Ric Hassani Taps Phyno, Portable, Others for New Album “Lagos Lover Boy”

Nigerian R&B star, Ric Hassani has released his latest body of work, a 21-track album titled “Lagos Lover Boy,” featuring an eclectic lineup of collaborators, including rap heavyweight Phyno and street-hop sensation Portable.

The project, which dropped in the early hours of Friday, showcases Hassani’s signature blend of romantic lyricism, Afro-R&B rhythms, and genre-crossing soundscapes, all anchored in the vivid emotional backdrop of Lagos.

The album explores love in its various shades—yearning, heartbreak, passion, and self-discovery. Hassani, known for his rich vocals and soul-baring songwriting, leans heavily into themes of vulnerability and emotional honesty.

With “Lagos Lover Boy,” he positions himself not just as a singer, but as a narrator of the urban romantic experience, giving listeners a heartfelt soundtrack for the complexities of modern love in a bustling city.

“This album is deeply personal,” Hassani wrote on social media ahead of the release. “So much hard work we all put into this. This album truly is your album.”

The album features an impressive list of artists across genres:
• Phyno appears on the track “Adamma, Asanwa, Asampete,” adding his signature Igbo rap flow to a song that marries highlife and R&B effortlessly.

• Portable lends his unique raw energy to the track “4×2×16,” in what many fans are already calling a surprisingly cohesive collaboration.
• Other notable features include Joeboy, Odumodublvck, Nonso Amadi, Tolibian, DOTTi The Deity, Sage Baba, and even U.S. R&B icon Ne-Yo, who appears on the smooth track “Love & Romance II” alongside Joeboy.

Hassani’s willingness to blend traditional love songs with alternative rap, Afrobeats, and street pop speaks to his evolving versatility and openness to sonic experimentation.

“Lagos Lover Boy” was released under Mercyland Records in collaboration with MAD Solutions, with production credits from top producers including P.Priime, whose work brings polish and depth to several standout tracks. The album was launched across major digital streaming platforms, with visuals and performance rollouts expected in the coming weeks.

The album has generated early buzz, particularly on social media where the pairing of Hassani and Portable sparked both curiosity and excitement. Fans praised the project’s emotional sincerity, sonic diversity, and the risk Hassani took in stepping outside his comfort zone.

With 21 tracks, “Lagos Lover Boy” is one of Hassani’s most ambitious projects to date. It follows his previous successes with songs like “Thunder Fire You” and “Only You.” This album builds on that foundation, expanding his reach and deepening his narrative as an artist capable of both romance and reinvention.

Ric Hassani is expected to begin a promotional tour in support of the album, with performances scheduled in key Nigerian cities and select international locations. He’s also teased more visuals and storytelling content tied to the album’s theme, hinting that “Lagos Lover Boy” may evolve into a broader creative campaign.

For now, Hassani’s fans are basking in the warmth of his most emotionally resonant work yet—a celebration of love, Lagos, and artistic evolution.