Popular Nigerian content creator Gilmore has delivered a lukewarm first reaction to Asake’s freshly released fourth studio album M$NEY, admitting that the project left him underwhelmed despite its strong production.
Asake dropped the highly anticipated album on May 1, 2026, via EMPIRE, generating massive buzz across the Afrobeats scene. While many fans rushed to stream the project, Gilmore shared his honest thoughts while listening in his room, sparking immediate debate online.
In a video clip that quickly went viral, Gilmore stated:
“The instrumental stands out more than the lyrics on this album. Maybe when we listen to it more, we will grow into it but this is a 5/10 for me.”
The content creator suggested that repeated listens might improve his perception of the project. However, his initial score of 5 out of 10 indicates the album did not immediately impress him on first play, with the beats carrying more weight than the vocal delivery and songwriting.
Asake’s M$NEY follows his previous works including Work of Art and Lungu Boy. The new project continues the singer’s signature fusion of Yoruba-infused Afrobeats, street energy, and rhythmic flows, though Gilmore’s reaction highlights a perceived gap between the production quality and lyrical impact.
The review has divided fans. Some defended Gilmore’s honesty, arguing that not every album needs to hit instantly and that Asake often creates music meant for repeated listens and live performances. Others felt the criticism was too harsh for a fresh release, with a few accusing content creators of seeking engagement through negative takes. Several commenters noted that Asake’s sound has evolved, and some tracks may require time to connect fully.
Gilmore’s latest take on M$NEY adds fuel to the ongoing conversation about the album’s strengths and whether it meets the high expectations set by Asake’s previous projects. As streams continue to roll in and more listeners share their thoughts, many are revisiting the project to decide if they too will “grow into it” or if the initial lukewarm reactions will stick.