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Alaga Ibile
Alaga Ibile is the second studio album by indigenous Yoruba rapper Reminisce. It was released on 15 November 2013 by Edge Records and LRR Entertainment. The album features a blend of Afrobeat and hip hop, and spawned the singles "Nigboro", "Government", "Fantasi", "3rd World Thug", and "Eleniyan". The album featured artists such as Wizkid, Obadice, Burna Boy, Naeto C, Sossick, Davido, Endia and Olamide. Production was handled by Sossick, Sarz, Jospo, Chopstix, DeeVee and Shizzi. Alaga Ibile follows up to Book of Rap Stories (2012). Background and promotionFollowing the release of his debut album, Book of Rap Stories (2012), Reminisce quickly began work on his second studio album, Alaga Ibile. Reflecting on his debut, he shared in an interview with OkayAfrica that the album didn’t earn him the critical acclaim he had hoped for, as singles like "2Mussh" and "Kako Bi Chicken" led some to question his credibility as a rapper. However, his fortunes changed after meeting producer Sossick, who appreciated his talent. The two began collaborating on Alaga Ibile, which ultimately established Reminisce's reputation in the Nigerian music industry.[2] According to his manager, Ibrahim Okulaja, work on the album started immediately after the debut, with plans for it to feature around 10 tracks. The project was initially teased to be titled as "Alaye". To build anticipation, he released several singles ahead of the album, including "Nigboro", "Olou'Nishola", "Government" featuring Olamide, and "Koboko".[1] On 5 October 2013, Reminisce released a promotional single titled "Hurricane", although the track did not make it to the album.[3] CompositionThe album opens with the intro track, which featuring piano-driven production and lyrics reflecting Reminisce's upbringing and challenges, emphasizing his street credibility and aspirations. "Government", featuring Olamide and Endia, blends a thumping Chopstix-produced beat with Yoruba-language verses and a rap-dancehall fusion, showcasing cultural pride and collaboration. "Sunkere" and "Fantasi" see Reminisce blending hip-hop with Fuji.[4] "Agidigbo" is an ode to sex workers.[5] SinglesThe lead single and only bonus track, "Nigboro", was released on 26 January 2013. The Sarz-produced song is a remastered version of one of Reminisce's older songs.[6] The second single, "Government", was released on 4 March 2013. It features Olamide and Endia, and was produced by Chopstix.[7] The Fuji-influenced third single, "Fantasi", was released on 16 July 2013. The song was produced by Sarz.[8] The fourth single, "3rd World Thug", was released on 21 September 2013. The song was produced by Sossick.[9] The fourth single off the album "Sunkere" was released on 8 October 2013 and features production from DeeVee.[10] The sixth single, "Eleniyan", was released on 1 November 2013 and features vocals from Wizkid.[11] The song was produced by Sarz. Critical receptionAyomide Tayo of Nigerian Entertainment Today rated the album a 3.5, stating that "despite his limited range, Reminisce has dropped a solid album that should see him in the top spot with his contemporaries".[4] Wilfred Okiche of YNaija had mixed feelings about the album, stating that "Towards the final arc, ‘Alaga Ibile’ loses a lot of steam and starts to bore with it’s sub-stellar tracks." But he then pointed out that the album "won't set the charts or market on fire but it serves some purpose, introducing Reminisce to a wider audience."[12] AccoladesAlaga Ibile was nominated for Best Rap Album at The Headies 2014.[13] Track listing
Notes
Personnel
Release history
References
Information related to Alaga Ibile |
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