Asake released his fourth studio album on May 1. M$NEY is Asake’s fourth studio album, following Mr Money with the Vibe in 2022, which was his debut album, then Work of Art in 2023, and Lungu Boy in 2024.
M$NEY, released through his own imprint Giran Republic in partnership with EMPIRE, after he left YBNL. Although he didn’t release an album in 2025, which would have kept up with his consistency of releasing albums every year, the album didn’t come out in 2025.
It seems it was a case of “the patient dog eats the fattest bone,” as he has now blessed us with a good album. His album comes three months after he just released a joint project, Real, with Wizkid, which is a four-track project that features tracks like “Jogodo,” “Turbulence,” “Iskolodo,” and “Alaye.”
The album features collaborations with Kabza De Small, Tiakola, and DJ Snake. Interestingly, there is no Nigerian featured on the album. The project includes 13 tracks, such as “Why Love,” “Badman Gangsta,” and “Worship,” which were released earlier as part of the album rollout before the new songs on the album came out.
When Asake came onto the scene with “Omo Ope” featuring Olamide, most people didn’t know who he was or had barely known of him, but fast forward from 2022 till now in 2026, and he’s showing that he’s one of the best in the music game.
Before we go ten toes into the album, after it was released, Asake’s M$NEY album listening party was held at a private hangar in Lagos, which was a unique location to host a listening party for an album, unlike using halls, clubs or other places. which had Zlatan Ibile, Poco Lee, BNXN, Shoday, Rahman Jago, Cheque, TML Vibez, Toki, Skiibii, and several other stars show up for Asake’s M$NEY album listening party in Lagos.
Now let’s focus on the album, M$NEY. It was expected to drop in 2025 but didn’t, as it was carefully developed over time with patience, consistency, and a clear purpose. From late-night studio sessions to quiet behind-the-scenes work, the project slowly grew into a complete body of work.
This process shows the importance of trusting timing, staying focused even when progress isn’t visible, and not rushing quality. It also highlights the value of having a strong vision and thinking long-term.
M$NEY is more than just music; it represents growth, sacrifice, and the idea that real wealth is not only about money. The album tells a simple story about gratitude, success, and what it truly means to be rich in life, while mixing street motivation, soft luxury flexing, and uplifting energy. With its catchy hooks and strong instrumentals, the project delivers both motivation and enjoyable listening.
M$NEY finds Asake threading together the threads of his artistic identity, the street-savvy lyricism, the Fuji-inflected rhythms, the melodic Yoruba storytelling, while pushing into new sonic territory. M$NEY is a reflection of my spiritual and creative journey. The album is confident without being complacent, and emotional without being soft.
While listening to the album during my first listen, this new Asake “M$ney” album made me feel like I had made it, making me feel like a big man with so much gratitude. I fell in love with the album and connected with it both musically and spiritually.
I have listened to it almost a hundred times since it dropped, showing you it has replay value and literally no skips. Anyone who has paid attention to Asake’s musical journey can see that this album was expected.
Over time, his sound has gradually shifted, becoming less intense and more easygoing. This project reflects that change, leaning into a calm, confident style. It shows that he has moved past the hustle stage and is now operating from a place of success as an international Afrobeats artist.
The album opens with the track “Intro,” a live choral performance in a South African language, which sets the tone for the musical journey through the project that you are about to engage in.
The second track of the album “Worship,” had already gained momentum since last year, even before the album dropped. Asake first performed WORSHIP with DJ Snake at a Red Bull Symphonic show at Brooklyn’s King Theatre in November 2025. It is a calm and uplifting song that mixes Afrobeats with soft electronic sounds. Asake sings about being thankful and having faith
Gratitude is one of the standout tracks from the album. This song shows gratitude to God for his doings in your life while talking deeply about life. It’s what I can call the Luxury “Afro Adura” track. You just can’t help but sing along or get moved. It is what transforms a celebration of money and success into something that feels, at its core, like a track dedicated to God, to his fans, and to the version of himself that kept going when it would have been easier to stop
“Rora,” a slow and calm song that you can play when you’re in a good mood and just thinking about the nice things in life. He sings in a simple and confident way that matches the peaceful vibe. It’s the kind of song you play when you feel happy, grateful, and just want to enjoy the moment.
Amen is a feel-good track that instantly connects with your spirit. Although, many fans are displeased about the line, “Presido sope emi lokan, e dey win election, power in the tongue Ma lo gor, I wish for all that I want” which he was referencing Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s famous “Emi Lokan” (“My Turn”) declaration and his 2023 electoral victory.
“Wa” by Asake is a smooth and enjoyable song that focuses more on vibe and feeling than deep lyrics. It’s a love song to profess love. One thing that made this track even sweeter is the way Asake came in before the beat even started. It shows that Mr Money doesn’t waste time at all. The transition from the previous track into this one also flows really smoothly, making the whole listening experience feel natural and well-connected. From ‘Amen’ To ‘Wa’
“MCBH” (meaning “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”) by Asake is a reflective and celebratory song where he talks about his success and how God has blessed him. He sings about enjoying his wealth, wisdom, and spiritual growth, but also reminds listeners that even with money, true happiness comes from life, peace, and gratitude.
“Why Love” by Asake is a smooth and emotional Afrobeats song that marks an important moment in his career, as it was his first release under his own label, Giran Republic, and was dropped earlier in February 2025 ahead of the album rollout. Produced by Magicsticks, the track blends amapiano-inspired drums with a softer, more romantic sound that makes it feel calm, catchy, and easy to listen to. In the song, Asake sings in a mix of Yoruba and English about love, admiration, and emotional connection, while also showing confidence in himself as someone who deserves love. His laid-back vocal delivery makes the message feel natural and heartfelt, giving listeners a different, more emotional side of him compared to his usual energetic street anthems.
“Forgiveness” by Asake is a more emotional and reflective song where he sounds calm and thoughtful. The song which is currently topping the charts focuses on asking for forgiveness, peace, and understanding, showing a softer side of himself. The beat is gentle and laid-back, allowing his voice and message to stand out. It’s the kind of song that feels personal and meaningful, especially when you listen closely to the lyrics about growth and second chances.
Oba” by Asake is a calm but powerful song that’s easy to enjoy. The beat is smooth, with soft piano and deep bass that makes it feel relaxing. His flow is very natural; he’s not forcing anything, and that makes the song sound effortless. The beat, flow, and lyrics on “OBA” are so therapeutic as Asake no dey stress too much; he’s got the vibe.
“Badman Gangsta” by Asake and Tiakola is a smooth and easy-to-enjoy song that mixes Afrobeats with an international feel. Asake comes in with his relaxed, effortless flow, talking about success, confidence, and enjoying life without stress, while Tiakola adds a melodic French touch that makes the song feel fresh and global.
On Asambe, Asake teams up with Kabza De Small and leans more into an Amapiano sound. The beat is nice and has that familiar log-drum vibe, but it feels like Asake is not fully in his element. Compared to the earlier songs on the project, Asambe is not as catchy or sweet. It’s not a bad song, but it’s also not one of the standout tracks on the project though.
Skilful, the last track on the project, it has a calmer, more relaxed feel. It sounds okay, but it doesn’t really leave a strong impression. It’s not as interesting or enjoyable as most of the other songs, which might explain why it’s one of the least-streamed tracks.
Overall, both songs are decent, but they don’t stand out compared to the better tracks on the album.
M$ney is a very good and high-quality album from Asake. I would rank it as one of his best projects, alongside his second album, Work of Art.
Across his four albums, Asake has shown different sides of himself. His debut album, Mr. Money With The Vibe (2022), was full of energetic, party-style songs like “Sungba,” “Organise,” and “Terminator.” It was all about vibes and catchy sounds.
With Work of Art, he focused more on lyrics and showed his strength as a creative and expressive artist. In Lungu Boy (2024), he showed his global reach by working with international artists from the US, UK, and Latin music scenes.
On M$ney, Asake sounds more mature and grateful. The album leans into a “big boy” lifestyle and a more refined sound. Even the title suggests success and importance, and the music lives up to the hype and anticipation.
Overall, it’s a strong album that shows his growth and consistency.
Rating: 8.5/10
