- Source: Lagos to London
Life Is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos to London, also shortened to Lagos to London, is the third mixtape by Nigerian singer and songwriter Mr Eazi, and the follow-up to his previous mixtape, Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos. It was released on 9 November 2018 by Banku Music and Universal Music Africa, and features artists Burna Boy, Simi, 2Baba, Diplo, Maleek Berry, Giggs, King Promise, Chronixx, Lotto Boyzz, Sneakbo, Mo-T, Lady Donli and actor and comedian Broda Shaggi. Notable producers who Mr Eazi worked with include Sarz, Simba Tagz, Da Beatfreakz, Speroach Beatz, Pheelz, Jae5, E-Kelly, Juls, Jay Weathers, GuiltyBeatz, Soji, KillBeatz, Chopstix, Moelogo, The Cavemen., Fred Again, AoD, and the Picard Brothers. The mixtape housed the singles "Pour Me Water", "London Town", "Overload", and "Keys to the City (Ogede)".
Background
On 11 October 2018, an early track list of the mixtape was released, and was revealed to feature artists such as Diplo and Distruction Boyz. The mixtape was also teased to be split into two sections, "Lagos" and "London", however, that wasn't the case.
In an interview with OkayAfrica, Mr Eazi revealed that his favorite song off Lagos to London was "Chicken Curry".
Singles
The lead single "Pour Me Water" was released on 17 November 2017. The song was produced and co-written by E-Kelly. The music video for "Pour Me Water" was directed by Teekay and released on 16 December 2017. The mixtape's second single "London Town" features British rapper Giggs and was produced by Da Beatfreakz and co-produced by Chopstix and Moelogo. The music video for "London Town" was shot and directed in London by Meji Alabi. The third single off the mixtape, "Property" features Mo-T of Mi Casa. It was released on 27 July 2018, and was produced by Fred Again. The music video was directed by Meji Alabi. The fourth single, "Keys to the City (Ogede)" was released on 5 October 2018 and produced by Simba Tagz, Sarz, and GuiltyBeatz. The music video was released the same day and directed by Alabi.
Critical reception
The mixtape received generally positive reviews from music critics. Oris Aigbokhaevbolo of Music in Africa highlighted Mr Eazi's versatility in Lagos to London, stating that "you might think of most Mr Eazi's good songs as inspired by Ghana; but his commercial instincts are entirely Nigerian." While the mixtape mirrors the structure of Accra to Lagos, the 'Lagos' section is weaker compared to the 'London' one, featuring standout tracks like 'Surrender' and 'Suffer Head'. Aigbokhaevbolo acknowledges Mr Eazi's success in blending Ghanaian, Nigerian, and London influences, making him a unique and commercially savvy artist.
Dennis Peter of Nigerian Entertainment Today reflected on Mr Eazi's controversial 2017 tweet regarding Ghana's influence on Nigerian music, which sparked backlash but highlighted the significant role of his Banku style. In Lagos to London, Peter noted Eazi's ability to blend influences from Ghana, Nigeria, and London, producing a varied yet cohesive mixtape. He described the mixtape as "a collection of exuberant, if mostly banal, songs," yet emphasized Eazi's deliberate approach and ability to hold his own alongside collaborators like Simi, Burna Boy, and Chronixx.
Debola Abimbolu of The Native praised Life is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos to London for its global influences and Mr Eazi's seamless blending of African and UK sounds. Abimbolu highlighted standout tracks like "Surrender" with Simi and "Dabebi", which leans into Ghanaian highlife, as well as the London-influenced "Attention" and "Yard and Chill." The review also praised the mixtape's retro, Afrobeat-inspired intro and the variety of genres explored throughout. Alongside the mixtape, Abimbolu appreciated the accompanying documentary, which offered insight into Afropop and Mr Eazi's rise.