Asake releases fourth album M$NEY

By Ejire Folakunmi

Afrobeats sensation Asake (Ahmed Ololade) has officially released his highly anticipated fourth studio album, “M$NEY,” under the powerhouse YBNL Nation label.

The 13-track project marks a significant evolution in the artist’s sound, blending his signature high-energy “street vibes” and Yoruba lyrics with a sophisticated array of international collaborations.

From the moment the release was announced on social media, the album became a focal point of global music discourse.

Unlike his previous works, M$NEY leans heavily into a cross-continental sound, featuring heavyweights like France’s DJ Snake on the track ‘WORSHIP,’ Congolese-French rapper Tiakola on ‘BADMAN GANGSTA,’ and the “King of Amapiano,” Kabza De Small, on ‘Asambe.’

This curation signals Asake’s intent to move beyond the Nigerian market and cement his status as a permanent fixture on the global charts.

The release of M$NEY acts as a mechanical milestone in the Global Afrobeats Expansion. By integrating artists like DJ Snake and Kabza De Small, Asake is effectively executing a “Cross-Genre Bridge” strategy.

While the rhythmic foundation remains rooted in Nigerian street-pop, the inclusion of EDM-adjacent production and Amapiano mastery ensures the album is sonically compatible with festival stages in Europe and clubs in Johannesburg.

Early listener feedback highlights a fascinating “Retention Curve.” While some fans immediately labeled it the “best album of 2026,” others initially gave it a more conservative 7.5/10.

However, the prevailing sentiment suggests that M$NEY is a “grower,” a project designed for replay value rather than immediate, superficial impact.

Tracks like ‘Gratitude,’ ‘Rora,’ and ‘WHY LOVE’ are already exhibiting Viral Velocity, climbing domestic charts and appearing frequently in short-form video content.

This pattern of steady, compounding appeal suggests that the album’s longevity may far outlast the initial release hype.