- Source: The Evil Genius (Mr Eazi album)
The Evil Genius is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Mr Eazi. It was released on 27 October 2023 by emPawa Africa. The album features guest appearances from Tekno, Joeboy, Angélique Kidjo, Efya, Whoisakin and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Mr Eazi enlisted producers such as E Kelly, M.O.G Beatz, Phantom, KillBeatz, Stikmatik, Timmy, Andre Vibez, Yung Willis, Kel-P, Type A, KDaGreat, KDream, Michaël Brun, Nonso Amadi, Knucks, AoD, Wade Oghenejabor, Venna and Mr Eazi himself.
Background and recording
Mr Eazi revealed the artwork and tracklist for the album on 23 October 2023. The album was recorded internationally, in studios across Ouidah, Cotonou, Kigali, Accra, Kokrobite, Lagos, London, Los Angeles and New York City. The recording process for The Evil Genius began in an unexpected and spontaneous manner. On 16 February 2021, Kel-P casually invited Mr Eazi over to his apartment in Accra for what seemed like a typical hangout. Although initially hesitant, Mr Eazi decided to go, expecting a regular night of video games. But Kel-P had something else in mind. As they chilled, Kel-P started playing an instrumental on loop, and before long, Mr Eazi found himself singing deeply personal lyrics. Recalling the moment with Afrocritik, Mr Eazi said, "I started singing deeply personal stuff that no one had ever heard, and Kel-P said, 'Let’s record,' and we did." This spontaneous session resulted in the creation of the track "Exit," a song brimming with reflection and gratitude. That day marked the start of what would eventually become The Evil Genius.
Singles
The lead single for The Evil Genius, "Legalize", was released on 10 June 2022 was produced by Michaël Brun, E Kelly, and Nonso Amadi. The music video for "Legalize" was released the same day and was shot by Federico Mazzarisi in Venice and released the same day, with a cameo appearance from the Nigerian actress Temi Otedola. The second single "Chop Time, No Friend" was produced by Andre Vibez and KillBeatz and released on 18 July 2023. The music video for "Chop Time, No Friend" was directed by Allison Swank Owen. Mr Eazi said the meaning of the song is "like saying, 'Be in the moment. Like when you are eating, you are focusing only on your food. You are eating first. It's almost selfish in a way." The album's third single "Advice" was released on 1 September 2023 and was produced by M.O.G Beatz. The fourth single off The Evil Genius, Fefe Ne Fefe, was released on 10 October 2023 and was produced by Kel-P. The fifth and last single "Exit" features the Soweto Gospel Choir and was produced by Kel-P and released on 23 October 2023. The music video was directed by Allison Swank Owen the same day.
Critical reception
The Evil Genius by Mr Eazi received praise from critics, mainly for its blend of Highlife, Afrobeats, and R&B. The album was lauded by Emmanuel Okoro of Afrocritik, for offering "a raw and true expression of Mr Eazi's ingenuity and sonic brilliance", capturing themes of fame, love, and Pan-Africanism, all while delivering a unique listening experience. Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone described Mr Eazi as a leading figure in Afrobeats, known for expanding the genre's sonic and cultural boundaries. On The Evil Genius, his debut full-length album, Dolan believed that Eazi embodies his role as both a curator and ambassador, delivering an "expansively international" sound that blends Highlife, Afro drill, and more. Despite the album's grand ambitions, Dolan praises Eazi for maintaining his signature "smooth, skittering rhythms" and "warmly insistent singing" without feeling overburdened by big ideas. Adeayo Adebiyi, writing for Pulse Nigeria, described The Evil Genius as an album where Mr Eazi "maintains a mid-tempo approach" while exploring familiar sonic territories, but the album "fails to reach a high point" and feels "sonically repetitive". Despite its coherence, Adebiyi suggested that Eazi needs to evolve his sound, giving the album a rating of 6.9 out of 10, labeling it a "Victory".
Track listing
Personnel
Release history
References
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