M.I Abaga’s The Guy album Analyzed
MI Abaga’s Rap Resilience in an Afrobeats-Dominated Industry
In a country where Afrobeats reigns supreme, MI Abaga has remained a beacon for Nigerian rap, consistently pushing the genre forward over the past two decades. While Afropop and Afrobeats have opened international doors for Nigerian artists, rappers have often struggled to secure significant global features. This is why the announcement that Nas would be featured on MI’s new album The Guy generated much anticipation.
Listening to the album from start to finish, MI presents a blend of self-confidence, social commentary, and love themes. The album reaffirms his lyrical prowess and ability to craft compelling narratives across multiple subjects.
Standout Tracks and Potential Hits
The first track that immediately grabs attention is “Soft Life Tony”. While it may not necessarily dominate the charts, it has the potential to become an anthem for hustlers striving for success. The track celebrates both the grind and the rewards of financial independence.
Another notable track is “The Guy”, a song that stands out for its witty wordplay and braggadocious energy. The track could easily become a hit, as its lyrics lend themselves well to self-affirmation and social media captions.
The final contender for a standout track is “Daddy”, a funky and nostalgic record reminiscent of ’90s feel-good music. Featuring Chillz, the track blends rap and melody seamlessly, with a catchy hook that could easily become a social media tagline.
The Underwhelming Collaboration
While most of the album’s collaborations shine, the song featuring Cavemen and Phyno falls short of expectations. Given MI’s successful past collaborations with Flavour and Runtown, one would expect a similar synergy here. Unfortunately, the track lacks the rhythmic and lyrical depth needed to make it a standout. Phyno’s singing doesn’t add enough weight to elevate the song beyond mediocrity.
Themes of Self-Confidence and Hustle
MI has never been an artist who sticks rigidly to one theme in an album. Instead, he oscillates between different topics to curate a well-rounded project. The Guy continues this trend, featuring tracks that exude confidence and a hustler’s mentality.
- “Oil” (feat. BNXN aka Buju) emphasizes divine favor and success, with MI declaring that he has the “oil on his head”—a metaphor for extraordinary grace and blessings.
- “The Guy” reinforces his dominance in Nigerian rap, asserting that his self-motivation stems from his determination to make a living.
- “Bigger” (feat. Olamide & Nas) explores the bittersweet nature of wealth and fame. MI reflects on hustling to escape poverty, only to be confronted with new challenges after achieving success.
Addressing Social Issues
The album also ventures into social commentary, particularly on two tracks:
- “Crazy” (feat. Ossi Grace) addresses the toxicity of social media, calling out how cyberbullying and online hatred stem from a lack of love and respect in previous generations.
- “Soft Life Tony” (feat. Lord Vino) is a two-sided track that both praises billionaire entrepreneur Tony Elumelu’s success and serves as a motivational anthem for hardworking individuals striving for financial security.
Exploring Love and Relationships
MI also taps into the theme of love, collaborating with Wande Coal, Cavemen, and Duncan Mighty to create emotionally rich tracks:
- “The Love Song” (feat. Wande Coal) sees MI expressing deep devotion to his partner, using striking metaphors to highlight her significance in his life.
- “Inside” (feat. Cavemen & Phyno) is a highlife-infused Afropop song that lyrically paints the picture of traditional Nigerian marriage rites and the pursuit of love.
- The final love track, featuring Duncan Mighty, showcases MI’s smooth lyricism as he woos a woman who has captivated his heart.
Conclusion
The Guy is a well-curated body of work that reinforces MI Abaga’s status as one of Nigeria’s greatest rappers. It delivers a mix of introspection, braggadocio, and social awareness, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience. While a few songs may not resonate widely, the album as a whole is a solid entry into MI’s catalog and is likely to remain on many playlists for a long time.
