D'Kings Men

D'Kings Men
Compilation album by DB Records
Released	June 24, 2013
Recorded	2012-2013
Genre	Afrobeat, afropop, hip hop
Length	71:54
Label	DB Records, Sony Music
Producer	Don Jazzy, Dee Vee, Jay Sleek
D'banj chronology
The Entertainer (2008) D'Kings Men (2012)
Singles from D'Kings Men
"Oliver Twist" Released: May 11, 2012 "Sister Caro" Released: June 9, 2012 [1] "Oyato" Released: July 14, 2012 "Bachelor" Released: November 10, 2012 [2] "Top of the World" Released: December 13, 2012[3] "Cashflow" Released: December 21, 2012 [4] "Don't Tell Me Nonsense" Released: March 30, 2013 [5] "For Example" Released: March 30, 2013 [6] "Why You Love Me" Released: April 21, 2013[7] "Finally" Released: June 20, 2013 [8] "Obimo (My Heart)" Released: November 20, 2013

D'Kings Men is a compilation album by recording artists of Nigerian record label DB Records, released on June 24, 2013 by the label and Sony Music.^[9][10] Nigerian recording artist D'banj started working on the album prior to splitting with his longtime business partner, Don Jazzy. The album produced eleven singles—"Oliver Twist", "Sister Caro", "Oyato", "Bachelor", "Top of the World", "Cashflow", "Don't Tell Me Nonsense", "For Example", "Finally", "Why You Love Me" and "Obimo (My Heart)". Production on the album was handled by Don Jazzy,^[11] Jay Sleek^[12] and Dee Vee.^[13] The album features guest appearances from Kanye West, Big Sean, Snoop Lion, Fally Ipupa, Durella, Olamide, Ikechukwu and Naeto C.^[14] Upon its release, D'Kings Men received mixed reviews from music critics. Many critics felt that the album failed to live up to the extensive publicity and recognition it gained. Moreover, critics complained about the album's rodomontading lyrics and derivative sound.

Background and recording

D'banj founded the DB Records label in 2012 after the aforementioned split. Since the label's inception, multiple acts have signed to the label including Kayswitch, J.Sol, Jay Sleek, Durella and Fear Dee Vee.^[15][16]

During an interview with Seun Apara, D'banj was asked to give an exclusive insight into the album. His response was: "The 'DKM' Album, D Kings Men is a compilation of songs from the artistes on DB Records and is not a D’ Banj’s Album. It has a compilation of songs and sounds done by DB records artistes comprising myself, Kay Switch and J.Sol."^[17]

D'banj also told Seun Apara that Don Jazzy produced four songs on the album. In an attempt to suppress piracy, the album was delivered to customers who pre-ordered it from D'banj's official website. It was also made available for purchase at all GT Bank offices in Nigeria.^[17]

Release

American rappers Kanye West, Big Sean, and Snoop Dogg were among the international acts featured on the album.

D'Kings Men was made available on iTunes a day after the DKM concert, which was held at the Eko Hotels & Suites on June 23, 2013 in Victoria Island, Lagos. The concert was headlined by the Kokomaster and 2 Chainz; it featured additional performances from Kay Switch, Phyno, Olamide, Mafikizolo, Fally Ipupa, and Naeto C. AY Makun, Kenya Moore, Toolz, Lynxxx, Efya, Fade Ogunro, Timaya, Juliet Ibrahim, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and Susan Peters were all present at the event.^[18]

Singles

On May 11, 2012, D'Banj released the first single "Oliver Twist". The music video for the single was directed by Sesan. Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean, and Manny Fresh made cameo appearances in the music video.^[19] "Sister Caro", which features D'banj, was released as the second single on June 9, 2012; the music video for the song was shot in Lagos, Nigeria.

On July 14, 2012, DB Records released the third single "Oyato" which serves as Kokomaster's first official single in the post-Mo’Hits era. On November 10, 2012, D'banj released the fourth single "Bachelor". The music video for the single was primarily directed by Sesan in Atlanta, Georgia.^[20]

On December 13, 2012, DB Records and Sony Music Entertainment Africa released the fifth single "Top of the World". The song was the official SuperSport anthem for the 2013 African Nations Cup.^[21] The music video for the single was shot in South Africa, and features D’banj singing the song into a forest of mics while performing alongside a dreadlocked guitarist and rock drummer.^[22]

On December 21, 2012, Sony Music Africa released the sixth single "Cashflow" featuring Kayswitch; the music video for the song was also directed by Sesan.^[23]

On March 30, 2013, DB Records released the seventh single "Don't Tell Me Nonsense". The music video for "Don't Tell Me Nonsense" was shot in Lagos by Matt Max, and features helicopters, smoke bombs and an army of dancers.^[24][25][26] "For Example" was released as the eighth single on March 30, 2013. The music video for the single, directed by Matt Max, was shot in Mende village, Lagos. Durella made a cameo appearance in the video.^[27][28]

"Why You Love Me" is the ninth single from the album, released on April 21, 2013.^[29] The music video, directed by Godfather Productions, was uploaded onto YouTube on December 13, 2013 at a total length of 3 minutes and 25 seconds.^[30][31] On June 20, 2013, D'banj released the album's tenth single titled "Finally". The music video for the song was shot and directed in London by Sesan. Wizkid and the CEO Dancers made cameo appearances in the music video.^[32][33]

"Obimo" is a song by Kayswtich featuring D'banj, released as the eleventh single from the album. The music video for "Obimo", directed by Patrick Elis, was released on November 20, 2013. In a nutshell, the song is a wedding anthem.^[34][35][36]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
TAYOTV	[37]
tooXclusive	[38]
Nigerian Entertainment Today	[39]

Upon its release, D'Kings Men was met with mixed reviews from music critics. Jon Caramanica of The New York Times said that "it’s an alluring contemporary pop album with an emphasis on king-size dance music, like the militarily efficient “Don’t Tell Me Nonsense” and the flash of last year’s excellent smash hit Oliver Twist."^[40]

Tayo Ayomide of Nigerian Entertainment Today gave the album a 3.5 out of 5, adding: "On D' Kings Men there are no huge pop anthems like the ones crafted by Don Jazzy in the Mo’ Hits period. What we have on this compilation are strong pop songs hinged on D'Banj's infectious personality and amazing instrumentals."

Ogaga Sakapide of TooXclusive followed with 3 out of 5, adding: "Plunging into the usual subjects of partying, love, wealth, fame and success, they manage to craft an experimental LP with numerous emotional layers (mostly pride, lust and anger), however D’banj validates that he might not endowed with the utmost musical gift yet his musical proficiency is praiseworthy."

TayoTv gave the album a 6.7 out of 10, adding: "D'banj is an artiste of over a decade and this is an average album. He needs to go back to the drawing board and give us what we want, give us what we are used to hearing from him during the Mo’Hit days. The people miss the melody of his music. This is his Mo’Hit days. I’m not saying he should or should not go back to Don Jazzy, but he should at least make some meaningful partnerships that will produce hits as an A list artiste and not rubbish."

Track listing^[41]

Personnel

Release history

References