Wizkid's 'More Love, Less Ego' is so relaxed it's nearly static

Wizkid will not be rushed. Famous for teasing albums years before they drop, he's constantly driving his devoted fan base, Wizkid FC, into a frenzy on social media. But the long waits have often paid off. His 2020 full-length, , then his first album in three years, arrived brimming with confidence at a time of widespread uncertainty. As America headed into winter and more Covid waves, the West African warmth emanating from songs like "Ginger" and, of course, his breakaway hit "Essence" with Tems sustained many through to a jubilant summer. In return, "Essence" emerged as the song of the season and broke records stateside, becoming the first song led by an Afrobeats artist to crack the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100., Wizkid announced that his follow-up album, , would appear in January at the end of his tour. But, in true Wizkid fashion, it didn't materialize until nine months later. It seems his preference for leisure has left a noticeable imprint on his music: His first album following his big American breakthrough is so chill it can feel languid.