Nigerian Afro-fusion star Burna Boy returns with his seventh studio album, “I Told Them,” to prove he was everything he said he was.
Nigerian singer Burna Boy has gone from being a Port Harcourt star to winning a Grammy Award and becoming one of the world’s biggest stars. The best thing about him is how well he knows himself. The famous singer blows his own trumpet more than anyone, and he doesn’t mind if he steps on toes doing it.
Burna announced his seventh studio album, “I Told Them,” a short while ago and began building anticipation. He blessed the scene with “Sitting On Top Of The World,” the first single from the project.
The song samples RnB star Brandy’s “Top Of The World” featuring Mase. He returned three weeks later with a new version of the song featuring American rapper 21 Savage.
He followed the release with more singles, including the Hot 100 songs-charting collaboration “Talibans II” with Byron Messia, and the Virgil Abloh tribute “Big 7.” “Cheat On Me” featuring Dave was released as the fourth single from the album. The album was released on Friday, August 25, and so far, the album has been doing well. It has also received mixed reviews from fans and critics.
Cover Art
Burna Boy understands how looks can mean so much. He doesn’t just talk about being a star and an African giant; he makes sure to look the part. Burna is also big on stand-out album covers.
He was the epitome of a tall giant on the “Twice As Tall” cover and had birthday cakes on the “Love Dlamini” cover. This time, Burna stuns on the cover of “I Told Them” like he would in a popular magazine. He also drops some great advice on the cover for anyone who would want to read.
Popular Tracks
Burna Boy’s new “I Told Them” album was preceded by a few singles. “Sitting On Top Of The World” was released as the album’s first single. He also released a different version of the song featuring 21 Savage.
The album’s second and third singles, “Big 7,” a tribute to the late Virgil Abloh, and “Talibans II” with Byron Messia, were also very well-received. The latter charted within the Hot 100. Burna released “Cheat On Me,” featuring UK rapper Dave, as the album’s fourth single. “City Boys” might be another huge fan favourite.
Tracklist & Features
“I Told Them” is a 15-track album. The album is noticeably shorter than the Grammy-winner’s previous one, “Love Dlamini,” which housed 19 tracks. The album also features several international artists and one Nigerian artist. The featured artists include RZA, 21 Savage, Dave, J Cole, Byron Messia, and Seyi Vibez. Burna also sampled American RnB star Brandy’s “Top Of The World” featuring Mase on the album’s fourth track.
Summary
Recall when we said Burna doesn’t mind if he steps on toes while blowing his own trumpet. Before releasing “I Told Them,” Burna’s interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music raised a lot of backlash from his Nigerian fans. The singer claimed Afrobeats’ music had no substance because singers hadn’t been through enough stuff to sing about them. Of course, that did not include him.
His comments raised anticipation for his album, but fans commented on their disappointment when it dropped. There seems to have been no noticeable growth in his music. It almost feels like we are listening to a continuation of his previous albums.
Burna may have talked the world into believing he’s the best, but he has to grow to remain that “best.” Unfortunately, the star isn’t paying attention to see his growth might be stunted.
