Genre: Afro-fusion
Release Date: 25 Aug, 2023
Explicit Content
Region: NGA
Number of Tracks: 17
Label: ℗ 2023 Spaceship Entertainment Ltd.
Burna Boy, the prolific award-winning artist, has achieved historic milestones this summer that solidify his status as a global music sensation.
He marked an unprecedented achievement by becoming the first African artist to headline London Stadium, accommodating 80,000 attendees.
Notably, he also opened this year’s Champions League final in Istanbul, all of this happening within a year of releasing his diverse and emotive album “love Damini.”
Burna Boy’s remarkable journey seems to be propelling him into the heart of the US mainstream music scene, turning gold-selling singles into massive hits.
Recently, he astoundingly gathered a crowd of 41,000 fans for a stadium concert at Citi Field in New York.
This accomplishment followed his historic feat of headlining a stadium show in the UK, selling out the iconic London Stadium.
Burna Boy has been strategically expanding his fan base among Western audiences for some time now.
His collaborations with artists like Sam Smith and Justin Bieber have furthered his international appeal.
He has also contributed to albums by prominent names like Chris Martin of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran.
The latter’s involvement in the song “For My Hand” from Burna Boy’s 2022 album “love Damini” showcases the artist’s crossover success.
The trend continues with his latest album, “I Told Them,” where his tracks “Last Last” and “For My Hand” (featuring Ed Sheeran) have already dominated charts.
Noteworthy tracks like “Sittin’ On Top Of The World,” the politically charged “Big 7,” and his guest appearance on “Taliban II” by rising star Byron Messia all bear testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable influence on the global music scene.
Aesthetic Album Art
The album’s cover art exudes sophistication, style, and an air of notoriety.
Burna Boy’s creative expression takes center stage, presenting an illustration reminiscent of a magazine layout.
Virgil Abloh’s inspiring voice note triggered Burna’s imagination, giving birth to the album’s striking artwork concept.
The imagery features a cut-and-paste magazine-style composition, with Burna standing tall and promising an infusion of “big vibes.”
This visually captivating representation significantly enhances the album’s impact and resonance.
Tracks and Collaborations
Burna Boy’s seventh album commences with the line, “I told them I’m a genius; I had to show them what the meaning is.”
This declaration embodies both his deserved confidence and the acknowledgment that his ascent to global fame in the Afrofusion realm took a decade of dedicated effort. Surprisingly, the influence of the Wu-Tang Clan’s distinctive style is discernible in the album.
Spoken-word contributions from GZA and RZA, alongside samples from old kung fu films, add a unique flavor.
This fusion of elements, while potentially interpreted as arrogant, reinforces Burna Boy’s self-assured authenticity.
Despite the kung fu movie references, the album’s sound is as bright as a sunlit July morning, perfectly balanced with dark undertones.
The album seamlessly blends gentle synthesizers, sparkling guitar riffs, and echoes of 80s pop aesthetics.
The rhythms of afrobeats are expertly intertwined, creating a captivating soundscape.
Tracks like “Form” stand out, undergoing dynamic shifts that redefine their essence.
Virgil’s Impact and Collaboration Highlights
Virgil Abloh’s voice note, a poignant tribute to the late fashion visionary, significantly influences Burna Boy’s album.
This note sets the tone for Burna’s creative exploration, reflected in the album’s distinctive magazine-style artwork.
The album features Burna’s sincere homage to Virgil Abloh in the somber track “Big 7,” honoring the legacy of a creative icon.
Burna’s album also showcases his diversity, from the vulnerable tones of “If I’m Lying” to the irresistible hooks of “Normal” and “On Form.”
Collaborations continue to be a cornerstone of Burna Boy’s music.
His partnership with Streatham rapper Dave in the track “Cheat On Me” rekindles the magic they crafted in their 2019 hit “Location.”
The infectious Amapiano groove of “Giza,” featuring Nigerian street-hop sensation Seyi Vibez, further solidifies Burna’s ability to entice collaborations.
Album’s Distinctive Touch
The album “I Told Them…” culminates with a bonus track titled “Talibans II,” showcasing Burna Boy’s undeniable influence on the global music landscape.
With an assortment of tracks brimming with hooks and exemplary songwriting, the album demonstrates Burna Boy’s artistic evolution.
The album showcases Burna’s versatility and genius, cementing his position as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Stream and Immerse
With its amalgamation of diverse tracks, catchy hooks, and impeccable production, “I Told Them…” by Burna Boy stands as a testament to his journey from a Nigerian sensation to a global music icon.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedInRead Related News On TDPel Media
