Adekunle Gold hasn’t gone a calendar year without a widely loved hit song since he became a folk-pop darling with “Sade” and “Orente” in the mid-2010s. While his music has evolved from the Yoruba Highlife and Juju-influenced stylings of his breakout, his foray into the sonic centre of Nigerian Pop hasn’t rendered him less unique, imbuing the same charming honesty into his music and giving listeners a clear portrait of his state of being with each new song or project.

Earlier in the year, AG Baby—as he’s fondly referred to by fans—released his fourth album, ‘Catch Me If You Can’, a lively and soulful representation of his convictions as a man and an artist. Six months later, the singer returned with “5 Star”, an outstanding single that feels like a worthy extension of its preceding LP. Over Kel P’s mid-tempo framework of a knocking percussion pattern, cascading piano keys and robust bass guitar riff, Adekunle Gold delivers a celebratory performance, relishing his opulent lifestyle and generally exuding joy.

The song has gone to become a fan favourite and an undeniable hit song, and part of that can be attributed to its affecting quality. On its verses, the singer tersely reminisces on battling with sickle cell, growing up in the hoods of Agege, and showing solidarity with fellow Nigerians who have to deal with terrible governance. Keeping the single’s impact fresh, Adekunle Gold has tapped American rapper Rick Ross for the newly released remix of “5 Star”. It’s not an unwelcome choice of a guest feature, seeing as Ross was one of the first American artists to embrace Nigerian Pop, through his seminal feature on P-Square’s “Beautiful Onyinye (Remix)”.

While nothing changes in Kel P’s beat —except the removal of the horn solo in the outro of the original—and AG’s verses, as well as his memorable hook, remain the same, Ross’ verse on “5 Star (Remix)” is boastful, in the line with the song’s overall feel and the rapper’s well-known disposition to present himself as a boss. Ross’ verse doesn’t come with the emotionally honest bent of AG’s, his cadence is a great addition to the remix and his brags are worthy flex for Adekunle Gold to prove that he is, well and truly, living the five star life.

Listen to “5 Star (Remix)” here.

ICYMI: READ OUR REVIEW OF ‘CATCH ME IF YOU CAN’