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Asake's 'M$NEY': More Vibe, Less Grit?
7 May
Summary
- Asake's latest album 'M$NEY' is criticized for being too generic.
- The album features a breezy, jazz-soaked haze lacking past grit.
- Religious themes are prominent, but use broad strokes evasively.
Nigerian pop star Asake's latest album, "M$NEY," released after his departure from YBNL Nation to found Giran Republic, has been met with criticism for its generic sound.
The 13-track project, featuring the Soweto Spiritual Singers, leans heavily into religious themes but does so with broad, evasive strokes. Musical elements like smoky brass and twinkling keys create an airy, jazz-soaked haze, with club tracks like "Rora" and "Oba" feeling better suited for Ibiza than Lagos.
While Asake previously excelled at evoking collective euphoria, "M$NEY" struggles to move beyond its reverence. The album's lyrics are described as one-dimensional, with most tracks clocking in under three minutes, limiting complexity.
Despite Asake's Muslim faith, the album incorporates both Islamic and Christian vocabularies, potentially as a response to past backlash over his "Only Me" music video. However, the project lacks engagement with the cultural tension surrounding wealth, ultimately presenting a safe and pleasant, yet uninspired, listen.
