Asake, also known as Mr. Money, recently released his third studio album, "Lungu Boy."

The Nigerian singer-songwriter and YBNL signee surpassed his fans' expectations. Lungu Boy set the new mark for the highest opening day global streams for a Nigerian album on Spotify and topped the Apple Music UK Chart, making his third album in a row to achieve this. The 15-track album sets a new record for the highest opening day global streams for a Nigerian album on Spotify, with 9.2 million streams.

The Lungu Boy album showcases the singer's vocal agility and versatility as he transitions into different styles, showcasing his reinvention while staying true to his cultural roots.

Lungu Boy, loosely translated to "Street Boy," reveals another side of Asake as he moves away from his signature fusion of Amapiano beats and draws inspiration from Afrobeats, Rap, RnB, and electronic music.

The album opens with the track, Start, which features Asa’s Eye Adaba. Asake invites listeners into his world and teases exploration of space, metaphorically and literally.

The second track, MMS, which features Wizkid is a dream come true for Asake as he features his musical inspiration. The reflective track with the acronym translating into "Mr Money Sound" comes on a mid-tempo flow, while Wizkid and Asake deliver hard-hitting lyrics and a choral-like hook. "I no get name, I know say na sound," Asake sings about how his vibrant sound put him on the global stage in the music industry.

Mood comes third. This track lightens the moment as Asake raises the tempo while maintaining his signature style of infusing Amapiano influences. Overall, the track is an emotionally versatile record that encourages listeners to be optimistic. Also, Asake includes a Spanish translation of the second verse to connect with a wider audience, showcasing his desire to transcend linguistic barriers.

On the fourth track, My Heart, Asake opens up about love and vulnerability. He employs the talent of Soul and RnB singer Anais Cardot on vocals as he challenges the perspective that he is incapable of love.

The fifth track, Worldwide, shows Asake’s ambition to make an impact in world music.

One of the Lungu Boy's headliners Active, produced by Sarz comes sixth. Featuring American rapper Travis Scott, Asake samples the famous ‘Majo fine girl’ line from Jazzman Olofin's and Adewale Ayuba’s Raise Da Roof track from Jazzman’s 2004 album Boiling Point. The collaboration with Travis Scott adds another dimension to the track, blending their distinct styles effortlessly and delivering a high-energy track.

The seventh track, Suru, featuring UK rapper Stormzy, is a patient and determined anthem that advises fans to stay true to their dreams and never give up. Meanwhile, the eighth track, Skating, was born out of Asake’s newfound hobby. It’s a song about balance, determination, and embracing a conscious lifestyle.

This third album headliner, Wave, features UK drill artist Central Cee. It’s a song about ignoring the clouts and distractions and focusing on the positive vibes. The instant connection between the two talented artists is evident throughout the track, even though the chorus was pre-recorded before they linked up in New York. Despite this, they delivered a stunning collaboration.

Mentally, takes the 10th spot. This song is dedicated to individuals facing peer pressure and insecurities. He advises listeners to embrace their true selves and take charge of their destiny.

The one following is Uhh Yeah, an electronic music-influenced track that transcends listeners from the deep-thought theme of the previous track to the Lungu or ghetto vibes. It takes listeners to a space where music takes control, and listeners lose themselves and go with the flow.

I Swear, which sits on number 12, is a mid-tempo track highlighting Asake’s appreciation for the finer things of life and his drive to work and get them. He reinstates his seriousness and dedication to pursuing his passions with the track title which loosely means ‘Being dead serious.’

The 13th track, Ligali, a famous fuji slang transliterated into dancing and gyration, emphasizes the genre's influence in his music. Ludmilla joins in on the 14th track, Whine, as they trade verses over an Afrobeats and ragga-dancehall tune.

The album comes to a brilliant close with the track, Fuji Vibe, which went viral during one of his live performances. Starting on a mid-tempo and ending with the fast-paced Gangan solo, Asake delivered a brilliant track, satisfying fans' thirst for the fuji extravaganza he promised.

With special production credits going to P.Prime, Magicsticks, Sarz, and SAK PASE, the album’s success reflects Asake’s fast rise to superstardom.

PERFORMERS: Asake, Wizkid, Travis Scott, Central Cee, Stormzy, LUDMILLA

WRITERS: Asa-Eye Adaba, Ololade Ahmed, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Anais Cardot, Adewale Ayuba, Dougie F, Jacques Webster, Jazzman Olofin, Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, Bruno Dias Galvao Da Silva, Carolina Marcilio, Dayane de Lima Nunes, Ludmila Oliveira da Silva, Thiago Carneiro De Castro Oliveira

PRODUCERS: P.Prime, Sarz, Magic sticks, SAK PASE, MIKE DEAN, Jo Caleb, Asake, The Compozers

The album cover for Nigerian artist Asake's newly released 15-track album titled Lunga Boy.

Asake: LUNGU BOY - Album Review

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