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Draft:Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 - Accra To Lagos

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Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 - Accra To Lagos
Studio album by
Released10 February 2017
Recorded2016-2017
GenreAfrobeats
Length49:00
LabelBanku Music
Producer
Mr Eazi chronology
About to Blow
(2013)
Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 - Accra To Lagos
(2017)
Life is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos to London
(2018)
Singles from Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos
  1. "Leg Over"
    Released: 2 December 2016
  2. "Tilapia"
    Released: 1 February 2017
  3. "In the Morning"
    Released: 25 February 2017
  4. "Fight"
    Released: 1 April 2017
  5. "Business"
    Released: 7 April 2017

Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos, popularly known as Accra to Lagos, is the second mixtape by Nigerian singer and songwriter Mr Eazi. It was released on 10 February 2017 by Banku Music, and features guest appearances from artists Olamide, Falz, Phyno, Tekno, Big Lean, Mugeez, Medikal and DJ Cuppy.[1] The mixtape featured producers such as Del B, Masterkraft, Young John, Adey, E Kelly, Sarz, GuiltyBeatz, Legendury Beatz, Maleek Berry, KillBeatz, and Kukbeatz.[2] Accra to Lagos housed the singles, "Leg Over", "Tilapia", "In the Morning", "Fight", and "Business".

Background and singles

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Mr Eazi first announced the mixtape to be released on 11 February 2017, where it was teased as an EP, and was said to feature Wizkid, Olamide, Falz, Mugeez and producers Masterkraft, Legendury Beatz, Del B, Maleek Berry, D'Tunes, among others. It was then released a day earlier on 10 February 2017. Accra to Lagos sold 200,000 copies in pre-order before its release.[3] The mixtape's lead single, "Leg Over", was produced by E-Kelly and released on 2 December 2016. The music video for "Leg Over" features cameo appearances from comedian Eddie Kadi, Maleek Berry, and Wizkid. Mr Eazi told Lawrence Burney from Noisey.com that the song is about being taken advantage of in a relationship. He also said the song was leaked and wasn't meant to be a single.[4] Upon its release in December 2016, "Leg Over" inspired numerous dance videos.[5] Gabriel Myers Hansen, a critic and editor whose review was posted on the Music In Africa website, described the song as "gentle and minimalist". Hansen also said it is "freshened by delicate string and percussion placements reminiscent of highlife from decades ago".[6] On 1 February 2017, Mr Eazi released "Tilapia" as the mixtape's second single. It features vocals from Ghanaian hip hop artist Medikal.[7] On 1 March 2017, Mr Eazi released the Sesan-directed music video for "In The Morning". The song features vocals from Toronto rapper Big Lean.[8] On 1 April 2017, Mr Eazi released the Teekay-directed music video for "Fight", a song that features additional vocals from DJ Cuppy.[9] On 7 April 2017, Mr Eazi released the music video for "Business", a song that features vocals from Mugeez of R2Bees.[10]

Critical reception

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Oris Aigbokheavbolo of Music In Africa described the mixtape as centered around a relaxed, danceable vibe that prioritizes sound over lyrical content. Aigbokheavbolo noted that Mr Eazi’s approach emphasizes melody and a laid-back style, which defines the mixtape’s appeal. The review highlighted that while Mr Eazi successfully integrates both Ghanaian and Nigerian sounds, the Ghanaian influences are more effective. Tracks such as "Business" and "Leg Over" were praised for their catchiness, though some, like "Tilapia," were criticized for lacking memorable lines. Aigbokheavbolo argued that Mr Eazi’s strength lies in creating a particular vibe rather than delivering standout lyrics, and suggested that the mixtape might have been more successful if it had focused exclusively on the Ghanaian sound rather than blending both Ghanaian and Nigerian elements.[11]

In Dami Ajayi's review of Accra to Lagos, he reflected on Mr Eazi's impact on the Nigerian music scene and his unique approach to music. He notes that while Mr Eazi's early PR was impeccable, his provocative tweet about Ghana's influence on Nigerian music created some controversy. Despite this, Mr Eazi's mixtape, which spans 14 tracks and features prominent Nigerian producers, is seen as a significant work, blending Ghanaian and Nigerian influences. He critiques Mr Eazi's choice to label the project a mixtape, suggesting that with its length and production quality, it could be considered more substantial. The mixtape's title, Accra to Lagos, is viewed as a clever reference to the cultural exchange between Ghana and Nigeria. The review highlights several tracks, noting that while some, like "Leg Over" and "Tilapia," fit well with Mr Eazi’s established sound, others, such as "Fight" and "Short Skirt," fall short. Ajayi praises the production of "In the Morning" and criticizes "My Baby" for being an unoriginal copy of another song. Despite some shortcomings, Ajayi concludes that the mixtape successfully positions Mr Eazi as a significant figure in the music industry and anticipates further releases from him.[12]

Chiagoziem of Filterfree.ng highlighted Mr Eazi's Accra to Lagos mixtape as a testament to the artist's strategic career rise and unique sound. Despite not featuring his usual collaborator Juls, he states that the mixtape retains Mr Eazi's signature mid-tempo vibe through other notable producers. The project explores themes of relationships and personal experiences, with standout tracks like "Tilapia" incorporating Ghanaian cultural references. While some features, such as Tekno's on "Short Skirt," fall short, Chiagoziem praised the mixtape for blending Ghanaian and Nigerian influences and reflecting Mr Eazi’s dual cultural identity.[13]

Track listing

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Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 - Accra To Lagos track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Leg Over"
E Kelly3:17
2."Business" (featuring Mugeez)
KillBeatz4:02
3."Tilapia" (featuring Medikal)
Del B3:11
4."2 People"
Masterkraft3:20
5."Feelings"3:15
6."Fight" (featuring DJ Cuppy)
Del B3:04
7."Accra to Lagos"
Sarz2:55
8."Detty Yasef" (featuring Falz)
Adey4:00
9."In the Morning" (featuring Big Lean)
Legendury Beatz3:35
10."Short Skirt" (featuring Tekno)Maleek Berry2:48
11."Life is Eazi" (featuring Olamide and Phyno)Masterkraft4:04
Total length:49:00
Bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
12."My Baby"
  • Ajibade
  • Michael Uifoma Otobo
Kukbeatz4:09
13."Right Now"
  • Ajibade
  • Banful
  • Melvin Alli-Owe
GuiltyBeatz4:00
14."Kpamurege"
  • Ajibade
  • Ogunlesi
Adey3:15

Personnel

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Release history

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Release history for Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 - Accra to Lagos
Region Date Format Label
Nigeria 10 February 2017 Banku Music

References

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  1. ^ "Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 - Accra To Lagos - Album by Mr Eazi". Apple Music. 10 February 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  2. ^ Azuka (10 February 2017). "LISTEN TO MR. EAZI'S "LIFE IS EAZI, VOL. 1 – ACCRA TO LAGOS"". Filterfree. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  3. ^ Salihu, Idoko (27 January 2017). "Mr Eazi announces release date for "Accra to Lagos" EP". Premium Times. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  4. ^ Burney, Lawrence (10 February 2017). "Watch Mr. Eazi Confess His Love in His "Leg Over" Video". Noisey. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  5. ^ Dandrige-Lemco, Ben (10 February 2017). "Watch Mr Eazi's "Leg Over" Video Featuring Wizkid And Maleek Berry". The Fader. Archived from the original on 15 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  6. ^ Gabriel Myers Hansen (15 December 2016). "Mr Eazi — Leg Over". Music In Africa. Archived from the original on 3 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  7. ^ Akarefa, Jasper (1 February 2017). "Mr Eazi – Tilapia feat. Medikal (Prod. by Del B)". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 15 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  8. ^ Efe, Jasper (6 March 2017). "Mr Eazi – In The Morning feat. Big Lean (Dir. by Sesan)". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 15 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  9. ^ Solanke, Abiola (3 April 2017). "'Fight' ft Cuppy [Video]". Pulse. Archived from the original on 12 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  10. ^ "VIDEO: Mr. Eazi – Business Ft. Mugeez". NotJustOk. 7 April 2017. Archived from the original on 10 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  11. ^ Aigbokhaevbolo, Oris (25 April 2017). "Mr Eazi – Life Is Eazi, Vol 1: Accra To Lagos". Music In Africa. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  12. ^ "Retro Review: Mr Eazi's Life is Eazi: Accra to Lagos". Dami Ajayi. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  13. ^ Chiagoziem (13 February 2017). "Mr Eazi – Life Is Eazi, Vol 1: Accra To Lagos". Filterfree.ng. Retrieved 21 August 2024.