scott and Asake blend well on this pop-Fuji track. Travis takes a creative approach with his verse, using the sample to complete his lines.
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“Suru,” featuring Stormzy, is a sublime song where the collaborators sync beautifully. They preach about patience, its rewards, and the mysterious works of God. “Skating” is a song about his newfound hobby, finding joy in the little things even as an adult, and navigating life as a popstar. “Wave,” a track with Central Cee, is everything wavy and lovely as Asake describes his strict affinity for good energy, a great time, and more money, while Cee speaks to his babe about the soft life he’s now able to afford her after going through a tough path.
“Mentally” is a song about keeping his mind in the right state at all times by avoiding situations detrimental to his mental health and embracing favorable circumstances. “Uhh Yeah” is all Fuji vibes and American club music. Sarz gives Asake the perfect cross-cultural canvas for him to paint on this one. “I Swear” sees Asake confessing his newfound ease with navigating life and his steady enjoyment of it.
Asake‘s unique blend of danceable gyrations with Fuji vibes is clear on “Ligali,” as he spazzes about a good girl who likes all the bad things responsibly. Is there a genre Asake cannot do? Asake delivers on “Whine,” a dancehall track alongside LUDMILLA.
On arguably the most anticipated track on the album after “MMS,” “Fuji Vibe,” the ‘bonus track,’ has become the cornerstone of the decade with its distinct Lagos groovy sound. And of course, it is Fuji in all its glory. The alujo on the second half of the 5-minute-plus song carries an instrumental rendition of his breakout single from 2020, “Mr. Money.” Despite its duration, the people love it. A 10/10 album closer.
Safe for MMS, it’s safe to say Asake made another beautifully curated album and it’s sure going to appear on multiple album of the year conversations.
