King of Queens (album)


King of Queens is the first debut studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade. It was released by Effyzzie Music Group on October 2, 2014. Yemi Alade collaborated with producers such as Selebobo, Sizzle Pro, Shady Bizniz, Philkeyz, Young D, GospelOnDeBeatz, DIL, OJB Jezreel, Mr Chidoo, Fliptyce, EL Mcee and Beat Nation. The album was preceded by three singles—"Johnny", "Tangerine" and "Kissing". It features guest appearances and skits from Bovi, R2Bees, Phyno, Chidinma, DIL, Selebobo and Diamond Platnumz. Yemi Alade promoted the album by touring several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. The album's deluxe edition was released in November 2014, and contains French versions of songs originally performed in English. Its cover art was unveiled on October 21, 2014. According to the music platform A Nation of Billions, King of Queens sold over 100,000 copies.

Background and composition

Yemi Alade recorded the album between 2013 and 2014. In May 2014, Effyzzie Music Group revealed the album's title and told Nigeria Entertainment Today it would be released in July 2014. The Daily Times of Nigeria later reported the album would be released in September 2014. Yemi Alade collaborated with producers such as Selebobo, Sizzle Pro, Shady Bizniz, Philkeyz, Young D, GospelOnDeBeatz, DIL, OJB Jezreel, Mr Chidoo, Fliptyce, EL Mcee and Beat Nation. King of Queens was preceded by three singles—"Johnny", "Tangerine" and "Kissing". It features guest appearances and skits from Bovi, R2Bees, Phyno, Chidinma, DIL, Selebobo and Diamond Platnumz. Yemi Alade promoted the album by touring several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. The album's deluxe edition was released in November 2014 and contains French versions of songs originally performed in English. Its cover art was unveiled on October 21, 2014. According to the music platform A Nation of Billions, King of Queens sold over 100,000 copies.
King of Queens is a mixture of Afropop, reggae and R&B. In the slow-tempo reggae track "Why", Yemi Alade explores her versatility. She infuses her personality in "Pose". "Duro Timi" is an R&B song with a pop undertone. In the slow cuddle song "Catch You", Yemi Alade creates sexual rhythm and raps towards the end. "Money" is a reincarnation of "Johnny". Hausa vibes are included on "I Like". "Sugar" is an electro pop song while "Fall in Love" is a ballad that pays tribute to R&B of the 80s.

Singles

The Selebobo-produced track "Johnny" was released on October 14, 2013, as the album's lead single. The music video for "Johnny" was uploaded to Yemi Alade's Vevo channel on March 3, 2014. It was directed in Ogun State by Clarence Peters and features cameo appearances from Bovi, Alexx Ekubo and Beverly Osu. The French version of "Johnny" was released on May 20, 2014 and was included as a bonus on the album. By releasing the song, Yemi Alade became the first Nigerian musician to release a song entirely performed in French.
The album's second single "Tangerine" was released on April 14, 2014. The song was also produced by Selebobo. The accompanying music video for "Tangerine" was also directed by Clarence Peters; it was uploaded to Vevo on July 8, 2014. Prior to releasing the video, Effyzzie Music Group unveiled footage and shots from the video shoot. The album's third single "Kissing" was released on September 10, 2014. It was produced by Fliptyce and is considered a groovy mid-tempo love song. On October 16, 2014, Effyzzie Music Group released the music video for "Kissing", which was directed by Sesan in London.
"Taking Over Me" was released as the album's fourth single. Its music video was directed by Justin Campos and Taiye Aliyu. On March 13, 2015, Yemi Alade released the album's fifth single "Temperature"; the song features vocals by British-Nigerian singer DIL. The accompanying music video for "Temperature" was directed by Ovié Étseyatsé. "Duro Timi" was released as the album's sixth single. Its music video was shot and directed in London by Ova.

Critical reception

King of Queens received generally mixed reviews from music critics. Ayomide Tayo of Pulse Nigeria awarded the album 3.5 stars out of 5, praising Yemi Alade for "stamping her authority on so many genres" and commending her for "crafting local pop tracks and delivering slow love songs with a regal glow." Al Yhusuff and Jim Donnett granted the album 3 stars out of 5, calling it "decent" and saying "pressures and some careless choices might have swayed a couple of decisions" on it.

Accolades

King of Queens was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2015. The album was also nominated for Album of the Year at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
YearAwards ceremonyAward descriptionResults
2015The HeadiesBest R&B/Pop Album
2015The HeadiesAlbum of the Year
2015Nigeria Entertainment AwardsAlbum of the Year

Track listing

;Notes
Credits adapted from the back cover of King of Queens.