# 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, among others. Primarily recorded by DB Records signees D'banj, Kayswitch, and J.Sol, the album features collaborations with Kanye West, Big Sean, Snoop Lion, Fally Ipupa, Durella, Olamide, Ikechukwu and Naeto C. D'Kings Men was supported by the 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)". The album received mixed reviews from music critics, who panned its lyrics and sound.

## Background and release

D'banj started recording the album and establishing DB Records before parting with Don Jazzy, who was his longstanding business partner. 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 Don Jazzy produced four songs on the album and that the record consists of a compilation of songs recorded by himself, Kayswitch, and J.Sol. In an effort to curb piracy, the album was made available for purchase at all GT Bank offices in Nigeria and sent to consumers who pre-ordered it from D'banj's official website.
D'Kings Men was released on iTunes a day after D'banj and 2 Chainz headlined the DKM concert on June 23, 2013, at the Eko Hotels and Suites. The concert featured additional performances from Kayswitch, 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. Sesan Ogunro directed the music video, which includes cameos 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. The accompanying music video for the song was filmed in Lagos. The album's third single "Oyato", which was released on July 14, 2012, 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. Its music video was also filmed by Sesan in Atlanta.
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 recorded in South Africa, features scenes of D’banj singing into a forest of mics while performing with a dreadlocked guitarist and rock drummer. "Cashflow," a song featuring Kayswitch, was released as the album's sixth single on December 21, 2012. Sesan also directed the song's music video. The album's seventh single, "Don't Tell Me Nonsense", was released on March 30, 2013. The song's music video, which was filmed in Lagos by Matt Max, features an army of dancers, smoke bombs, and helicopters.
"For Example" was released on March 30, 2013, as the album's eighth single. The accompanying music video for the song was recorded 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. The song's 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. Its music video was recorded in London by Sesan and 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. Patrick Elis directed the song's music video.

## Critical reception

Professional ratings :
| Review scores ||
| Source | Rating |
| TayoTV | 6.5/10 |
| TooXclusive | |
| Nigerian Entertainment Today | |
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 granted 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." TooXclusive's Ogaga Sakapide 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 TayoTV rated the album 6.7 out of 10, calling it "average".

## 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

## Release history

| Region | Date | Format | Label |
| Nigeria | June 24, 2013 | CD, Digital download | DB Records, Sony Music |