There is no denying that the Olamide who rapped with the vigour of a young man entrenched in Bariga, Lagos on Eni Duro has evolved into a cool, suave leader in Nigeria’s music industry.
When it seemed like his sound was changing from the hardcore rap projects like YBNL, Voice of The Streets and Eyan Mayweather to the more tuneful ones like Carpe Diem, UY Scuti, and Ikigai, some fans were worried that they would not get the same style of music that made them fall in love with the musician.
Yet, Olamide didn’t just return with this new album—he reminded us. The EPs he had dropped in the last few years seem to be like rehearsals, and when he dropped his 11th self-titled studio album, boldly titled “Olamide”, on June 19, 2025, there was a reset in the industry.
With 17 tracks, this is Olamide’s longest project since Lagos Nawa in 2017, and it feels like he’s poured his full essence into it—every sound, every bar, every feature. From introspection to celebration, from Yoruba wordplay to global appeal, this project proves Baddo still carries it in his body, undeniably, and effortlessly.
Since his explosive debut with Rapsodi in 2011, Olamide has built one of Africa’s most respected music catalogues. From YBNL and Street OT to modern classics like Carpe Diem and UY Scuti, Olamide has constantly evolved without losing the streets. This album continues that legacy, mixing raw authenticity with seasoned artistry.
Of course, his influence on the industry is evident in the album features. Popcaan, Dr. Dre, Darkoo, Fadi, and Daecolm, Wizkid, Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, Boj, DJ Spinall, and rising star Muyeez all show up and show out.
The album opens with a soulful, introspective Prelude that immediately sets a mellow and thoughtful tone. It draws you in gently, laying the emotional groundwork that this project isn’t just about bangers—it’s also about depth, mood, and message.
Then next comes Hasibunallah, blending faith and pain over an emotional beat. With relatable lyrics such as “Opelope prayer mummy na why sapa e no dey gum me” and “Oluwa wey do am for me, e no go give up me,” Olamide pours his heart into the track, weaving themes of faith and pain over a haunting, melodic beat layered with soft piano chords and subtle percussion.
His voice carries the weight of experience—raw yet controlled—as he reflects on struggle, survival, and trust in a higher power. It’s the kind of track that hits deep, especially for anyone who’s ever had to keep going when life gets heavy, as it’s relatable and real and one for the streets.
“Kai!,” one of the promotional singles from the album, is a reunion with Wizkid, another OG who has evolved since they recorded Omo toh Shan in 2011. The track blends Olamide’s rugged street flow with Wizkid’s smooth delivery. Featuring background vocals and songwriting contributions from Fireboy DML and Joeboy, the track, produced by Eskeez and Semzi, is one for the ages.
In “Luvaluvah,” Olamide brings romantic vibes with a smooth and mellow tune with soft synths and laid-back percussion. While the vocals are heartfelt and the groove pleasant, it doesn’t immediately command attention on first listen. Olamide shows his loverboy phase while also spitting bars and professing his love.
“Billionaires Club,” a certified banger, lives up to its title in every sense because this is ‘big boy music’, through and through. From the moment the beat drops, you’re immersed in a luxurious soundscape layered with sleek drums, glossy synths, and a bassline that exudes opulence.
Olamide sets the tone with confident bars and a laid-back delivery that feels like money in motion—unbothered, elevated, and seasoned. Wizkid and Darkoo elevate the track a whole new layer of star power, swagger and finesse. The hook is infectious, the production polished, and the chemistry between all three artists undeniable.
On “Free,” Olamide teams up with Seyi Vibez and fast-rising talent Muyeez to deliver a track that embodies the spirit of youthful defiance and emotional freedom. The song opens with Muyeez’s fiery intro—a bold, passionate entrance that immediately sets the tone. His voice carries raw hunger, urgency, and that unfiltered street energy, making it clear he’s here to make a statement, as he shines on the track
Seyi Vibez follows up with his signature melodic street style, gliding over the instrumental with effortless charisma. His flow is smooth yet weighted with emotion, adding depth and relatability to the track. The production blends mid-tempo percussion, ambient synth layers, and a hint of spiritual undertones, creating a soundscape that feels introspective yet liberating.
Olamide anchors the track with calm authority, letting his presence be felt without overextending with bars or wordplay. Together, the trio crafts a vibe that speaks to the “young, wild, and free” mindset—equal parts aspiration, rebellion, and reflection.
“Duro” slides in with a laid-back, mid-tempo groove that immediately sets a relaxed, feel-good tone. The production is smooth and understated, built around soft percussion, warm chord progressions, and subtle melodic layers that give it a cool vibe. It’s a track that doesn’t try to do too much, and that’s its strength. The track that sets you in that ‘Lovey’ mood and emotional tone.
Olamide rides the beat with effortless ease, delivering mellow verses that blend charm, rhythm, and just enough presence to keep the listener engaged. While the track doesn’t push many boundaries sonically, its simplicity and polish make it an easy, replayable listen. “Duro” feels like a soundtrack to a chill evening drive or a slow wind-down after a long day.
“Special” sees Olamide tapping into his reflective side, delivering a track that’s both emotionally charged and musically refined. The production is soft yet intricate, built around gentle keys, warm guitar licks, and subtle percussive rhythms that create an intimate, almost nostalgic atmosphere. Lyrically, Olamide opens up with sincerity, touching on themes of gratitude, love, and personal growth. His delivery is calm and graceful, but his wordplay remains sharp, weaving heartfelt lines with street-seasoned wisdom.
While “Indika” was one of the most anticipated tracks off the album, this collaboration between Olamide, legendary producer Dr. Dre, and Nigerian DJ powerhouse Spinall does not jump at you immediately but there is a gem of a song in there. The track opens with Dre setting the tone, dropping a few slick bars over a beat that’s both clean and calculated. His presence adds a layer of international swagger and production sharpness that gives the track a polished feel.
Spinall injects bounce into the rhythm, layering Afrobeat percussion with electronic textures that keep the groove light on its feet yet grounded. Olamide steps in with precision, switching between calm confidence and lyrical agility. His flow navigates the hybrid beat effortlessly, bridging the gap between street and global in a way only he can. Though it clocks in at under two minutes, “Indika” is tight, impactful, and full of replay value.
“1 Shot” brings a burst of energy to the tracklist, riding on a fast-paced, percussion-heavy beat that keeps the momentum going. The production is tight and rhythm-driven, with catchy synth loops and layered drums that give it a club-ready bounce. Olamide delivers his verses with his usual flair, maintaining charisma and control throughout.
“99” is a chaotic yet beautifully executed collaboration that stands out as one of the album’s undeniable crowd-pleasers. The lineup itself screams star power—Asake, Young Jonn, Seyi Vibez (making his second appearance on the album), and Daecolm all bring their unique energies to the table, creating a dynamic and richly textured sound.
From the jump, Young Jonn commands the hook with flawless precision, delivering a catchy, smooth chorus that instantly lodges itself in your head. Asake follows with his chilled delivery, infusing the track with more melody. Seyi Vibez complements this perfectly, adding melodic layers and emotional depth with his distinctive voice and rhythmic flair. Daecolm’s silky vocals provide the perfect finishing touch, adding warmth and an almost soothing contrast to the high-energy verses.
The production rides a pulsating beat filled with vibrant percussion and sharp synth stabs that keep the momentum unpredictable yet tightly controlled. The interplay between the artists creates a sense of organised chaos—each contributor shining while feeding off each other’s energy. “99” is a masterclass in collaboration with the official music video released alongside it.
“Ruba” has a soft and loving vibe, creating a smooth and calm mood that’s easy to listen to. The song uses a gentle, slightly different sound that’s interesting, but it doesn’t catch my attention or leave me impressed. While the overall vibe is pleasant and laid-back, the track doesn’t quite bring the excitement.
“Rain” is a masterful fusion of Afrobeat and dancehall, showcasing a seamless synergy between Olamide and Popcaan. The track balances a laid-back, chill vibe with an underlying power that gives it both emotional weight and infectious energy. The production layers warm percussion, smooth basslines, and subtle melodic flourishes, creating a soundscape that feels both uplifting and spiritual—a true “Gbedu” for the soul.
Olamide’s vocals carry heartfelt emotion, weaving introspective lyrics with his signature melodic flow, while Popcaan adds his distinct dancehall charisma, lending the track a dynamic and rhythmic edge. Together, they craft a feel-good anthem that showers listeners with love and positivity, making it another one of the standout tracks on the album. “Rain” isn’t just a song; it’s a refreshing ‘Rain’ of good vibes.
In “Paris,” Olamide delivers a smooth, melodic track that captivates with its effortless charm. The beat is laid-back yet sophisticated, featuring silky synths, gentle percussion, and lush harmonic layers that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Fadi’s feature adds an extra layer of texture, her vocal tone blending beautifully to enhance the track’s mellow vibe.
“Hybrid” is a confident solo track where Olamide masterfully blends diverse styles and flows, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The beat nods heavily to local Fuji influences, with traditional percussion patterns and rhythmic intricacies that ground the song firmly in Nigerian street culture. This fusion is paired with echoes of the Olamide we knew in the 2000s—raw, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in street narratives.
“Lalakipo” bursts with authentic street anthem energy, effortlessly blending nostalgia with contemporary club vibes. The track channels the Olamide of the red cup era—the Baddo we know in the streets. Its production is anchored by a pulsating beat with crisp drums and infectious rhythmic patterns that command movement, making it a guaranteed club banger and a true “street gbedu”
Olamide delivers his verses with raw intensity and effortless flow, weaving clever wordplay and street slang that resonate deeply with his core fanbase. The energy is palpable, as if he’s “chopping” the beat raw like crayfish with Lambas, bringing a gritty authenticity that refuses to compromise. “Lalakipo” stands out as a track that celebrates Olamide’s roots while keeping the vibe fresh and irresistibly catchy.
As the album’s closing track, “Stronger” delivers a powerful and emotional finale that lingers long after the music fades. The production is lush and sonically rich, blending soulful melodies with layered instrumentation that creates an intimate, almost cinematic atmosphere. Olamide’s vocal performance is nuanced, weaving clever wordplay.
With Semzi’s fingerprints all over this album, he proves his synergy with Olamide is one for the ages. Producing gems like “Kai,” “Free,” “Hasibunallah,” “1 Shot,” “Special,” “Ruba,” “Hybrid,” and “Lalakipo,” he is well on the way to becoming one of the best on the continent.
Olamide isn’t just another album. It’s a statement. A reminder. A celebration. Olamide showed why he’s still at the top. With fire in his veins, versatility in his voice, and the wisdom of a veteran, King Baddo delivers on this.
