King James (M.I song)

"King James" is a song by Nigerian hip hop recording artist M.I. It was released on August 21, 2014, by Chocolate City. The song was written and produced by the rapper. It was serviced to radio stations in Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa.[1] In "King James", M.I proclaims to be the "best rapper alive".[2][3] Critical reception to "King James" was generally mixed. M.I told the media the song is a non-profit project designed to create awareness and inspire social change.[4]

"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

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 lyric video for the song was uploaded onto YouTube on August 21, 2014.[8]

Art exhibition

In a bid to promote "King James" and touch-based on a wide variety of topics, M.I held an art exhibition/leadership symposium at the Terra Culture 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 its release, "King James" was met with mixed reviews from music critics. Oscar Okeke of Lobatan commended the song's production, brevity and flow, while rejecting its lines. Okeke extensively said, "The blaring sound on the instrumentals will rob you of your attention as soon as you hear it. It's like a soft siren. In 2minutes, he is done rapping. He sought to make a point, and in that short time the message was crystal clear."[10] Jim Donnett gave the song 4.5 stars, adding, "M.I finished work on King James reclaiming a throne that he wasn't exactly unseated from while throwing his weight around as Naija's best rapper alive. M.I's King James is a fine brag and it's worth every word (and sound) of it."[11]

References
  1. "M.I Abaga – King James / Lyric VIDEO". NotjustOk. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  2. "Nigeria: King James, Mi, Defends Rap Crown". allAfrica.com. Daily Independent. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  3. Opeoluwani, Akintayo (23 August 2014). "NEW MUSIC: M.I's 'King James'". Daily Times of Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  4. Akan, Joey (23 August 2013). "M.I's 'King James' Not On Upcoming Album". Pulse. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  5. "MI Abaga Releases New Single, 'King James'". Channels TV. 22 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  6. "Nigeria: M.I Returns As King James". allAfrica.com. Vanguard. 29 August 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  7. Alli, Tobi (24 August 2014). "Did M.I diss Olamide on King James?". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  8. Opeoluwani, Akintayo (25 August 2014). "NEW VIDEO: M.I 'King James'". Daily Times of Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  9. Arogundade, Funsho (5 September 2014). "M.I Abaga Hosts Exhibition For King James". PM News. 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. Retrieved 27 September 2014.

King James - Lyric video on YouTube

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