Following his attendance at the 67th Grammy Awards, where he was narrowly defeated by Tems in the Best African Music Performance category, Asake has unexpectedly released a new single titled ‘Military.’

The song, which dropped on Wednesday without any prior notice, seems to serve as a reaction to his critics and a declaration of his creative independence.

The title and lyrics of the track reflect what Asake describes as his “military era.” At the Grammy event, he sported a two-piece military camouflage outfit and shared with Billboard that he is currently in a phase of pursuing what brings him joy.

Despite his artistic expression, the 30-year-old artist has faced criticism and mixed reactions regarding his fashion choices, which have been a topic of discussion since January.

In ‘Military,’ Asake reinforces his position with lyrics that challenge his critics and assert his autonomy within the music industry.

A notable aspect of the track is Asake’s homage to his former label head, Olamide Baddo. He acknowledges Olamide’s significant influence on his career and expresses his appreciation for the support he has received.

This tribute comes at a time when Asake has recently removed YBNL from his Instagram bio, sparking speculation about his current relationship with the label and Olamide.

Additionally, the timing of this tribute coincides with a social media dispute involving Portable, who accused Olamide of favoritism towards Asake. Portable also released a diss track titled “Your Papa No Be Army,” which ridicules Asake for his military attire, implying that appearance alone does not guarantee success.

These events have prompted discussions among fans regarding whether the ‘Military’ single indirectly responds to Portable’s criticisms.

Musically, "Military" showcases Asake's distinctive blend of Fuji-infused Afrobeats, incorporating a sample from 2Pac's 1997 track "Do For Love." 

This fusion results in a captivating auditory experience that merges nostalgic elements with modern Nigerian street music. Asake's vibrant delivery enhances the song's assertive and rebellious spirit.

A prominent theme in the song is Asake's rebuttal to critics who challenge his extensive use of Yoruba in his work. The "Sungba" artist boldly asserts that English feels unnatural to him, rejecting societal pressures to conform. The line "Oyinbo ko ro l’enu mi" ("English is not sweet in my mouth") powerfully counters linguistic scrutiny within the music industry.

With a confident flair, Asake proclaims his dominance over his contemporaries, claiming to be the wealthiest among them. He emphasizes that his main priority is financial success rather than engaging in rivalries within the industry. His lyrics reflect a strong sense of self-assurance that resonates with his ongoing commercial achievements.

Key takeaways

A detailed examination of Military’s lyrics uncovers the essential messages conveyed by Asake.

  • On Olamide: “Shout out to Olamide Baddo, Idan (Characterized by success and influence).”
  • On Critics: “Talk your shit; I know you love to run your mouth. Man, f**k that s**t, get out of here.”
  • On His Status: “I can drop an album tomorrow if I feel like it. I can release the seven-tracklist all at once. I’ve got more money than all my set.”
  • On Language and Identity: “English is not sweet in my mouth.”
These lines encapsulate Asake’s spirit of defiance, appreciation, and self-assurance within a single track.

Shortly after its release, Asake’s ‘Military’ ignited conversations online, with fans lauding his authenticity, Yoruba lyricism, and fearless attitude. Some drew parallels between his style and Portable’s more aggressive methods.

Nevertheless, some critics express concern that his boldness could alienate certain listeners, raising questions about whether his assertion of being the wealthiest among his contemporaries is a genuine fact or merely artistic bravado.

‘Military’ stands as both a musical and lyrical declaration for Asake. It underscores his dedication to creating music on his own terms, honors his cultural heritage, and rejects the pressures of the industry. The Grammy-nominated artist has proclaimed his “military era”—and all signs indicate he is resolute in this stance.