D'Kings Men

D'Kings Men is a compilation album by recording artists of Nigerian record label DB Records. It was released on June 24, 2013, by the label and Sony Music. The album was produced by Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek and Dee Vee. It features guest appearances from DB Records signees D'banj, Kayswitch, and J.Sol, along with musicians Kanye West, Big Sean, Snoop Lion, Fally Ipupa, Durella, Olamide, Ikechukwu and Naeto C. D'Kings Men produced eleven singles—"Oliver Twist", "Sister Caro", "Oyato", "Bachelor", "Top of the World", "Cashflow", "Don't Tell Me Nonsense", "For Example", "Finally", "Why You Love Me" and "Obimo (My Heart)". It received mixed reviews from music critics, who panned its lyrics and sound.

Background and release
D'banj founded DB Records and started working on the album prior to splitting with his longtime business partner, Don Jazzy. Since its inception, multiple acts have signed to the label, including Kayswitch, J.Sol, Jay Sleek, Durella and Dee Vee. In an interview with Seun Apara, D'banj said the album consists of a compilation of songs recorded by himself, Kay Switch, and J.Sol. He also said Don Jazzy produced four tracks on the project. In an attempt to suppress piracy, the album was delivered to customers who pre-ordered it from D'banj's official website, and was also made available for purchase at all GT Bank offices in Nigeria.

A day after D'banj and 2 Chainz headlined the DKM concert on June 23, 2013, at the Eko Hotels & Suites, D'Kings Men was made available on iTunes. The concert featured additional performances from Kay Switch, Phyno, Olamide, Mafikizolo, Fally Ipupa, and Naeto C. Guest in attendance included Ayo Makun, Kenya Moore, and Toolz, among others.

Singles
The album's lead single, "Oliver Twist", was released on May 11, 2012. The music video for the song was directed by Sesan Ogunro and features cameo appearances from Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean, and Manny Fresh. The D'banj-assisted track, "Sister Caro", was released on June 9, 2012, as the album's second single. Its music video was shot in Lagos, Nigeria. The album's third single, "Oyato", was released on July 14, 2012, and serves as D'banj's first official single in the post-Mo'Hits era. "Bachelor" was released on November 10, 2012, as the album's fourth single. The accompanying music video for the song was also directed by Sesan in Atlanta, Georgia.

The album's fifth single, "Top of the World", was released on December 13, 2012. It was the official SuperSport anthem for the 2013 African Nations Cup. The music video for "Top of the World", which was shot in South Africa, features scenes of D’banj singing into a forest of mics while performing alongside a dreadlocked guitarist and rock drummer. The Kayswitch-assisted track "Cashflow" was released on December 21, 2012, as the album's sixth single. The song's music video was also directed by Sesan. The album's seventh single, "Don't Tell Me Nonsense", was released on March 30, 2013. The accompanying music video for the song was shot in Lagos by Matt Max, and features helicopters, smoke bombs, and an army of dancers.

"For Example" was released on March 30, 2013, as the album's eighth single. Its music video was shot and directed by Matt Max in Mende Village, Lagos. Nigerian singer Durella made a cameo appearance in the video. The album's ninth single, "Why You Love Me", was released on April 21, 2013. Its music video was directed by Godfather Productions and uploaded to YouTube on December 13, 2013. "Finally" was released on June 20, 2013, as the album's tenth single. The song's accompanying music video, which was shot and directed in London by Sesan, features cameo appearances from Wizkid and the CEO Dancers. The wedding anthem "Obimo" was released on November 20, 2013, as the album's eleventh single. The song's music video was directed by Patrick Elis.

Critical reception
D'Kings Men received mixed reviews from music critics. Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described the album as "an alluring contemporary pop album with an emphasis on king-size dance music." Reviewing for Nigerian Entertainment Today, Ayomide Tayo awarded the album 3.5 stars out of 5, acknowledging its inclusion of "strong pop songs hinged on D'banj's infectious personality and amazing instrumentals." Ogaga Sakapide of TooXclusive gave the album 3 stars out of 5, saying it "dives into the usual subjects of partying, love, wealth, fame and success". A writer for Tayo TV granted the album a 6.7 rating out of 10, calling it "average" at best.

Personnel

 * Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo – primary artist
 * Kehinde Oladotun Oyebanjo – primary artist
 * Jason Lopez – primary artist
 * Olamide Adedeji – featured artist
 * luwadamilare Kulaja – featured artist
 * Kanye Omari West – featured artist
 * Sean Michael Anderson – featured artist
 * Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr – featured artist
 * Fally Ipupa N'Simba – featured artist
 * Ikechuckwu – featured artist
 * Michael Collins Ajereh – producer
 * Jay Sleek – producer
 * Dee Vee – producer
 * Classy Menace – producer