| The Guy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 19 August 2022 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 40:25 | |||
| Label |
| |||
| Producer |
| |||
| M.I Abaga chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from The Guy | ||||
| ||||
The Guy is the fifth studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released on 19 August 2022, through Incredible Music and Chocolate City Music. The album features guest appearances from Nas, Olamide, Duncan Mighty, Phyno, Cavemen, Wande Coal, Bnxn, Temi Owo, Lord Vino, Ossi Grace, Chillz, Ice Prince, and Jesse Jagz.
M.I first hinted at an album via his social media where he announced that he would consider changing his stage name after performing under it for fifteen years. [2] He stated that he would change his name to "The Guy" and release an album of the same name. M.I cited that the reason for the name change was because his album was going to be "hard AF and it deserves a new name." [3] He announced the release date of the album a month before its release, on 19 July 2022, [4] and revealed the tracklist to the album on 15 August 2022 with an accompanying album trailer. [5]
The album was preceded by two singles. The lead single "Daddy" features vocals and production from Chillz and was released on 25 March 2022. The song is a mixture of Afrobeats and rap, and features additional production from M.I and G-Plus. [6] [7] The second single and title track, "The Guy," was released on 22 July 2022. It was produced by G-Plus and Geek Beats. [8]
The Guy is a 12-track album blending various themes such as gratitude, fame, love, mental health, and masculinity. The album's opening title track, "The Guy," highlights M.I's self-assuredness and new status as he reflects on his career journey. Love is another theme present in songs like "The Love Song" featuring Wande Coal, and "The Inside" with Phyno and The Cavemen, which blend romance with introspective lyricism. Mental health and social issues are tackled in songs like "Soldier" and "Crazy," both addressing societal pressures and personal struggles. [9]
Tracks like "Bigger" (featuring Nas and Olamide) explore success and its complexities. The album concludes with "More Life," a celebration of growth and collaboration with Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince, signifying a sense of brotherhood and reflection. Musically, the album showcases a mix of Nigerian bounce, mid-tempo beats, and influences from boom bap, as seen in tracks like "Bigger," produced by M.I and the late BeatsByJayy. [10] "The Hate" addresses critics and doubters of his legacy. [11]
Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria noted that in The Guy, M.I Abaga aimed to showcase the personal side of the man behind the art, blending themes of love, gratitude, masculinity, and mental health, while balancing playful and serious subject matter. Adebiyi highlighted M.I's talents in both rap and production, stating, "M.I is one of those Nigerian artists who can't make a bad album." He gave the album a rating of 8.2/10. [12]
Grace Hans-Bello of Digimillenials described The Guy as a progressive album that blends M.I Abaga's experiences with themes like mental health, toxic masculinity, and love, praising it for being "the most progressive body of work released in 2022." She also highlighted M.I's poetic quality, calling the album a potential blueprint for Nigerian rappers. [13]
Emmanuel Daraloye, writing for Afrocritik praised M.I Abaga's The Guy as a diverse and emotionally rich album that explores themes like mental health, love, and success while reinforcing his legendary status, describing it as "something to dance to, meditate on," and rated it 8/10. [14]
Uzoma Ihejirika of The Native described M.I Abaga's The Guy as a reflection of his enduring legacy, with M.I blending decades of lyrical prowess and evolving with the times. M.I delivers "a melting pot" of his skills while asserting his dominance in Nigerian rap. Ihejirika wrote, "he came, saw and is still here conquering," giving the album a 7.4/10. [15]
Michael Aromolaran's review of The Guy for the Culture Custodian, he critiqued the rapper's tendency to rely on repetitive themes and weak lyrics, suggesting that at 40, M.I's artistry feels stale, with lines like "some of you no dey ever hear the message, and that's on Glo" lacking innovation. Aromolaran noted, "If youth breeds ambition, middle age tames it," highlighting a shift in M.I's focus from bravado to more personal themes, ultimately finding the album to lack the energy and joy of his earlier work. [16]
In Tayo Odutola's review of M.I Abaga's album The Guy for Earmilk, he noted that the project, which blends rap, afropop, soul, and highlife, showcases M.I's versatility and growth while addressing past controversies and personal themes, stating, "MI holds his own on the record but also calls up names like Olamide, Phyno, The Cavemen, and even Nas to help embellish the project." Odutola concluded that the album feels cohesive and consistent, highlighting its well-crafted tracks and effective collaborations. [1]
Modaculture's review about The Guy was praised for showcasing his evolution as an artist while addressing themes of growth, masculinity, and gratitude, with the review stating, "The Guy as an album showcases a new side to M.I, highlighting his formerly unknown production skills." The album features collaborations with notable artists and affirms M.I's status as a leading figure in Nigerian hip-hop. [17]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Guy" | Jude Abaga |
| 3:17 |
| 2. | "The Hate" | Abaga | Chopstix | 3:06 |
| 3. | "Bigger" (featuring Olamide and Nas) |
|
| 3:22 |
| 4. | "Soft Life Tony" (featuring Lord Vino) |
| Chopstix | 2:32 |
| 5. | "The Front Door" (featuring Duncan Mighty) |
|
| 3:42 |
| 6. | "Crazy" (featuring Ossi Grace) |
| Chopstix | 3:29 |
| 7. | "The Love Song" (featuring Wande Coal) |
|
| 2:56 |
| 8. | "The Inside" (featuring The Cavemen and Phyno) |
|
| 2:59 |
| 9. | "Daddy" (featuring Chillz) |
|
| 3:05 |
| 10. | "Soldier" (featuring Tomi Owó) |
| G-Plus | 4:28 |
| 11. | "Oil" (featuring Bnxn) |
|
| 3:18 |
| 12. | "More Life" (featuring Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince) |
|
| 4:07 |
| Total length: | 40:25 | |||
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 19 August 2022 |
|
Apala is a music genre originally developed by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, during the country's history as a colony of the British Empire. It is a percussion-based style that originated in the late 1930s. The rhythms of apala grew more complex over time, and have influenced the likes of Cuban music, whilst gaining popularity in Nigeria. It has grown less religious centered over time.
Olamide Gbenga Adedeji is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is regarded as one of the most influential artists in Nigeria and has been pivotal to the creative and commercial success of several Afrobeats music stars, and is consistently praised for his role in elevating street pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre. He records in Yoruba and English. In 2011, he released his debut studio album Rapsodi while signed to Coded Tunes. YBNL, his follow-up album, was released under his label imprint "Yahoo Boy No Laptop", also known as YBNL Nation. The album was supported by the singles "First of All", "Voice of the Street", "Stupid Love", and "Ilefo Illuminati". On 7 November 2013, he released his third studio album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. The album's singles include "Durosoke" and "Yemi My Lover". On 17 July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.
The Chairman is the third studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer M.I. It was released on October 30, 2014, by Chocolate City and Loopy Music. The album features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as 2face Idibia, Wizkid, Reinhard, Sarz, and Ice Prince, among others. The Chairman was supported by the singles "Bad Belle", "Monkey" and "Bullion Van". It won Best Rap Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2015.
Azeez Adeshina Fashola, known professionally as Naira Marley, is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper. He is known as the president of his controversial fan base, "Marlians".
Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, known professionally as Seyi Vibez, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is known for his breakthrough single "Chance " from his second studio album Billion Dollar Baby which debuted at No. 19 on the UK Afrobeats singles chart and peaked number 7 on the TurnTable Top 100 chart.
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).
Thy Kingdom Come is the fourth studio album by Nigerian street-pop singer Seyi Vibez. It was released on 24 June 2023, through Vibez Inc, and Dvpper Music. The album included guest appearances from Nigerian indigenous rapper Phyno, and South African singer Ami Faku. It was executively produced by Dvpper Music founder and CEO Dapper, and Seyi Vibez, along with production from Dibs. The album is a mixture of Afropop, Amapiano, Nigerian Hip Hop, Afroswing, R&B/Soul, Arabic hip hop, and Fuji fusion.
Emeka Must Shine is the third studio album by Blaqbonez. It charted on more than 20 nations' official album charts.
The Playmaker is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper Phyno, released on 1 November 2016, under Penthauze Music. The album features guest appearances from M.I, Flavour, Onyeka Onwenu, Tidinz, Mr Eazi, Olamide, DeCarlo, 2Baba, Burna Boy, P-Square, and Zoro. Production was handled by Del B, Masterkraft, Major Bangz, Benjamz, Tunex, Chris Stringz, TSpize, and Kezyklef. The Playmaker features singles like "Connect," "Ezege," "Fada Fada," "E Sure For Me," and "Pino Pino," and was predominantly recorded in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin. The Playmaker is a follow-up to No Guts No Glory (2014).
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.
Stories That Touch is the second album by Nigerian rapper and actor Falz. It was released on 16 November 2015 through Bahd Guys Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Show Dem Camp, Yemi Alade, Phyno, Reminisce, Simi, Sess, Poe, Shaydee, Chigul, M.I., Bez, Oyinkansola, Chyn and Reekado Banks. Production was primarily handled by Sess, with additional production from Tin Tin, Oscar Heman-Ackah and Spax.
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.
OFA (Oxlade From Africa) is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Oxlade. It was released on 20 September 2024, through Troniq Music and Epic Records. The album features guest appearances from Flavour, Dave, Fally Ipupa, Wande Coal, Ojahbee, Popcaan, Tomi Owó and Bobi Wine. Production was handled by P.Priime, Dre Skull, Egar Boi, Puffy, DeeYasso, Timmy, T.U.C, Magicsticks, Ozedikus, Spax, The Kazes, Ojahbee, TMXO and Oxlade himself. The album was preceded by seven singles— "Ku Lo Sa," "Ovami," "Intoxycated," "Katigori," "Piano," "Arabambi," and "Ifa."
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."
Full Time Job is the fifth studio album by Nigerian rapper and singer Phyno. It was released on 4 October 2024, through Penthauze Music. The album blends rap, highlife, R&B, and gospel, and features guest appearances from artists ArrDee, Flavour, Chip, Burna Boy, Johnny Drille, Fave, Cheque, group NSG, and media personality and convicted felon Hushpuppi. Production was handled mainly by JaySynths, with additional production from Major Bangz, Niphkeys, and Duktor Sett. The album serves as a follow-up to Something to Live For (2021).
Body & Soul is the second studio album by Nigerian afro pop singer Joeboy. It was released on 19 May 2023, through emPawa Africa, and features guest appearances from Odumodublvck, CKay, Bnxn, Oxlade, Oli Ekun, Kemena, Tempoe, and Ludacris. Production was handled by Tempoe, Kahren, Kemena, Yung Willis, Type A, BeatsbyKO, Timmy, E Kelly, Bigfish, Tytanium, K-Note, and Dëra. The album serves as a follow-up to Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic (2021).
Ajebo Hustlers is a Nigerian Afrobeats and Highlife music duo composed of Piego and Knowledge, a rapper. They were nominated for the 2022 Headies Awards for Songwriter of the Year and won the Best Duo at the Soundcity MVP Awards in 2023.
"New Religion" is a song by Nigerian rapper Olamide. The song is a blend of amapiano, hip-hop, and fuji. Featuring vocals from label signee Asake, the song was released on 2 June 2023 through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution as the lead single from the former's tenth studio album Unruly (2023).
"Gwagwalada" is a song by Nigerian singers Bnxn, Kizz Daniel, and Seyi Vibez. It was released on 16 February 2023, through TYE and Empire Distribution, and was produced by Sarz. Released as the second single off Bnxn's debut album Sincerely, Benson (2023), "Gwagwalada" was included on OkayAfrica's list of "the Best Afrobeats Songs of 2023".
"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).