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I Told Them...
I Told Them...
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I Told Them...
Studio album by
Released25 August 2023 (2023-08-25)
Recorded2022–2023
Length41:35
Language
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)
No Sign of Weakness
(2025)
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
  6. "Tested, Approved & Trusted"
    Released: 4 April 2024

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic78/100[10]
Review scores
SourceRating
African Folder8.2/10[11]
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[12]
The Arts DeskStarStarStarStar[13]
Evening StandardStarStarStarStar[14]
The GuardianStarStarStarStar[15]
The IndependentStarStarStar[16]
NMEStarStarStarStar[17]
NotJustOk7.7/10[18]
Pitchfork7.8/10[19]

I Told Them... received generally positive reviews from music critics; at review aggregator Metacritic, it received a score of 78 out of 100 based on seven critics' reviews.[10] Betty Godson from NotJustOk noted 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."[18] 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."[15] Oyebanji Akins of CTDAmongblacks podcast in his review said that Burna Boy is working to bring Black Americans and Africans closer.[20]

Ben Jolley from NME stated 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."[17] The Independent's Helen Brown stated that the album is "richly and lovingly crafted, with easygoing mix of Afro-pop, rap and R&B, loaded with texture and pleasant melody, all held together by Ogulu's appealing voice.[16]

Writing for Pitchfork, Julianne Escobedo Shepherd wrote that the album "is succinct and grand as an opening salvo, which explores the '90s U.S. hip-hop he grew up loving, preemptively hedging scepticism."[19]

Year-end lists

[edit]
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

[edit]

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.[23] Becoming the first number one album ever on the chart by an African artist.[24] 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.[25]

The album also debuted at number 31 in the US after selling 21,000 copies in the country in its first week.[26]

Track listing

[edit]
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
Notes

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

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

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for I Told Them...
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Nigeria (TCSN)[47] 3× Platinum 150,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[48] Gold 100,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
I Told Them... is the seventh studio by Nigerian and rapper . It was released on August 25, 2023, through , , and Bad Habit . The album comprises 15 tracks and features guest appearances from artists including , , , Dave, , Seyi Vibez, and Byron Messia. Blending with hip-hop, R&B, and influences, it explores themes of success, self-assurance, and cultural pride. Preceding Burna Boy's previous release, (2022), I Told Them... was announced in July 2023 with singles such as "Sittin' On Top of the World" featuring , "Big 7," and "Talibans II" with Byron Messia. The album's production incorporates nostalgic 1990s hip-hop elements alongside contemporary Afropop sounds, reflecting Burna Boy's evolution as a global artist. Upon release, it received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its streamlined energy and vocal swagger, though some noted its emphasis on bravado over deeper introspection. Commercially, I Told Them... achieved significant success, debuting at number one on the and marking the first time a Nigerian artist's album topped the ranking. It also entered the at number 23 in the United States, peaked at number two, and spent 43 weeks on the World Albums chart as of November 2025; it has been certified gold in the UK and platinum in . The project solidified Burna Boy's status as a leading figure in , contributing to the genre's mainstream crossover.

Background and development

Inspiration and conception

The album I Told Them... was conceived as a follow-up to Burna Boy's 2022 release , with the aim of further blending his signature Afro-fusion sound with broader mainstream appeal while exploring themes of personal growth and the pressures of the music industry. This direction stemmed from Burna Boy's desire to evolve his artistry amid rising global expectations, maintaining authenticity in his expression of triumphs and challenges. A pivotal moment in the album's inception came after Burna Boy's sold-out performance at on June 3, 2023, where 60,000 fans attended, marking the first time an African artist headlined a UK stadium and evoking a profound sense of triumph and reflection on his career trajectory. This milestone, following the success of Love, Damini and subsequent tours, reinforced his position as a global force and motivated a project that celebrated hard-won achievements against doubters. The conception drew specific influences from Burna Boy's dual experiences in Nigeria and his extensive global tours, including the vibrant energy of cities like New York that echoed , fostering a commitment to advancing closer to mainstream audiences without diluting his cultural roots in and Nigerian heritage. These journeys provided clarity on personal and artistic evolution, shaping an album that balances universal accessibility with rooted authenticity.

Recording and production

The production of I Told Them... was led by a team of producers who incorporated a mix of foundations with hip-hop, trap, and influences across the album's 15 tracks. Key contributors included , who produced "On Form"; Skread, responsible for the lead single "Sittin' On Top Of The World"; , who handled "If I'm Lying"; and the title track "I Told Them" featuring , which incorporated hip-hop elements. Other notable producers on the project were Telz, Leriq, and MD$. The recording process highlighted collaborations with international guest artists, including on "Sittin' On Top Of The World," Dave on "Cheat On Me," on "Thanks," and Byron Messia on "Talibans II," alongside GZA's verse on the opener. These features were integrated to enhance the album's global appeal while preserving Burna Boy's signature sound, with production techniques focusing on layered rhythms and vocal samples to bridge Afrobeat's live-feel percussion with trap beats and inflections.

Music and lyrics

Musical style and composition

I Told Them... is predominantly characterized by Afro-fusion, blending core elements with influences from , hip-hop, R&B, and to create a streamlined, punchy sound across its 15 tracks, which total 41 minutes and 35 seconds. The album draws on 1990s U.S. hip-hop nostalgia, including Wu-Tang Clan-inspired samples, while incorporating rhythms and Afro-Cuban percussion for a pan-African pop aesthetic that feels both global and rooted. The production emphasizes rhythmic drive through live drums like congas, languid horn sections such as , and shimmering synths, alongside sparkling guitar lines and smooth basslines that propel the tracks forward. Trap beats underpin songs like "Talibans II," infusing high-energy percussion with flair, while vibes appear on "Sittin' on Top of the World," enhanced by vocal samples from Brandy for a nostalgic, layered texture. variations and dynamic shifts, such as amapiano-inspired grooves on "Giza," contribute to the album's fluid structural flow, balancing upbeat hooks with introspective moments. Guest artists significantly shape the sonic palette, with 21 Savage's gritty rap verse on "Sittin' on Top of the World" adding hip-hop edge to its reggae-infused backdrop, and J. Cole's introspective delivery on "Thanks" layering thoughtful hip-hop introspection over rhythms. Other contributions, like on "Giza," introduce oriental and mobster-like vibes through beats, while Dave on "Cheat on Me" brings cadences that complement the R&B undertones. These elements culminate in a cohesive yet eclectic composition that prioritizes infectious grooves and genre-blending innovation.

Themes and songwriting

The album I Told Them... explores central themes of success, betrayal, resilience, and cultural pride, mirroring Burna Boy's evolution from an emerging artist to a global icon in and beyond. These motifs are woven through autobiographical narratives that highlight personal triumphs and challenges, often drawing from the artist's Nigerian roots and international experiences. Success emerges prominently as a theme of validation and self-assurance, particularly in the title track "I Told Them...," where Burna Boy asserts his genius and influence with lines like "I told them I’m a genius, I had to show them what the meaning is," reflecting his journey of proving doubters wrong. This boastful tone extends to tracks like "Sittin’ on Top of the World," featuring , which celebrates achievements through playful yet confident about dominance and allure. and emotional contrast this bravado, as seen in "Cheat on Me" with Dave, which delves into infidelity and relational pain, using a flipped sample to underscore themes of trust shattered in personal connections. Resilience surfaces in songs addressing perseverance amid adversity, such as "Thanks" featuring , where expresses frustration and determination with lyrics like "is this the mother fucking thanks I get, for making my people proud every chance I get?," capturing the emotional toll of relentless ambition. Cultural pride is evoked through tributes to heritage and influential figures, notably in "Big 7," which honors the late and symbolizes aspirational growth tied to Nigerian and African identity, with the number seven representing and maturity in the artist's career. Burna Boy's songwriting style emphasizes autobiographical storytelling, blending raw personal anecdotes with linguistic flair to authentically convey his narrative. He frequently incorporates English and Yoruba phrases, grounding the in Nigerian for cultural depth and , as evident in verses that mix local idioms with universal sentiments of triumph and struggle. Collaborations further diversify these perspectives, such as Seyi Vibez's contribution to "Giza," which infuses local Nigerian vibes and streetwise narratives, enhancing the album's exploration of communal pride and regional experiences. This approach not only reinforces the themes but also bridges personal introspection with broader socio-cultural resonance.

Release and promotion

Singles

The lead single from I Told Them..., "Sittin' on Top of the World" featuring , was released on June 1, 2023. The track, which samples Brandy's 1998 song "Top of the World," peaked at number 80 on the and reached number 6 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Its music video, directed by , depicts scenes of opulent lifestyles with luxury vehicles and high-end fashion, blending rhythms with hip-hop elements to highlight themes of success and extravagance rooted in Nigerian aspiration. "Talibans II," a remix of Byron Messia's original track featuring , followed as the second single on July 21, 2023. The collaboration gained massive traction on , where and dance challenges propelled it to viral status, contributing to its peak at number 3 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. The accompanying video, filmed in and directed by 20k Visuals, incorporates aesthetics with subtle nods to Caribbean-Nigerian cultural fusion, emphasizing rhythmic energy and street-style luxury. On July 27, 2023, released "Big 7" as the third single, coinciding with the album's promotional buildup. The song, which reached number 5 on the U.S. Songs chart, features braggadocious lyrics about achievements and features a music video directed by showcasing in lavish settings like yachts and exotic cars, underscoring motifs of triumph and Nigerian opulence. The fourth single, "Cheat on Me" featuring Dave, arrived on August 22, 2023, just before the album's release. It peaked at number 7 on the U.S. Songs chart and earned a silver in the UK for 200,000 units sold. The track's video highlights interpersonal drama amid upscale urban environments, with visual elements drawing on Nigerian traditions through dynamic . Post-album, "City Boys" was issued as the fifth single on September 22, 2023, and received a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance in 2024. It topped the U.S. Songs chart at number 2 year-end and amassed over 244 million streams on as of November 2025. The song also received RIAA certification on October 29, 2025, for 500,000 units. The music video portrays vibrant city nightlife and luxury partying, celebrating Nigerian with colorful visuals of Lagos-inspired scenes and high-fashion attire. In 2024, "Tested, Approved & Trusted" was promoted as the sixth single on April 4, with a emphasizing reliability and elite status through depictions of trusted entourages in luxurious, culturally infused Nigerian settings. These releases were supported by strategic campaigns and playlist placements on platforms like and , driving cross-cultural promotion ahead of the I Told Them... tour.

Marketing and tour

The album I Told Them... was released on August 25, 2023, through , , and Bad Habit, with pre-release hype generated via announcements and teasers, including the official reveal on July 28 alongside the single "Big 7". Promotional efforts also featured listening parties, such as an exclusive event in on August 16 and a post-release gathering in on August 27, to build anticipation among fans. Marketing strategies encompassed visual campaigns like a hand-graffitied billboard in for the lead single "Big 7", alongside strategic placements on playlists such as the artist's official collection and tour setlist compilations to amplify streams. A short documentary-style interview with on further highlighted the album's inspiration, including influences from a pivotal performance. The supporting "I Told Them... Tour" commenced in late 2023, kicking off November 3 in at and including stadium dates across , such as in on December 19-20, and , with a headline show at London's on June 29, 2024. The tour extended into early 2024 with additional North American and European stops but saw no major expansions announced for 2025, though it aligned with the album's Grammy momentum, including a 2024 performance of nominated tracks like "Sittin' on Top of the World".

Critical reception

Reviews from critics

_I Told Them... received generally positive reviews from music critics. On , the album holds a score of 78 out of 100, based on seven critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception. Critics widely praised Burna Boy's charisma and the album's polished production, which streamlines his diverse influences into punchy, accessible tracks. awarded it four out of five stars, lauding its "swaggering" energy and "impressively streamlined" sound that hones with sparkling guitars and basslines, while highlighting Burna Boy's "manifold wonderfulness." Similarly, gave four stars, calling it Burna Boy's "strongest album yet" for its memorable hooks and innovative fusions, with collaborations like those with Dave on "Cheat on Me" and creating "pure magic" and surefire hits. rated it 7.8 out of 10, commending the adventurous blend of pan-African pop and hip-hop influences, noting standout experimentation on tracks like "." Some reviewers pointed to occasional formulaic elements amid the bravado. critiqued tracks like "Thanks," featuring , for falling into a "superstar trap" with self-referential that feel misguidedly defensive rather than innovative. The album drew comparisons to Burna Boy's prior works, such as , with critics noting an evolution toward greater pop accessibility while preserving Afrobeat's core essence. described it as more focused than the expansive , building on 's global breakthroughs to deliver a "victory lap" of anthems. observed a shift from 's "wallpapery niceness," emphasizing Burna Boy's growth in translating cultural roots into broader appeal without complacency. highlighted its mainstream punch as a refined step forward, eschewing overt political themes for vibrant, hook-driven accessibility.

Accolades and year-end lists

"I Told Them..." received significant recognition at the in 2024, where the album was nominated for Best Global Music Album, while the track "" earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance. These nominations marked a continuation of Burna Boy's Grammy success, contributing to his streak of five album nominations in the category across his career. At the 67th Annual in 2025, the track "Sittin' On Top of the World" (featuring ) was nominated for Best Melodic Rap Performance but did not win, with the award going to featuring for "3:AM". The album was nominated for Outstanding Album at the 55th in 2024. The album also garnered nominations at the , including Best African Act, which aligned with promotional efforts for the release. In year-end rankings, "I Told Them..." placed at number 71 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Albums of 2023. It ranked sixth on Time Out's 30 Best Albums of 2023.
PublicationRankingList Title
Rolling Stone71The 100 Best Albums of 2023
Time Out6The 30 Best Albums of 2023
Despite no major wins at the 2025 , the album's impact persisted, bolstered by Burna Boy's ongoing acclaim in global music circles.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

I Told Them... debuted at number one on the , becoming the first album to achieve this feat and Burna Boy's first chart-topping album in the country. In the United States, it entered the at number 31 in its first week. The album also debuted at number one on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 Albums Chart, marking Burna Boy's first leader on that ranking. The album peaked at number 2 on the World Albums Chart and has spent over 43 weeks on the chart as of September 2025. It charted across 19 countries worldwide, demonstrating its global appeal. Notable peaks included number 2 in the , number 6 in , number 18 in , and a top 10 entry on Australia's Hip Hop/R&B Albums Chart.
Country/ChartPeak PositionSource
UK Albums (OCC)1Official Charts
Billboard 20031Billboard
World Albums (Billboard)2Billboard
Nigeria Top 50 Albums (TurnTable)1TurnTable Charts
Netherlands Albums (MegaCharts)2Dutch Charts
France Albums (SNEP)6SNEP
Albums (Billboard)18Billboard
The album exhibited strong longevity, remaining on the for over 40 weeks as of 2025. Its sustained performance was supported by robust streaming from singles like "Talibans II", which enhanced its visibility on global streaming platforms and contributed to ongoing chart presence.

Sales and certifications

In its debut week, I Told Them... sold 21,000 album-equivalent units , with the majority derived from streaming activity. The album also recorded 14,164 units during the same period. Global consumption estimates surpassed 500,000 units by the end of 2024. By November 2025, the album had accumulated over 1.5 billion streams on , propelled primarily by the strong performance of its singles such as "Talibans II" and "Sittin' On Top of the World." The project earned several certifications worldwide, including 3× status in for 150,000 units sold. In the , it received a Gold certification from the , representing 100,000 units. It was awarded Gold in by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique and in by the , with no additional certifications reported in 2025 beyond these achievements.

Track listing and personnel

Standard edition track listing

The standard edition of I Told Them... contains 15 tracks, all written by Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (professionally known as ) with additional writing credits to featured artists on applicable songs. Production credits vary by track and include contributions from producers such as (on "On Form"), harper, Kofo, and Telz (on "I Told Them"), MAG (on "Normal"), and LeriQ alongside 255 (on "Dey Play"), among others like and Chopstix.
No.TitleFeaturingLength
1"I Told Them"3:09
2"Normal"2:04
3"On Form"3:43
4"Sittin' On Top of the World"3:08
5"Tested, Approved & Trusted"3:40
6"Cheat on Me"Dave3:42
7"Virgil"1:19
8"Big 7"2:23
9"Dey Play"2:33
10"City Boys"2:33
11"Giza"2:59
12"12 Jewels"0:27
13"If I'm Lying"3:17
14"Thanks"3:36
15"Talibans II"Byron Messia2:56
The track listing and durations are based on the standard digital and physical releases.

Personnel

Burna Boy provided lead vocals on all tracks. The album features guest vocals from several artists, including on "I Told Them...", 21 Savage on "Sittin' On Top Of The World", Dave on "Cheat On Me", on "Giza", on "12 Jewels", on "Thanks", and Byron Messia on "Talibans II". Production credits are shared among multiple contributors, including harper gordon, Kofo, Telz, 255, Adrian X, Ashton Sellars, Danitello, EJ Fya, Jay Blu, and . Additional production was handled by Ashton Sellars, while contributed additional vocals. Mixing was led by Jesse Ray Ernster, with assistance from Joe Brice. Mastering was performed by Gerhard Westphalen. A&R administration was overseen by Irene Sourlis. Artwork was created by Sarjoey.

References

  1. https://www.[billboard](/page/Billboard).com/music/awards/2023-mtv-emas-nominations-list-1235432723/
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