Burna Boy - I Told Them…

I Told Them feat. GZA: historical prestige as an anchor

The album's opening track doesn't just set the mood; it immediately establishes a contrast between Burna Boy's voice and that of GZA, an iconic figure from Wu-Tang Clan. His presence on I Told Them is not incidental: he introduces a textural tension in the very first song that permeates the entire project. GZA's raw, laid-back flow rubs against Burna Boy's smoother melody without ever seeking to dominate it. This vocal collision defines the album's tone: a space where the historical prestige of old school hip-hop serves as a foundation for a sonic construction that goes beyond simply adding names but integrates differences in register.

Sittin' on Top of the World & Talibans II: solidifying the Afroswing core

While the opening track sets up the interplay of voices, the two singles preceding the album — Sittin' on Top of the World and Talibans II — anchor Burna Boy in a consistent Afroswing groove. The first song, released on June 1, 2023, then remixed with 21 Savage three weeks later, paves the way for outside intrusions by consolidating a homogeneous rhythmic foundation.

Clash of flows: 21 Savage, Dave, RZA and J. Cole in tension with the base sound

It is here that the album reveals its true ambition: to coexist multiple registers without sacrificing overall coherence. Sittin' on Top of the World sees 21 Savage impose a dark, urban energy that contrasts sharply with Burna Boy's afro-pop sounds, creating an intentionally exploited imbalance. On Cheat On Me, Dave brings his distinct British flow, integrating into the track's pop aesthetic while adding a rap element that cracks the melodic surface. Further along, RZA steps in on 12 Jewels with a textural approach typical of his Wu-Tang production: he doesn't seek to impose a flow, but rather to alter the very timbre of the beat. Finally, J. Cole on Thanks introduces a reflective and introspective flow that contrasts with more energetic tracks, creating a thematic counterpoint that adds depth to the project. Each collaboration acts as a crack in the homogeneity of the Afroswing foundation, without ever breaking it. Before reaching international peaks, the album recalls its roots with Giza, where Seyi Vibez brings a local afro-rap voice that reinforces the pan-African dimension of the project. This track acts as a pivot: it shows that the record isn't built solely through external collaborations, but also through an internal anchor.

Verdict: production that leverages guest prestige to strengthen its own identity

I Told Them… is the seventh studio album by Burna Boy, released on August 25, 2023, via Atlantic Records, Spaceship Entertainment Ltd., and Bad Habit. With a total runtime of 41 minutes and 35 seconds, it features 15 tracks, opening with "I Told Them" (feat. GZA) and closing with "Talibans II - Bonus Track." The album includes seven collaborations with artists such as GZA, 21 Savage, Dave, Seyi Vibez, RZA, J. Cole, and Byron Messia. It follows the trajectory of Love, Damini (2022) and precedes No Sign of Weakness (2025).

Technical Details

- Release Date: August 25, 2023 - Record Label: Atlantic, Bad Habit, Spaceship Entertainment Ltd. - Tracks: 15 (41 min 35 s) - Opening / Closing Track: "I Told Them" / "Talibans II - Bonus Track" - Featured Artists: GZA, 21 Savage, Dave, Seyi Vibez, RZA, J. Cole, Byron Messia - Previous Album: Love, Damini (2022)