Playboy (Fireboy DML album)

Last updated
Playboy
Playboy album cover.png
Studio album by
Fireboy DML
Released5 August 2022
Genre Afrobeats
Length43:00
Language
Label
Producer
Fireboy DML chronology
Apollo
(2020)		Playboy
(2022)		 Adedamola
(2024)
Singles from Playboy
  1. "Peru"
    Released: 21 July 2021
  2. "Peru (Remix)"
    Released: 24 December 2021
  3. "Playboy"
    Released: 24 March 2022
  4. "Bandana"
    Released: 14 July 2022

Playboy is the third studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released by YBNL Nation on 5 August 2022 and was distributed by Empire Distribution. The album features guest appearances from Shenseea, Rema, Asake, Chris Brown, Euro and Ed Sheeran. Fireboy enlisted producers such as P.Priime, Kel-P, Zaki Amujei, Bizzouch, Telz, Eskeez, Blaisebeatz, Shizzi, Phantom, Kolten and Type A to produce songs for the album. The album serves as a follow-up to Apollo (2021).

Contents

Background and singles

The concept of Playboy emerged when Fireboy DML, feeling creatively stuck, gained a sense of freedom and clarity during a trip to the U.S., which led to the creation of "Peru" and reignited his artistic direction, inspiring him to finish his album. He said this in an interview with OkayAfrica:

"Last year I was practically lost creatively so I kept on making music sporadically and in July I took my first trip to the United States. I took a walk in New York City with a cigarette stick in my hand, didn’t smoke it, just kept walking for about fifteen minutes. Nobody recognized or looked at me twice or gave a fuck about me and that walk of freedom opened my mind. I just felt so free. I took that energy with me to Miami, went to a strip club, had the time of my life and then to San Francisco where I made "Peru." Recording "Peru" opened my eyes and gave me a sense of direction and I knew it was time for a new album. I went back to Lagos to finish up the album. It was ready by late last year, but I wanted to tease out the release,"

Fireboy DML shared. [1]

The album was preceded by four singles. The lead single, "Peru" was released on 21 July 2021 and produced by Shizzi and Kolten. The song, assumed to be dedicated to the country of Peru, is actually a reference to Nigerian singer Peruzzi. [2] The widely known single ended up getting a remix with British pop artist Ed Sheeran, which was released as the second single off Playboy on 24 December 2021. [3] The third single is the Bizzouch-produced title track, "Playboy", and was released on 24 March 2022. [4] The fourth and final single, "Bandana" features label mate Asake and was released on 14 July 2022 and produced by P.Priime. [5]

Critical reception

Playboy received generally positive reviews from critics. Heven Haile from Pitchfork describes Playboy as Fireboy DML's attempt to shed his "loverboy" image and embrace a rockstar persona. While keeping things light and focusing on "feel-good vibes," his vulnerable side still shines on tracks like “Diana” and “Adore.” The album's closer, "Glory," highlights his celebration of fame, family, and success. [6]

Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria felt that Playboy shows Fireboy DML shedding his lover-boy image to embrace a carefree superstar lifestyle, but lacks the artistic depth of his previous albums. While some tracks are "bland in lyrics, melody, and delivery," the album overall still offers "a sufficient collection of enjoyable singles" for fans. [7]

Fireboy DML's Playboy is a "commendable body of work" where his "prolific storytelling skills" and "impeccable record as a writer" shine through, according to Wonu, Tela, Moore, and Oluebube from The Native Magazine, with standout tracks like "Peru" praised for its "timeless songwriting and production" (Tela) and "Ashawo" noted for its "suave production and melody" (Wonu). [8]

Rolling Stone's review of Fireboy DML's Playboy highlights his smooth blend of Afrobeats with personal storytelling, reflecting his rise to fame. The album celebrates his ascent while returning to the more traditional Afrobeats sound he embraced on his debut. Tracks like "Sofri" and "Ashawo" are praised for their lively production, though some parts of the album can feel repetitive. Despite occasional missteps, Playboy maintains Fireboy's earnest charm. As Rolling Stone puts it, "Fireboy’s third album maintains a strong mix of charming songs and engaging storytelling." [9]

Michael Aromolaran of Culture Custodian's review of Playboy by Fireboy DML notes a shift from romantic themes to a more cynical, fame-focused persona. Aromolaran says that the album has its "silver moments," but lacks the creativity and courage of his earlier work, making it feel repetitive. The review concludes, "A less cynical Fireboy would have made a better album." [10]

Track listing

Credits adapted from back cover.
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Change" Adedamola Adefolahan Eskeez2:42
2."Bandana" (featuring Asake)
 P.Priime 2:58
3."Ashawo"Adefolahan Telz 3:03
4."Playboy"AdefolahanBizzouch3:27
5."Adore" (featuring Euro)AdefolahanP.Priime3:21
6."Sofri"Adefolahan Blaisebeatz 2:59
7."Diana" (featuring Chris Brown and Shenseea)
 Phantom 3:52
8."Compromise" (featuring Rema)
Zaki Amujei3:15
9."Timoti"Adefolahan Kel-P 2:19
10."Peru"
2:31
11."Afro Highlife"AdefolahanZaki Amujei3:07
12."Havin' Fun"AdefolahanP.Priime2:57
13."Peru" (remix; featuring Ed Sheeran)
  • Shizzi
  • Kolten
3:07
14."Glory"AdefolahanType A3:46
Total length:43:00

Personnel

Release history

Release history and formats for Playboy
RegionDateFormatLabel
Various5 August 2023

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fireboy DML</span> Nigerian singer

Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan, known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2018, he signed a record deal with YBNL Nation, a record label founded by rapper Olamide. His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 2019. He won Listener's Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for "Jealous" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. His third studio album, Playboy, entered the Billboard 200 at number 123. His latest album, Adedamola, was released in 2024.

<i>Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps</i> 2019 studio album by Fireboy DML

Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Fireboy DML. It was released by YBNL Nation on November 29, 2019. The album comprises thirteen tracks and doesn't feature any guest artist. It was primarily produced by Pheelz, along with production from Cracker Mallo, Echo the Guru, IamBeatz and P.Prime. LTG was supported by the previously released singles "Jealous", "What If I Say" and "King". It received generally positive reviews from music critics, but was criticized for being labeled an "Afro-Life" record instead of an R&B album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P.Priime</span> Nigerian record producer and songwriter

Peace Emmanuel Aderogba Oredope, professionally known as P.Priime , is a Nigerian record producer, DJ, music director, mixing engineer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peru (song)</span> 2021 single by Fireboy DML

"Peru" is a song by Nigerian singer Fireboy DML. It was released on 20 July 2021, through YBNL Nation, and distributed by Empire. "Peru" was written by Fireboy DML, Ivory Scott, & Kolten Perine and produced by Shizzi & Perine. On 23 December 2021, a reworked version of "Peru" was released, in collaboration with English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The music video for the version with Sheeran was released on 24 December 2021. An additional remix, featuring rappers 21 Savage and Blxst was also later released. The song was nominated at the 7th annual African Entertainment Awards USA for Song of the Year. The song is not about the country of Peru, but rather a reference to Nigerian singer Peruzzi; the government of Peru nonetheless reacted positively to the song on Twitter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palazzo (song)</span> 2022 single by Spinall featuring Asake

"Palazzo" is a song by a Nigerian disc jockey Spinall, featuring Asake. It was released on 13 May 2022 through TheCAP Music. Spinall and Asake wrote the song, and Spinall produced it with Magicsticks, and sound engineer Eskeez. "Palazzo" earned Spinall his third UK Afrobeats Singles Chart entry at number 6, and earned Asake third entry on the chart. It also earned Spinall his first entry on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs at number 6, and earned Asake, his third entry on the chart. The song was ranked at number 1 on TheCable's list of 10 TCL radio pick of the week, and debuted on number 2 on the TurnTable Top 50 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asake</span> Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter (born 1994)

Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter. He is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. His stage name "Asake" is his mother's name.

Charles Chibueze Chukwu, professionally known as Crayon, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2019, he was signed to Mavin Records.

<i>Unruly</i> (album) 2023 studio album by Olamide

Unruly is the tenth studio album by Nigerian rapper Olamide. It was released on 9 August 2023 by YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution, and features Rema, Asake, Fireboy DML, Bnxn and CKay. The album featured production from Niketaz, P.Priime, LNK, Eskeez, Bbanks, Alex Lustig, CKay and Magicsticks. Unruly was preceded by the singles "Trumpet" and "New Religion". The album serves as a follow-up to UY Scuti (2021).

<i>Top Boy</i> (album) 2023 studio album by Spinall

Top Boy is the sixth studio album by Nigerian disc jockey and record producer Spinall. It was released on 17 February 2023 through TheCap Music. The album features guest appearances from Stefflon Don, Fireboy DML, Tamera, Phyno, Summer Walker, Amaka, 6lack, Azanti, Olamide, Kemuel, Niniola, Asake, TSB, Äyanna, Amaarae, Blxckie, Reekado Banks, DJ Snake, Zaiam, Minz, Bnxn, Ladipoe, Tay Iwar, Ntosh Gazi and Adekunle Gold. Production was primarily handled by Spinall, along with additional production from Magicsticks, Caltonic SA, D3an, TSB, DJ Snake, The Eggman, Kel-P, NKVY, Ozedikus, Smeez and Unknown Nick.

<i>Legend or No Legend</i> 2023 studio album by Wande Coal

Legend or No Legend is the third studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Wande Coal. It was released on 18 May 2023 through Empire and Black Diamond Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Wizkid, Olamide, T-Pain and Fireboy DML. Wande Coal featured producers such as Kel-P, Screwface, Dunnie, Bruno, K-Dream and P.Priime. The album is a follow-up to his 2020 EP, Realms (2020).

<i>Ru the World</i> 2023 studio album by Ruger

Ru the World is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer-songwriter Ruger. It was released on 1 September 2023 by Jonzing World. The album features guest appearances from Stefflon Don, Projexx, Sauti Sol, Govana and Jugglerz. Ruger assisted notable producers such as Kukbeatz, Cadenza, TSB, Legendury Beatz, BenjiFlow, TheKidParris, Jugglerz and Frnkie.

<i>Adedamola</i> 2024 studio album by Fireboy DML

Adedamola is the eponymous fourth studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released on 29 August 2024 by YBNL Nation and Empire, and features guest appearances from artists Seun Kuti, Jon Batiste, Lagbaja, Lojay and disc jockey Spinall. The album featured production from Drexbeats, Magicsticks, Blaisebeatz, Lagbaja, Telz, Godomarr, Foreigngotem, WXLA, Nxrthmix, Spinall, Bassiqally, Jon Batiste, Southtag, Semzi, Pheelz, Eskeez and ID Cabasa. The album serves as a follow-up to Playboy (2022).

<i>Apollo</i> (Fireboy DML album) 2020 studio album by Fireboy DML

Apollo is the second studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released on 20 August 2020 in Nigeria and 19 August 2020 in America by YBNL Nation and distributed by Empire Distribution. The album featured guest appearances from Olamide, Wande Coal and D Smoke. Fireboy enlisted production from Pheelz, Type A, IamBeatz and P.Priime. The album is a follow-up to his debut, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps (2019).

<i>Where We Come From, Vol. 01</i> 2022 compilation album by Empire Distribution

EMPIRE Presents: Where We Come From, Vol. 01, commonly referred to as Where We Come From, Vol. 01, is a compilation album by American record label and distribution company Empire Distribution. The album was released on 30 November 2022, by the label, and features mainly African acts from Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Cape Verde, Morocco and South Africa. Featured artists include Tiwa Savage, Kuami Eugene, Kizz Daniel, Black Sherif, L.A.X, Fireboy DML, Bnxn, Wande Coal, Bad Boy Timz, KiDi, Cheque, Tolani, June Freedom, Yaw Tog, Leil, Navy Kenzo, and Group Chat. Producers who worked on the album include Kuami Eugene, M.O.G Beatz, Blaisebeatz, Philkeyz, OG Parker, Tee Romano, Sam-E Lee Jones, Leandro "Dro" Hidalgo, Phil Mango, Mike Robbins, Hitmaka, AyeYP, Sak Pase, Kheilstone, Zay Bandz, Say-Zay, Semzi, Nahreel, Eskeez, Joker Nharnah, Tenroc, Happie, Frankie Bash, BAK, KDE, Kendi Beats and Magicsticks. The album housed the singles, "Cough (Odo)," "Umbrella," "Loaded," "I Feel Nice," and "Thing For You".

<i>Outlaw</i> (EP) 2022 EP by Victony

Outlaw is the second EP by Nigerian singer Victony. It was released on 6 May 2022, by Encore Recordings and features producers Ktizo and Tempoe. Production was handled by Ktizo, Tempoe, Blaisebeatz, P.Priime, Dëra, Frank Moses, and Blind. The album housed the singles "Apollo," "Kolomental," and "Soweto."

<i>Jiggy Forever</i> 2024 studio album by Young Jonn

Jiggy Forever is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer and producer Young Jonn. It was released on 12 April 2024, through Chocolate City Music, and features collaborations from Kizz Daniel, Seyi Vibez, Don Jazzy, Zlatan, Blaqbonez, Sean Paul and Ya Levis. Production was handled by P.Priime, ePianoh, Telz, BabyBeatz, Magicsticks, Yung Willis, Jhay2unez, T Mode, Ragee, Blaisebeatz and Jaytunes. The album serves as a follow-up to Love Is Not Enough, Vol. 2 (2022).

<i>Stubborn</i> (album) 2024 studio album by Victony

Stubborn is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Victony. It was released on 21 June 2024 through Encore Recordings, and features guest appearances from artists Asake, Saint Jhn, Teezo Touchdown, Shallipopi, Ktizo and Shorae Moore. Production was handled by Louis Bell, Blaisebeatz, Harrison Song, Westen Weiss, P.Priime, 255, 1Mind, Tommy Parker, Cole Misola, Ktizo, Sarz, Brendan Grieve, Nineteen85, P2J and Fritz. The album serves as a follow-up to Outlaw (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bandana (song)</span> 2022 single by Fireboy DML and Asake

"Bandana" is a song by Nigerian singers Fireboy DML and Asake. It was released on 14 July 2022, through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution, as the fourth and final single off Fireboy DML's third studio album Playboy (2022). The P.Priime-produced single spent seven weeks on the Nigeria Top 100 chart, becoming Fireboy DML's longest-running No. 1 single. It set a record for the biggest jump to No. 1 on the charts, with 4.48 million streams in a single week and a radio reach of 67.7 million.

"Iseoluwa" is a song by Nigerian singer Fireboy DML. Produced by Bassiqally and Nxrth, the song is the opening track off Fireboy's eponymous fourth studio album Adedamola (2024).

"All of Us (Ashawo)", also known simply as "Ashawo", is a song by Nigerian singer Fireboy DML. The third track off his third studio album Playboy (2022), it was produced by Telz.

References

  1. ↑ Okiche, Wilfred (8 August 2022). "Fireboy DML On Embracing His Inner 'Playboy,' Stepping Outside & Learning to Let Go". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  2. ↑ Onabanjo, Adedamola (21 July 2021). "Fireboy DML Marches Onward With Shizzi-Produced 'Peru'". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  3. ↑ Corcoran, Nina (23 December 2021). "Fireboy DML Taps Ed Sheeran for New "Peru" Remix: Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  4. ↑ Ideozu, Thelma (24 March 2022). "Fireboy Reaffirms Hitmaking Status with New Single 'Playboy'". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  5. ↑ Esomnofu, Emmanuel (14 July 2022). "FIREBOY DML & ASAKE UNITE FOR THEIR FIRST-EVER COLLABORATION, "BANDANA"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  6. ↑ Haile, Heven (8 August 2022). "Fireboy DML: Playboy Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  7. ↑ Adebiyi, Adeayo (8 August 2022). "'Playboy': Not a lover, not a fighter, Just a little life [Pulse Album Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  8. ↑ Animashaun, Damilola (7 August 2022). "OUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF FIREBOY DML'S NEW ALBUM 'PLAYBOY'". The Native. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  9. ↑ Conteh, Mankaprr (8 August 2022). "Fireboy DML Saunters Into Afrobeats Stardom on 'Playboy'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  10. ↑ Aromolaran, Michael (8 August 2022). "Review: Fireboy's cynicism in "Playboy" stalls his versatility". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 6 September 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.