ALBUM REVIEW: LUNGU BOY; THE SONIC EVOLUTION OF MR MONEY
In “Lungu Boy,” Asake takes listeners on an expansive musical journey, weaving together his signature sounds with new influences. The album reflects his evolution from an underdog to an international star, capturing tales of struggle, triumph, and artistic exploration.
The album is infused with narratives of the underdog’s rise, reflecting Asake’s journey from performing on local stages like OAU to gracing the global spotlight as a superstar. Lungu Boy is a rich blend of diverse sonic elements, genres, and melodies. Asake delves deep into his boundless creativity, melding sounds such as Afrobeats, Fuji, Amapiano, EDM, HipHop, Latino Pop, Bachata, and Merengue. He ventures beyond his usual style, crafting a soundscape that broadens his musical repertoire.
Asake opens the album with “Start,” a track that features soulful chants drawn from Asa’s classic Eye Adaba. The line “Oju mo ti mo, mo ri re o,” which translates to “In this Land, it’s dawn, I see hope,” symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in his life, brimming with progress and optimism. Midway through the track, Asake transitions to a faster tempo, showcasing his musical prowess and celebrating his journey from the streets, known locally as Lungu, to global stardom.
The second track, MMS, featuring Wizkid, is steeped in introspective and melancholic melodies. Since its release, it has become one of the most popular tracks on the album. The collaboration between Asake and Wizkid has captivated listeners with its emotional depth, exploring themes of loss, pain, and the vanity of life. Both artists deliver heartfelt vocals over P. Prime’s lo-fi production, with Wizkid reflecting on the loss of his mother and Asake delving into the struggles of life. Asake seamlessly integrates into Wizkid’s typically fluid and hypnotic soundscape.
As a well-traveled artist, Asake’s global influences are evident in his sound. On Mood, he skillfully blends Fuji, Samba (a Latino genre), and Afrobeats, with creative support from P. Prime. Asake’s ability to sing in Spanish—despite Yoruba being his dominant language—adds an impressive touch to the track. However, the Spanish lyrics might feel somewhat forced to local listeners. Nevertheless, considering Asake’s status as an international artist, Mood perfectly aligns with his broader vision of cultural exploration and resonates well with his global audience.
On My Heart, Asake showcases a dynamic, polygamous approach to melodies, seamlessly blending opposing sounds. He transitions between the soulful allure of Latino Bachata and the lively rhythm of Afrobeats. Collaborating with French-Gabonese singer Anaïs Cardot, Asake expertly merges these diverse musical styles, delivering the right vocals for each. The track oscillates between the deep, emotive tones of Bachata and the energetic bounce of Afrobeats, creating a harmonious fusion that reflects Asake’s versatility and artistic range.
He revisits the signature Mr Money energy on the log drum-infused track Worldwide, delivering vocals that exude confidence. The lyrics “E don go o, o Mr. Money worldwide E don go o” emphasize his global reach and influence. Through Worldwide, Asake delves into themes of ambition and global recognition, resonating with the album’s overarching narrative of growth and experimentation. This track showcases Asake’s ability to seamlessly blend his distinctive style with broader, universal concepts.
Asake delves deep into nostalgia on the track Active featuring Travis Scott, skillfully weaving Adewale Ayuba’s vocals from Raise The Roof with Erick Bardales’s 504 bounce vocal pack and C & C Music Factory’s 1990 hit Gonna Make You Sweat. Pre-released before the album, Active became one of Asake’s standout experimental tracks. While Travis’s involvement adds more cultural resonance than lyrical depth, Asake continues this nostalgic journey with Suru, featuring Stormzy. Drawing from Musiliu Haruna Ishola’s lyrics, “Ise Oluwa Ko Seni Toye,” and Stormzy’s lyrical prowess, Suru emanates a vibrant gospel energy.
Over the years, Asake’s branding and style have mirrored that of a true pop star, from his artistic mannerisms to his distinct fashion sense. Skating encapsulates this energy, channeling the carefree and electrifying vibe of a skate park. Asake carries this same dynamic energy into Wave, featuring English rapper Central Cee, where the themes of pride and bragging emerge—celebrating his journey from the streets of Lagos to global recognition. The track Mentally continues this narrative of self-assuredness, with Asake declaring his readiness to conquer the world with lines like, “I fit dey for Cincinnati, pass there go Abu Dhabi, anyhow e go be,” emphasizing his global mindset and strategic focus with the lyrics, “I dey strategise mentally, no slacking, no slacking.”
Sarz once again demonstrates his exceptional production skills on “Uhh Yeahh,” a track that seamlessly blends Fuji and EDM, instantly pulling listeners into a dance-worthy realm. On Lungu Boy, Sarz perfectly aligns with Asake’s quest for sonic exploration, setting the stage for P. Prime, who continues this journey on “I Swear.” Asake maintains his signature energy, infusing street slang into a mix of classic RnB and soulful piano elements, creating a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. “Ligali,” with its piano bass lines, log drums, and Asake’s distinct Fuji cadence, remains one of the few tracks on the album that encapsulates the familiar artistic essence fans have come to love.
Asake journeys rhythmically to the Caribbean on “Whine,” where he teams up with Brazilian singer Ludmilla to deliver a seductive and indulgent Dancehall bop that incorporates elements of Mary J. Blige’s 1992 hit “Real Love.” The album reaches its crescendo with “Fuji Vibe,” one of its most anticipated tracks, which went viral following Asake’s Edmonton concert. Drawing melodic inspiration from Adewale Ayuba’s “Ijo Fuji” and Juju sound, Asake modernizes these classic influences into a high-energy, dance-inducing track that leaves a lasting impression.
“Lungu Boy,” Asake’s third studio album, represents an expansion of his sonic palette, reflecting his current reality as a global artist. This 15-track album features top producers like Sarz, P.Prime, Sak Pase, and his frequent collaborator Magic Sticks, blending a variety of genres including Fuji, Afrobeats, Amapiano, EDM, Hip-Hop, Latino Samba, Bachata, and Merengue. Thematically centered on “The Rise of the Underdog,” the album guides listeners through Asake’s journey from the streets to international stardom, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that showcases his evolving artistry.
Asake continues to employ the hit-making patterns that marked “Mr. Money With The Vibe” and “Work of Art,” but in “Lungu Boy,” he takes a bold step towards musical evolution. Even Magic Sticks, his go-to producer, handled fewer tracks on this album. Asake delves into a broader musical universe, seeking to fuse his signature Fuji rhythm with culturally diverse, yet universally resonant, elements. The genres explored—each evoking dance, sway, soulfulness, and melancholy—highlight his journey to develop a new, euphonious soundscape. The work to perfect this evolving sound has just begun.
Eriswill
3 months agoThis was very detailed thanks