King James (M.I song)

"King James"
Promotional single by M.I
ReleasedAugust 21, 2014 (2014-08-21)
Recorded2014
GenreHip hop
Length3:30
LabelChocolate City
Songwriter(s)Jude Abaga
Producer(s)Jude Abaga

"King James" is a song by Nigerian rapper M.I. Written and produced by M.I himself, the song was released by Chocolate City on August 21, 2014. M.I described the song as a "non-profit project designed to create awareness and inspire social change".[1] "King James" was serviced to radio stations in Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa.[2] On the record, M.I proclaims to be the "best rapper alive".[3][4] Critical reception to "King James" was generally mixed.

Background and lyric video

"King James" is a self adulation track with a reggae melody. Prior to its release, M.I hinted to possibly retiring.[5] It has been alleged that "King James" was indirectly directed at Olamide.[6][7] The song's lyric video was uploaded to YouTube on August 21, 2014.[8]

Art exhibition

In a bid to promote "King James" and touch-base on a wide variety of topics, M.I held an art exhibition and leadership symposium at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos. Speakers at the event included Akinwunmi Ambode, Audu Maikori, Toyosi Akerele and Adebola Williams. During the event, M.I said the song will not be part of his third studio album, The Chairman (2014).[9]

Critical reception

Upon release, "King James" was met with mixed reviews from music critics. Oscar Okeke of Lobatan commended the song's production, brevity and flow, but rejected its lines.[10] Jim Donnett awarded the song 4.5 stars out of 5, characterizing it as "a fine brag" and saying it is "worth every word and sound". Donnett also acknowledged M.I for "reclaiming a throne that he wasn't exactly unseated from while throwing his weight around as Naija's best rapper alive".[11]

References

  1. ^ Akan, Joey (23 August 2013). "M.I's 'King James' Not On Upcoming Album". Pulse. Archived from the original on 25 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  2. ^ "M.I Abaga – King James / Lyric VIDEO". NotjustOk. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  3. ^ "Nigeria: King James, Mi, Defends Rap Crown". allAfrica.com. Daily Independent. 23 August 2014. Archived from the original on 30 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  4. ^ Opeoluwani, Akintayo (23 August 2014). "NEW MUSIC: M.I's 'King James'". Daily Times of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 27 December 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  5. ^ "MI Abaga Releases New Single, 'King James'". Channels TV. 22 August 2014. Archived from the original on 27 December 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  6. ^ "Nigeria: M.I Returns As King James". allAfrica.com. Vanguard. 29 August 2014. Archived from the original on 27 December 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  7. ^ Alli, Tobi (24 August 2014). "Did M.I diss Olamide on King James?". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 27 September 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  8. ^ Opeoluwani, Akintayo (25 August 2014). "NEW VIDEO: M.I 'King James'". Daily Times of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 27 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  9. ^ Arogundade, Funsho (5 September 2014). "M.I Abaga Hosts Exhibition For King James". PM News. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  10. ^ Okeke, Oscar (22 August 2014). "The high and low points of M.I's "King James": Music Review". Lobatan. Archived from the original on 22 September 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  11. ^ "TX Review: M.I – King James + Faze – Your Daughter". Tooxclusive. 23 August 2013. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.

King James - Lyric video on YouTube