YBNL

Composition

The YBNL phrase is, in itself, a paradox. In layman's terms, Olamide wants to be fly like a Yahoo Boy, but doesn't want to be associated with sending scam emails. On YBNL, Olamide's lyrics focus primarily on his love for God and the streets that raised him. On "Jesu O’ Kola", he looks to God for support because he believes the music industry castigated him. On "Jale", a church-like chorus, Olamide thanked God for preventing him from stealing. On "Voice of the Streets", he raps about his ambition and determination to blow. He also raps about the passion and energy that young hustlers like himself possess. On "Street Love", he reminisces about his humble upbringing in Bariga. On "Money", Olamide talks about his constant quest for "paper chasing". On "Fucking with the Devil", Olamide said he's not "born again", but can hear angels calling.

Promotion

To promote the album, Olamide held an album launch party at Octopus Club in Yaba, Lagos. The launch party featured performances from Dammy Krane, Morell, Djzeez, Phyno, Phynom, Samklef, Skales and Lace. Prior to the album launch party in Yaba, Olamide held a concert at Mazabs Event Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State on March 21, 2013.

Singles

On November 20, 2011, Olamide released the album's lead single "Ilefo Illuminati". The song was produced by 2Kriss. The music video for the song, released on June 23, 2012, was shot and directed in South Africa by Godfather Productions. On June 21, 2012, the album's second single "First of All" was released. It was produced by Pheelz. The music video for the single, taped at a total length of 4 minutes and 11 seconds, was directed in Nigeria by Patrick Ellis. The remix of the song, featuring D'banj, made D'Kings Men's final track listing. On July 27, 2012, Olamide and YBNL Nation released the album's third single "Stupid Love". The song was produced by Samklef. The music video for "Stupid Love" was directed by Matt Max. On November 1, 2012, the album's fourth single "Voice of the Street" was released. The music video for the single was also directed by Matt Max.

Critical reception

Upon its release, YBNL received generally positive reviews from music critics. Tayo Ayomide of Nigerian Entertainment Today gave the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, adding: "YBNL is the proud work of a rapper who has emerged from the shadows of a hit making producer and a late Nigerian rap legend to stand in the spotlight and boldly show us what Nigerian rap has been missing for a while- the heartbeat of the streets." A writer for TayoTV gave the album 8 out of 10 stars, stating that Olamide "really did his homework on this album, most of the beats were on point, his features were great and his delivery and rhymes were solid. Of the 20 track over 70% are well thought out and mastered." A writer for Hi-Life Magazine assigned a rating of 7 out 10 stars, stating: "With the success of tracks like ‘First Of All’ and ‘Stupid Love’, this young 300 level mass communication part-time student of Tai Solarin University and Coded Tune artist who grew up from 9ice’s neck of woods – Bariga, Lagos is here to stay."

Accolades

YBNL won the "Best Rap Album" and "Album of the Year" awards at the 2013 edition of The Headies.

Track listing

From Jaguda.