Asake’s 4th studio album, Money (otherwise stylized as M$NEY), is all about gratitude, hedonism, and an acknowledgement of greater power. Asake is in a new phase in his personal and professional life, and this was apparent in his newly released studio album.
In the new music project Money, Asake discloses that he is in a different headspace from that of his debut studio album, Mr Money With the Vibes, which was released only 4 years ago. He has distanced himself from the Amapiano approach of Work of Art and Lungu Boy, and he is clearly in a phase where he wants to make music for individuals who recognize that the journey over the years has been burdensome; however, it is worth it.
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Before delving into the theme of Asake’s fourth studio album, the author will first explain the singer-songwriter’s journey over the past year.
Following his departure from Olamide Baddo’s record label, Yahoo Boy No Laptop (YBNL), in the early part of 2025, music pundits on social media expected Asake’s decline. X commentators mentioned that Olamide’s penmanship and leadership would be missing in his creative output; hence, it would be impossible for Asake to replicate the success of his previous works. Music commentators on social media mentioned that he would be unable to attain international and mainstream prominence should he depart from Olamide’s guidance.
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At the time of these claims on social media, Asake was going through a transition not only in his professional life but also mentally and psychologically. There was a feud ongoing among members of his family; his father was ill and announced on social media that his son had neglected him since gaining mainstream prominence.
It was also disclosed that Asake has an eleven-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. It was almost as if everything was working against Asake, whose real name is Ololade Ahmed.
Fans doubted if their favourite musician would be able to swim with the sharks after he went independent, establishing his own record label, Giran Republic. Asake had naysayers, doubters, and critics, just like every other creative.
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Giran Republic and the Journey to ‘Money’
Post-YBNL, ‘Military’ was the first single released by the Nigerian singer-songwriter. In the 1:53 song, Asake addressed certain issues such as his departure from YBNL and his alleged feud with his former label boss, Olamide.
Asake made it clear that he is currently entering a new regime in his life and would appreciate it if every other person transcended with him. As 2025 unwound, Asake continued to evolve as an independent artiste.
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Money: Asake Expresses Gratitude in New Music Project
On Friday, May 1, Asake released his fourth studio album, Money, to a warm reception from music critics. Music listeners recognise that Asake is currently in a different headspace; his music isn’t only for those who are hustling and bustling; it’s also for ambitious people who are simply thankful for where they are at the moment.
The music album kicks off with the track, ‘Worship’ featuring French music producer, DJ Snake. As the title implies, Asake was simply appreciating his maker for allowing him to experience the life he had always dreamt of and desired.
‘Gratitude’ is a follow-up to the opening track. Asake embraces the personality of a man who is only interested in expressing what he has achieved over the years and the possibilities ahead of him.
‘Rora,’ which means ‘Take it easy’ in English, is the singer simply admonishing his singers to be wise in their approach to life. ‘Amen’ is the immediate follow-up to the aforementioned track. In the song, Asake is saying a word of prayer to inspire and motivate his listeners to pursue whatever they want to achieve.
On ‘Wa’ and ‘MCBH’, Asake addressed big boys who are concerned about living a hedonistic lifestyle by embracing the epicureanism of life.
‘Why Love’ is one of the album’s lead singles that was released in 2025. On streaming platforms such as Spotify and YouTube Music, ‘Why Love’ and ‘Badman Gangsta’ are two of the songs played on the album.
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Perceived Purpose of the Music Album
Listeners need to understand that this isn’t the same Asake from 2022. He isn’t the young man who is chasing success and looking to make a name for himself. Asake is a marquee name who has been able to sell out shows across various countries such as the United Kingdom and North America. He is one of the greatest imports from Nigeria in modern music history; therefore, he is required to switch his lyrical and musical style by taking risks with his approach to music.
Some music pundits claimed that the new music project lacks the lyrical depth of his previous works. This is apparent in several of the songs on the album, with most of them below the 3-minute mark. However, Asake’s Money is created for those who want to acknowledge a higher power and embrace the beautiful elements of life.
In conclusion, this isn’t a life-changing music project; it is just an addition to Asake’s impressive music catalogue.
Conclusion
Asake’s continued chart success builds on his momentum from earlier in the year, including his collaborative project REAL, Vol. 1. With M$NEY now dominating the charts, the singer once again proves his ability to deliver commercially successful and culturally resonant music.
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