Asake's M$NEY: A Safe Bet or a Missed Opportunity?
There’s something undeniably intriguing about an artist stepping into their independence, especially when that artist is Asake. After parting ways with Olamide’s YBNL Nation, the Nigerian pop sensation founded his own label, Giran Republic, and with it came the promise of unfiltered creativity. But here’s the thing: M$NEY, his latest album, feels less like a bold declaration of freedom and more like a carefully calculated move. Personally, I think this is where the album’s biggest tension lies—between the artist’s desire to reinvent himself and the pressure to stay universally appealing.
The Sound: A Beautiful Haze or a Blurred Identity?
One thing that immediately stands out is Asake’s signature Fuji-tinged Afropiano sound, which has been softened into a jazz-infused haze. Tracks like ‘Rora’ and ‘Oba’ are undeniably smooth, but they lack the edge that once made his music so compelling. What many people don’t realize is that Asake’s strength has always been in his ability to keep listeners on their toes—rhythmically and lyrically. On M$NEY, the music feels more like background ambiance than a statement. It’s easy to listen to, yes, but ease has never been Asake’s selling point. If you take a step back and think about it, this album seems to prioritize accessibility over innovation, and that’s a trade-off that doesn’t quite land.
Religion Takes Center Stage, But Does It Resonate?
Asake has never shied away from incorporating religion into his music, but on M$NEY, it’s front and center. The Soweto Spiritual Singers open the album, setting a tone of reverence that Asake never deviates from. What this really suggests is that he’s aiming for spiritual universality—blending Islamic and Christian references in a way that feels more like a diplomatic gesture than a deeply personal exploration. From my perspective, this approach comes across as noncommittal, especially when compared to the raw, collective euphoria of tracks like ‘Amapiano.’ Religion is intimate, and by playing it safe, Asake risks losing the very thing that made his earlier work so powerful: authenticity.
Wealth, Faith, and the Moral Test
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Asake navigates the theme of wealth on this album. In Islamic thought, wealth is a trust from God, a responsibility rather than a sign of favor. Yet, Asake’s persona as ‘Mr. Money With the Vibe’ has always danced around this tension without fully engaging with it. On M$NEY, he briefly touches on the idea that ‘money can’t buy happiness,’ but it feels more like a cliché than a revelation. This raises a deeper question: Is Asake avoiding the moral complexities of wealth because they’re too risky to explore? Or is he simply more interested in maintaining his image as a universally likable figure?
The Cost of Playing It Safe
What makes this particularly fascinating is the context in which M$NEY arrives. After facing backlash for his ‘Only Me’ music video, where he was accused of blasphemy, Asake seems to be treading carefully. In my opinion, this album feels like a response to that controversy—a deliberate attempt to be understood, accepted, and uncontroversial. But here’s the irony: by playing it safe, Asake risks losing the very essence that made him a global star. His earlier work was grounded in the grit and dynamism of Lagos; M$NEY, on the other hand, feels more curated than lived-in.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity?
Asake is now his own boss, and with that freedom comes the responsibility to take risks. But on M$NEY, it feels like he’s chosen to stay within his comfort zone. Personally, I think this album is a missed opportunity—a chance to explore deeper themes of faith, wealth, and identity that he’s only skimmed the surface of. What this album really suggests is that independence isn’t just about doing what you want; it’s about having the courage to do what matters. And in that sense, M$NEY feels like a beautiful but ultimately safe bet.
Takeaway:
If you’re looking for a pleasant, easy listen, M$NEY delivers. But if you’re expecting the Asake who once pushed boundaries and challenged expectations, you might find yourself checking out long before the final track. Independence is a double-edged sword, and Asake’s first swing as his own boss feels more like a cautious jab than a bold strike.
