Top Boy is the sixth studio album by Nigerian disc jockey and record producer Spinall. It was released on 17 February 2023 through TheCAPMusic. The album features guest appearances from Stefflon Don, Fireboy DML, Tamera, Phyno, Summer Walker, Amaka, 6lack, Azanti, Olamide, Kemuel, Niniola, Asake, TSB, Äyanna, Amaarae, Blxckie, Reekado Banks, DJ Snake, Zaiam, Minz, Bnxn, Ladipoe, Tay Iwar, Ntosh Gazi and Adekunle Gold. Production was primarily handled by Spinall, along with additional production from Magicsticks, Caltonic SA, D3an, TSB, DJ Snake, The Eggman, Kel-P, NKVY, Ozedikus, Smeez and Unknown Nick.
Contents
Background
In an interview with Apple Music's Dadaboy Ehiz, Spinall explained that the album's title, Top Boy, was inspired by people who "have beaten the odds" and used the resources available to them to succeed. He stated that the title also reflected the independent and resourceful nature of many of the artists featured on the project. Spinall described the album, which took three years to complete, as a departure from his previous releases because he was heavily involved in its production and songwriting.
Singles
The lead single from Top Boy, is the remix of another track off his previous album, Grace, which was titled "Sere". It featured Fireboy DML and was remixed with 6LACK on 7 May 2021. The song was produced by Kel-P and was co-produced by Spinall.
The second single, "Cloud 9" features Adekunle Gold and was released on 3 December 2021. The song was co-written and produced by Spinall and the music video for the track was released on 21 January 2022 and shot and directed in Lagos, Nigeria by Dammy Twitch.
The third single, "Palazzo", features Asake and was produced by Magicsticks, co-written by Olamide and engineered by Eskeez. The song was released on 13 May 2022 and the music video was shot and directed by TG Omori.
The fourth single, "Power (Remember Who You Are) is a collaborative single with Spinall, Summer Walker, DJ Snake and Äyanna. It was released on 9 September 2022 along with its music video and was produced by The Eggman, Spinall, DJ Snake and Unknown Nick. The record was mixed by Dr. Dre, Dos Dias and Quentin Gilkey, engineered by JB Made It, and mastered by Brian Gardner.
The fifth single, "Top Mama" is a mid-tempo Amapiano song featuring Reekado Banks, Phyno and Ntosh Gazi. The song was released on 12 October 2022 and produced by Spinall, Caltonic SA and NKVY. The video was directed by The Alien.
The sixth single is the remix to "Power (Remember Who You Are)". It was released on 11 November 2022 and was remixed with South African rapper Nasty C.
The seventh single, "Bunda" features Kemuel and Olamide. It was produced by Ozedikus and released on 20 January 2023. The music video for "Bunda" was directed by TG Omori.
Critical reception
Top Boy received generally positive reviews from music critics. Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria described it as "an album that offers something to every listener while also highlighting the abilities and ambitions of its curator", praising its blend of amapiano] elements and Afrobeats themes. He awarded it an 8.0 out of 10. Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku of Afrocritik characterized Top Boy as "an exhibition of what is possible when albums are music-driven, talent-focused, network-bolstered, and intentionally crafted," awarding it a 7 out of 10. Emmanuel Esomnofu, writing for The Native, called it "arguably the best album Spinall has created" and added that it "finally solidifies his artistry."