I Told Them...
Studio album by
Burna Boy
Released25 August 2023 (2023-08-25)
Length41:35
Label
Producer
  • 255
  • Adrian X
  • Danitello
  • EJ Fya
  • Harper Gordon
  • Jay Blu
  • Kelly Blatz
  • Kofo
  • LeriQ
  • LiTek
  • MD$
  • Mag
  • Mikewavvs
  • Miles
  • Modra
  • Otis
  • P2J
  • Ruuben
  • RZA
  • Ashton Sellars
  • Skread
  • Spaceship Billy
  • Steel Banglez
  • Telz
  • Jay Weathers
  • WhyJay
  • Yeti Beats
  • Ztekk Records
Burna Boy chronology
Love, Damini
(2022)		 I Told Them...
(2023)
Singles from I Told Them...
  1. "Sittin' on Top of the World"
    Released: 23 June 2023
  2. "Talibans II"
    Released: 21 July 2023
  3. "Big 7"
    Released: 27 July 2023
  4. "Cheat on Me"
    Released: 22 August 2023
  5. "City Boys"
    Released: 22 September 2023

I Told Them... is the seventh studio album by Nigerian singer Burna Boy. It was released on 25 August 2023, through Atlantic, Spaceship Records, and Bad Habit. The album features guest appearances from 21 Savage, Dave, Seyi Vibez, J. Cole, GZA and RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, and Byron Messia. The album was preceded by four singles, "Sittin' on Top of the World", "Talibans II", "Big 7", and "Cheat on Me".

Background and singles

In support of his sixth studio album Love, Damini (2022), Ogulu embarked on a global tour starting in May 2022,[1] with dates in North America, Europe and Africa. On 3 June 2023, he performed in front of a sold-out 60,000 crowd at the London Stadium, becoming the first African artist to headline a stadium tour in the UK.[2] Reacting to this achievement, Ogulu first alluded to the album title, saying, "I told them that I'm a genius".[3]

The first single "Sittin' on Top of the World" was released on 1 June 2023, supported by a remix featuring 21 Savage three weeks later.[4] On 21 July, he shared another single titled "Talibans II" with Byron Messia.[5] Ogulu announced the album on 27 July.[6] The announcement was accompanied by an album trailer and the release of the single "Big 7".[7] The song arrived with a Benny Boom-directed music video, featuring cameos by RZA, Busta Rhymes, Junior Mafia and Shameik Moore.[8] On 22 August, Burna released the fourth single titled "Cheat On Me" featuring UK rapper Dave.[9]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
African Folder8.2/10[10]
All Music[11]
The Arts Desk[12]
Evening Standard[13]
The Guardian[14]
The Independent[15]
NME[16]
NotJustOk7.7/10[17]
Pitchfork7.8/10[18]

I Told Them... received generally positive reviews from music critics. Betty Godson from NotJustOk noted that the "songs blend delightfully into each other" while noting that "the first interlude doesn’t seem to fit in as seamlessly as the other tracks." She concluded her review by noting that Burna "makes use of different sonic elements to achieve the impressive sound of the album" while stating that his "delivery is strong and charismatic."[17] Writing for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis spoke on the album's production, noting that "[it] hones Burna Boy’s sprawling influences into music that feels punchy, inimitable and impressively streamlined." He notes that "you certainly hear a lot more about his manifold wonderfulness, success and skills in the bedroom" while also stating that "the album is liberally sprinkled with the sound of punches being thrown and flying kicks hitting their target." He concluded his review as he noted that "the melodies alone are strong enough to drill deep into your memory."[14] African Folder's Bomi Anifowose states that it "is a remarkable album that further accentuates Burna Boy’s spot as one of the most dynamic and gifted African artists of his generation despite being on the verge of a seeming self-destruct."[10] Oyebanji Akins of CTDAmongblacks podcast in his review said that Burna Boy is working to bring Black Americans and Africans closer.[19]

Ben Jolley from NME stated that the album indicates Burna Boy's "rightful confidence, and acknowledging that Afrofusion king’s ascendance to worldwide fame has been decade-long and not overnight." He continues to state that "there’s plenty of radio-ready gold to enjoy in the album’s many singalong choruses and interesting production choices" while concluding his review by writing that the album "is not only more memorable and focused than its expansive predecessor, but it’s his strongest album yet."[16] The Independent's Helen Brown stated that the album has an "easygoing mix of Afro-pop, rap and R&B," continuing that it's "soft, nourishing and moreish as if it’s steaming off freshly baked bread." She notes that Burna "keeps your attention throughout" the album, concluding her review as she stated that "his album is loaded with texture and pleasant melody, all held together by Ogulu’s appealing voice. Not a work of genius, but richly and lovingly crafted."[15]

Writing for Pitchfork, Julianne Escobedo Shepherd began his review by writing that the album "is succinct and grand as an opening salvo." He notes that Burna Boy "steps further into Afro-fusion, the pan-African genre he’s claimed for his music" and that his "undeniable voice—low and warm, raspy and pooling with intensity—is the unifying force." Comparing it to the Wu-Tang Clan's boom-bap-type beats, he writes that "the album is a valid project as Burna Boy further explores the ’90s U.S. hip-hop he grew up loving, preemptively hedging scepticism." Concluding his review, he states that "Burna Boy has more than established himself; I Told Them is an adventurous promise that he won’t become complacent."[18]

Year-end lists

Select year-end rankings of I Told Them...
Publication List Rank Ref.
Rolling Stone The 100 Best Albums of 2023
71
Time Out The 30 best albums of 2023
6

Commercial performance

I Told Them... debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, selling 14,164 album-equivalent units in the first week, becoming Burna Boy's first number-one album.[22] Being the first number one album ever on the chart by an African artist, the achievement was regarded as a landmark moment in afrobeats history.[23] Singles "Sittin' on Top of the World", "Big 7", and three other songs for the album charted on the UK Singles Chart: "Sittin' on Top of the World" (36), "Big 7" (53), "Cheat on Me" (19) and "City Boys" (14). UK chart rules prevent artists from having more than three songs in the top 40 at once, otherwise, Burna Boy's album would have generated further new entries in the countdown.[24]

The album also debuted at number 31 in the US after selling 21,000 copies in the country in its first week.[25]

Track listing

I Told Them... track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."I Told Them" (featuring GZA)
3:09
2."Normal"
  • Ogulu
  • Marco Daniel Borrero
Mag2:04
3."On Form"
3:42
4."Sittin' on Top of the World" (featuring 21 Savage)
Skread3:08
5."Tested, Approved & Trusted"
3:40
6."Cheat on Me" (featuring Dave)
  • LiTek
  • WhyJay
  • Jay Blu
3:42
7."Virgil"
  • Danitello
  • MD$
1:07
8."Big 7"
  • Ogulu
  • Santeri Kauppinen
  • Miles
  • Otis Millstone
  • Daniel Okas
  • Michael Washington Jr.
  • Danitello
  • MD$
  • Mikewavvs
  • Otis
  • Miles
2:23
9."Dey Play"
2:33
10."City Boys"
  • MD$
  • Ruuben
2:33
11."Giza" (featuring Seyi Vibez)
  • Ogulu
  • Loseyi Balogun
  • Olanite Olaoluwa Elijah
Modra2:59
12."12 Jewels" (featuring RZA)Robert Fitzgerald DiggsRZA0:27
13."If I'm Lying"
Steel Banglez3:17
14."Thanks" (featuring J. Cole)
  • Sellars
  • Jay Weathers
3:36
15."Talibans II" (with Byron Messia)
  • Ogulu
  • Byron Messia
  • Onugba Enojo Paul
  • EJ Fya
  • Spaceship Billy
  • Ztekk Records
2:56
Total length:41:35

Note

  • ^[a] signifies an additional producer.

Personnel

Charts

Chart performance for I Told Them...
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[26] 56
Australian Hip Hop/R&B Albums (ARIA)[27] 14
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[28] 39
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[29] 20
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[30] 11
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[31] 18
Danish Albums (Hitlisten)[32] 13
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[33] 2
French Albums (SNEP)[34] 6
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[35] 46
Irish Albums (OCC)[36] 25
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[37] 12
Nigeria Albums (TurnTable)[38] 1
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[39] 6
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[40] 7
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[41] 7
UK Albums (OCC)[42] 1
UK R&B Albums (OCC)[43] 1
US Billboard 200[44] 31
US World Albums (Billboard)[45] 2

Certifications

Certifications for I Told Them...
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Nigeria (TCSN)[46] Platinum 50,000[47]
United Kingdom (BPI)[48] Silver 60,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ↑ Strauss, Matthew (16 May 2022). "Burna Boy Announces Summer 2022 Tour Dates". Pitchfork. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  2. ↑ Farooq, Iqra; Mansfield, Mitch (5 June 2023). "Burna Boy makes history with sold-out London Stadium gig". BBC. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  3. ↑ Ayodele, Racheal (5 June 2023). "I told them I'm a genius – Burna Boy brags after selling out London stadium". Daily Post (Nigeria). Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  4. ↑ Griffin, Marc (27 June 2023). "Burna Boy, 21 Savage Channel '90s Energy In "Sittin' On Top Of The World" Video". Vibe. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  5. ↑ Anderson, Carys; Vito, Jo (28 July 2023). "Burna Boy Announces New Album I Told Them…, Shares "Big 7": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  6. ↑ Bras Nevares, Gabriel (28 July 2023). "Burna Boy Preps For Upcoming Album With New Single, "Big 7"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  7. ↑ Lindert, Hattie (27 July 2023). "Burna Boy Announces New Album, Shares Video for New Song "Big 7": Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  8. ↑ Zemler, Emily (28 July 2023). "Burna Boy Announces New Album, Rolls Out 'Big 7' Single". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  9. ↑ "Burna Boy And Dave Collab For "Cheat On Me"". www.hotnewhiphop.com. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  10. 1 2 Anifowose, Bomi (25 August 2023). "I Told Them By Burna Boy: More Hip-Hop, Less Afrobeats". African Folder. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  11. ↑ Monger, Timothy (25 August 2023). "Burna Boy - I Told Them... Album Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  12. ↑ Muggs, Joe (1 September 2023). "Album: Burna Boy - I Told Them..." The Arts Desk. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  13. ↑ Smyth, David (30 August 2023). "Burna Boy: I Told Them review – flaunts his talent over great pop melodies". Evening Standard. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  14. 1 2 Petridis, Alexis (25 August 2023). "Burna Boy: I Told Them review – Afrobeats superstar punches closer to the mainstream". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  15. 1 2 Brown, Helen (25 August 2023). "Burna Boy, I Told Them... review: Nigerian star pulls his punches on a lovingly crafted but middling new album". The Independent. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  16. 1 2 Jolley, Ben (25 August 2023). "Burna Boy – 'I Told Them…' review: titan of Afrofusion takes a well-deserved victory lap". NME. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  17. 1 2 Godson, Betty (25 August 2023). "Burna Boy dumps Afrobeats on his new album, 'I Told Them'". NotJustOk. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  18. 1 2 Shepherd, Julianne Escobedo (30 August 2023). "Burna Boy: I Told Them... Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  19. ↑ "Burna Boy working to bring Black Americans and Africans closer – Oyabanji Akins". Dailytimes. 27 August 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  20. ↑ C., N. (30 November 2023). "The 100 Best Albums of 2023". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  21. ↑ Wilkinson, Chiara (1 December 2023). "The 30 best albums of 2023". Time Out. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  22. ↑ "'A global music juggernaut': Austin Daboh toasts Burna Boy's No.1 & promises more success". Music Week. 6 September 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  23. ↑ "Everything you need to know about Afrobeats: a timeline". Official charts. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  24. ↑ Brandle, Lars (3 September 2023). "Burna Boy Makes U.K. Chart History With I Told Them...". Billboard. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  25. ↑ Nevares, Gabriel Bras (3 September 2023). "Russ Questions Burna Boy's U.S. First Week Sales For I Told Them...". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  26. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 4 September 2023". The ARIA Report. No. 1748. Australian Recording Industry Association. 4 September 2023. p. 6.
  27. ↑ "ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  28. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Burna Boy – I Told Them..." (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  29. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Burna Boy – I Told Them..." (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  30. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Burna Boy – I Told Them..." (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  31. ↑ "Burna Boy Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  32. ↑ "Hitlisten.NU Album Top-40 Uge 35, 2023". Hitlisten. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  33. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Burna Boy – I Told Them..." (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  34. ↑ "Top Albums (Week 35, 2023)". Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  35. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Burna Boy – I Told Them..." (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  36. ↑ "Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  37. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  38. ↑ "TurnTable Charts Official Top 50 Albums". www.turntablecharts.com. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  39. ↑ "Album 2023 uke 35". VG-lista. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  40. ↑ "Veckolista Album, vecka 35". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  41. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Burna Boy – I Told Them...". Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  42. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  43. ↑ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  44. ↑ "Burna Boy Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  45. ↑ "Burna Boy Chart History (World Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  46. ↑ "TurnTable Certification". www.turntablecharts.com. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  47. ↑ "Burna Boy Makes History With 11 Plaques: A Triumph In Nigeria's Music Industry". www.turntablecharts.com.
  48. ↑ "British album certifications – Burna Boy – I Told Them". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
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