Nigerian artist Mr Eazi has been putting out music for over a decade, but he only just now announed what he’s referring to as his proper debut album. The title is still TBA, but he revealed that it’s coming on October 27 and he launched pre-orders. He also shared new single “Chop Time, No Friend,” produced by Ghanaian musician Killbeatz and Nigerian producer Andre Vibez. The song features Mr Eazi’s voice over a rich instrumental with metronomic percussion and horn and synth flourishes. Of the song, Mr Eazi says:

The phrase ‘Chop Time, No Friend’ is a very common Ghanaian saying, something you will see written on the front or side of buses, just like the popular saying, ‘God is Great’. It means when you are eating, you don’t think about anybody, you are just focused on your enjoyment – this song is touching on how people chit-chat on me, but I am still focused on my enjoyment. It is a declaration, a celebration of self. I am saying everything I touch turns to gold, and you can’t trouble me.

“Chop Time, No Friend” comes with a music video shot on location in Dakar, Senegal, and directed by Allison Swank Owen. Check it out below.

Eazi and DJ Edu have also been in the midst of taking their group ChopLife SoundSystem on its first world tour in support of their own debut album, Choplife Vol. 1: Mzansi Chronicles. The group is described as “both a studio project and a touring rave, putting a unique African spin on the mobile sound systems that are the backbone of Jamaican dancehall culture,” and Eazi adds, “It’s all about awesome vibes, sounds from all over Africa, and surprise guests popping up. It’s about having well-curated parties in awesome venues with awesome production. And seeing me in a different light, as both a performer and MC.” The album is also loaded with guests, including Focalistic, Anaati, Ami Faku, Moonchild Sanelly, Major League Djz, Mellow & Sleazy, Nkosazana Daughter, 2woshort, Stompiiey, Mo-T and Aymos.

The US leg hits San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, DC and Houston, before wrapping up at NYC’s Webster Hall on September 15. Tickets for all dates are on sale now. All dates below.

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ChopLife SoundSystem (Mr Eazi & DJ Edu) — 2023 Tour Dates
8/5 Berlin, DE @ Citadel Spandau
8/25 San Francisco, CA @ 1015 Folsom
8/26 Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
8/31 Chicago, IL @ Joe’s on Weed
9/2 Washington, DC @ Karma Lounge
9/3 Houston, TX @ Rise Rooftop
9/15 New York, NY @ Webster Hall