World Best | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | 6 September 2023 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 48:50 | |||
Label | Amari Musiq | |||
Producer |
| |||
Patoranking chronology | ||||
| ||||
Singles from World Best | ||||
|
World Best (stylized in all caps) is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Patoranking. It was released on 6 September 2023, through Amari Musiq, and features guest appearances from Diamond Platnumz, Kizz Daniel, Beenie Man, Gyakie, Victony, Ludacris, Popcaan, and Zion Foster. Production was handled by Phantom, Blaq Jerzee, N2theA, Yung Willis, Killertunes, C-Tea, Dot Inc, Kel-P, Mix Master Garzy, Biggie Jazzy, DJ Breezy, and Joshua Moszi. It follows up to Three (2020).
World Best was released after a three-year hiatus following Patoranking's third studio album, Three (2020). He began working on the album a year after completing Three, intending to create a sound that represents his artistic growth. Patoranking described World Best as a project that "brings the world into it," featuring collaborations with international artists such as Ludacris and Popcaan, along with African musicians like Kizz Daniel and Diamond Platnumz. The album's title, inspired by a nickname from his friends and fans, serves as an affirmation of his journey. Patoranking expressed a desire for listeners to see themselves as "world best" in their own fields, stating, "My musical journey hasn't always been an easy one, but still we rise." [1] [2]
World Best spawned four singles. The lead single off the album, "Kolo Kolo" features Diamond Platnumz and was released on 9 September 2022. The Yung Willis-produced single released alongside its music video which was filmed in Dar es Salaam by Dammy Twitch. [3] [4] The second single "Abobi" was released on 17 February 2023. It was produced by Kel-P and its accompanying music video was directed by Dammy Twitch. The song reflects on the senseless violence and social injustice in Nigeria, telling the tragic story of an innocent man caught in the crossfire, highlighting the cycle of violence and the community's suffering. [5] [6] The album's third single, "Tonight," featuring Jamaican artist Popcaan, was released on 13 July 2023. It is blends Afrobeats and dancehall and was produced by DJ Breezy, the song incorporates galala rhythms and features a carefree message of living in the moment. In the music video, directed by Charlie Sarsfield, Patoranking and Popcaan are seen enjoying a party in an English countryside mansion. [7] The fourth and final single "Higher" was released on 16 August 2023, with an accompanying music video. The song was produced by Mix Master Garzy, and the music video, directed by Chris Chuky, features a church setting where Patoranking joins the congregation in a spiritual celebration of gratitude and resilience, reflecting a personal theme of thankfulness in his career. In a press statement, he expressed pride in his journey and encouraged listeners to "take delight in giving thanks for all God has done." [8]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
NotJustOk | 6.5/10 [9] |
Premium Times | 7/10 [10] |
Pulse Nigeria | 6.8/10 [11] |
Pulse Nigeria's Adeayo Adebiyi's review described World Best as "sonically predictable," expressing the opinion that the album suffered from a lack of stylistic evolution. Adebiyi noted that while Patoranking's blend of dancehall and highlife had previously set him apart, the album's familiarity might feel subdued for long-time fans, even as new listeners might find enjoyment. He rated the album a 6.8/10, calling it a "Victory." [11]
In Esther Kalu's review for the Premium Times, she described World Best as a "predictable" album that offers a familiar sound without much innovation, likening it to "a delicacy you probably eat every time and get too used to its taste." Despite this, she felt that some tracks and collaborations were still enjoyable, ultimately rating the album a 7/10. [10]
Betty Godson's review for NotJustOk praises his fusion of dancehall and afrobeats, calling it a showcase of "dancehall fusion mastery" with impressive collaborations from artists like Ludacris, Beenie Man, and Popcaan. She highlights the excellent production, catchy melodies, and Patoranking's ability to craft earworm hooks, though notes that the album's sequencing could have been smoother. "Each song is a different experience that pursues a different story," she writes. Overall, she rates the album 6.5/10. [9]
The team at the Native praised Patoranking's World Best for its seamless blend of dancehall, Afropop, and Caribbean influences, highlighting his ability to merge cultures with contemporary style. Emmanuel called it Patoranking's "magnum opus," while Chigoziri admired how the album emphasized his versatility with various genres. "The features are in-sync with his vision and each record has something to say," Emmanuel noted. Victony's standout verse on "Babylon" was widely celebrated, with several team members naming it the best song, while Inshallah was the biggest skip for some. They were generally impressed, with Dimeji stating, "It's easy to see the vision Patoranking had for this album." [12]
Gabriel Myers Hansen of Music in Africa's review highlights Patoranking's ability to mix various genres, including reggae-dancehall, Afrobeats, and highlife, into a diverse 15-track album. He praises tracks like "Abobi," which comments on police brutality, and "Kolo Kolo," a dancehall love song, but notes that the album feels disjointed due to its fragmented genre focus. Hansen concludes, "World Best is enjoyable but only after multiple spins," with the track "Miracle Baby" symbolizing Patoranking's unexpected success. [13]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Inshallah" | Patrick Okorie | Dot Inc | 3:15 |
2. | "Higher" | Okorie | Mix Master Garzy | 3:11 |
3. | "Gyal Like You" (featuring Kizz Daniel) |
| Killertunes | 3:12 |
4. | "Woman of the Year" (featuring Zion Foster) |
| N2theA | 3:09 |
5. | "Smoke & Vibes" | Okorie | Blaq Jerzee | 3:39 |
6. | "Tonight" (featuring Popcaan) |
| 3:16 | |
7. | "Abobi" | Okorie | Kel-P | 3:21 |
8. | "Miracle Baby" (featuring Ludacris) |
| Phantom | 3:23 |
9. | "Babylon" (featuring Victony) |
| Phantom | 2:57 |
10. | "Control Me" (featuring Gyakie) |
| Mix Master Garzy | 2:55 |
11. | "Kolo Kolo" (featuring Diamond Platnumz) |
|
| 3:23 |
12. | "Na Na Na" | Okorie | Killertunes | 3:08 |
13. | "Mama" | Okorie | Phantom | 3:22 |
14. | "Amazing Grace" (featuring Beenie Man) |
|
| 3:24 |
15. | "Lighetrs Up" | Okorie |
| 3:09 |
Total length: | 48:50 |
Notes
Region | Date | Format | Label |
---|---|---|---|
Various | 6 September 2023 | Amari Musiq |
Benjamin Mensah Garzy, professionally known as Mix Master Garzy, is a Ghanaian record producer, sound engineer, disc jockey and singer.
Empress is the fifth studio album by Yemi Alade. It was released through her label Effyzzie Music Group on 20 November 2020. It features guest appearances from French singers Dadju and Vegedream; her colleagues from Nigeria, Patoranking and Rudeboy; British Grammy-winning singer Estelle; and Mzansi Youth Choir from South Africa. It is an afrobeat record with 15 tracks that incorporates elements of gospel music, couple decale, soul, pop, dancehall and highlife; all afro.
Nigerian Afrobeats singer CKay has released one studio album, three EPs, eleven singles, and one promotional single. CKay started his music career with Loopy Music, as a record producer. Following the merger between Loopy Music and Chocolate City, he automatically joined Chocolate City roaster. His production credits include M.I Abaga's "Your Father", Koker's "Give Them", Yung6ix's "Everything Gucci", Dotman's "Tonight", and Bisola's "Controlla". He is currently signed to Warner Music Africa, and Atlantic Records.
Sad Romance is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer CKay. It was released by Warner Music Africa on 23 September 2022. The album features guest appearances from Ayra Starr, Davido, Focalistic, Abidoza, Mayra Andrade, and Ronisia, and was executive produced by CKay. Following the release of the album CKay embarked on the Sad Romance North America Tour (2022).
Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, known professionally as Fave, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and recording artist. She gained recognition after releasing several minute-long videos on Twitter during the COVID-19 lockdown. In 2022, she won Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2022 and was nominated for Most Promising Artist and Best Artist in African Reggae, Dancehall at the All Africa Music Awards. Moreover, she was nominated for Best New Artiste at the 2022 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival
Timeless is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Davido. It was released on March 31, 2023, through Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment. Primarily an amapiano record, the album explores other musical styles such as afrobeats, dancehall, ragga, konto, highlife, and afropop. Timeless comprises 17 tracks and features collaborations with Skepta, Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Focalistic, and The Cavemen, among others. Its production was handled by Magicsticks, Ragee, Darmie, Blaisebeatz, 1da Banton, Caltonic SA, and Young Alpha, among others. The album was supported by the singles "Champion Sound" and "Unavailable". Timeless received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and considered it to be one of Davido's most accomplished albums yet. In July 2023, Davido embarked on the Timeless North American Tour to support the album.
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 "New Religion" and "Trumpet". The album serves as a follow-up to UY Scuti (2021).
Billion Dollar Baby is the second studio album by Nigerian street-pop singer Seyi Vibez. It was released on 2 November 2022, through Vibez Inc, and Dvpper Music. The album included guest appearances from Simi, and Mayorkun. The album is a mixture of Fuji, Tungba, and Apala rhythms. It was executively produced by Dvpper Music founder and CEO Dapper, and Seyi Vibez, along with production from TBM, Enta, QUE, FreshVDM, and Rexxie. The deluxe version of the album was released on 9 December 2022.
Sincerely, Benson is the debut studio album of Nigerian singer Bnxn which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard World Albums chart.
Emeka Must Shine is the third studio album by Blaqbonez. It charted on more than 20 nations' official album charts.
Cheers To Life is the second debut extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter Majeeed. It was released on 7 September 2023 by Dream Empire Music, and EMPIRE. It was described by Daily Times, as a musical expression of gratitude, growth, and positive energy with an organic feel of Afrobeat. The EP is a mixture of Afrofusion, and Afropop, with R&B, and Soul percussive rhythms.
"Gbese" a song by Nigerian singer-songwriter Majeeed and Tiwa Savage, was released on 22 February 2023 by Dream Empire Music, and EMPIRE as the second lead single on his debut extended play Cheers To Life.. The original song was produced by Masterkraft. An EDM version of the song was released as a bonus track on the extended play, and produced by Mystro.
Heis is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter Rema. It was released through Mavin Records, Jonzing World, and Interscope Records on 10 July 2024. The album features guest appearances from Shallipopi and Odumodublvck. It serves as the follow-up to his previous album, Rave & Roses (2022).
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.
Tequila Ever After is the fifth studio album by Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold. It was released on 28 July 2023 through Def Jam Recordings. It features guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, Simi, Zinoleesky, Odumodublvck, Khalid, Coco Jones, Nile Rodgers, Habib Koité and Ami Faku. The album featured production from mainly Kel-P and Blaisebeatz, with additional production on songs from Pharrell Williams, Labrinth, Seyifunmi, Tony Duardo, The Elements, Monro, Jonah Christian, Bizness Boi, Mannywell, Fridayy, Shae Jacobs, Phil The Keys, Harv, Michaël Brun and Labrinth. Tequila Ever After serves as a follow-up to Catch Me If You Can (2022).
Maverick is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel. It was released on 28 July 2023, through Flyboy Inc and Empire Distribution. The album features guest appearances from Johnny Drille, Yemi Alade, Blaqbonez, Becky G, Young Jonn, Jahmiel, Tekno, Pryme, Nomcebo Zikode, Chike, Not3s and DJ Big N, and Daniel's two children Jalil and Jelani. Kizz Daniel enlisted production from Philkeyz, DeeYasso, Yung Willis, Shugavibez, Reward Beatz, Xtofa, Roc Legion, M.O.G Beatz, Ayzed, DJ Coublon, Mr. Soul, Johnny Drille, Blaisebeatz, Fiokee, Sparrq and Juwonmix.
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."
Daniella Ibinabo Daniel, known professionally as Morravey, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She is best known for her appearance on Davido's 2023 song "In the Garden," which entered the TurnTable Top 100. She signed with Sony Music Africa to release her debut extended play Ravi that same year, which peaked at number thirty three on the TurnTable Top 50 chart.
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).
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).