Olamide’s presence in the music scene remains as vibrant as it was when he had the streets captivated by his artistry. He completed an impressive album trifecta and secured a 3peat win for the Headies Album of the Year award. Yet, his recent musical offerings seem to lack the same impactful touch, especially given the current global Pop landscape.
Notably, Olamide’s approach shifted in 2020 with the release of his 8th album, ‘Carpe Diem.’ While the album featured hit singles like ‘Infinity,’ ‘Loading,’ and ‘Triumphant,’ his style underwent a noticeable transformation.
Swapping out intense bars for a more laid-back flow and trading fast-paced party beats for mid-tempo Pop arrangements, Olamide continued this evolution in his 9th album, ‘UY Scuti.’
As both an artist and a label head, Olamide holds a significant position in the industry. His 10th album, ‘Unruly,’ showcases his boss-like persona and reaffirms his industry dominance.
Across his consecutive Pop-leaning albums, Olamide reminds us of his role as both the leader of the YBNL Mafia and the entire industry. Merging lamba and relaxed bars, he crafts feel-good tracks that align with the current Afropop trend without losing his signature style.
Interestingly, he now allows the influence of emerging artists to guide his creative direction as he embarks on what might be a defining phase of his career.
The album’s title, ‘Unruly,’ reflects Olamide’s rebellious nature and his historic impact on the Nigerian music industry. Yet, it might not completely capture the composed and influential figure he has become. The last-minute changes to the release date and album cover art have added to the anticipation surrounding the album.
Any nervousness Olamide might have felt doesn’t translate to the tracks on this Pop-driven album. He confidently embraces his legendary status while seeking to assert himself further.
After nurturing Asake’s successful journey, the influence of his signee is evident on the opening track ‘Celebrate,’ echoing the sonic essence that defined Asake’s rise.
Olamide adapts to the current Pop landscape and collaborates with rising superstars. While his partnership with Omah Lay, Bella Shmurda, and Bad Boy Timz was not a novelty, their impact on ‘Unruly’ is profound.
Olamide’s writing credits on 10 tracks of ‘Work of Art’ underline his contribution to Asake’s music. The time spent together influenced his own style, evident in tracks like ‘Jinja’ and ‘Problem.’
Throughout the album, Olamide’s style undergoes notable shifts. Embracing Amapiano influences and drawing from emerging stars, he explores new territories. In ‘Come Alive’ and ‘Supplier,’ he channels a British-Gambian Rap star’s flow, and ‘Doom’ draws inspiration from 2023’s global breakout acts.
While retaining his essence and infusing creativity, Olamide struggles to maintain a cohesive identity due to the variety of sounds shaped by guest artists.
Collaborations with BNXN, Fireboy, and Rema mirror the guest artists’ styles. Though Olamide adds excitement with his J Hus-like flow on ‘Come Alive,’ the production mirrors BNXN’s signature.
Fireboy and Rema’s brilliance shines on ‘Shibebe’ and ‘Mukulu,’ respectively. Olamide adjusts his style to complement theirs, showcasing his versatility.
Although Olamide’s career no longer hinges on hit singles, he seeks to connect with the mainstream through Amapiano and collaborations, leading to his sonic evolution. ‘No Worries’ embodies this shift, echoing a popular TikTok sound.
However, listeners might struggle to find the Olamide that resonates with their sensibilities throughout the album. Tracks like ‘Gaza,’ ‘Hardcore,’ ‘Street Jam,’ and ‘New Religion’ where he delivers commanding rap verses without straying from his elements offer the familiarity listeners seek.
Olamide’s highly anticipated 10th album is a culmination of his past three years’ groundwork. ‘Unruly’ doesn’t necessarily astonish or disappoint, reflecting his evolution. Yet, it lacks the rawness and essence that endeared him to fans, despite its impeccable production and thematic coherence. His core audience, shaped by his Street-hop anthems and rap prowess, might find it challenging to embrace this evolved Popstar persona.