Stories That Touch

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} {{Infobox album | name = Stories That Touch | type = studio | artist = Falz | cover = Falz - Stories That Touch.png | alt = | released = 16 November 2015 | recorded = 2015 | studio = | genre = Afrobeat | length = 58:52 | language = {{hlist|Yoruba|English}} | label = Bahd Guys | producer = * Tin Tin * Sess * Oscar Heman-Ackah * Spax | prev_title = Wazup Guy | prev_year = 2014 | next_title = 27 | next_year = 2017 | misc = {{Singles | name = Stories That Touch | type = studio | single1 = Ello Bae | single1date = 31 January 2015 | single2 = Karishika | single2date = 16 May 2015 | single3 = Karishika (Part 2) | single3date = 4 September 2015 | single4 = Clap | single4date = 11 December 2015 | single5 = Soldier | single5date = 14 March 2016 | single6 = Soft Work | single6date = 6 July 2016 | single7 = Chardonnay Music | single7date = 30 August 2016 }} }}

'''''Stories That Touch''''' is the second album by Nigerian rapper and actor Falz. It was released on 16 November 2015 through Bahd Guys Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Show Dem Camp, Yemi Alade, Phyno, Reminisce, Simi, Sess, Poe, Shaydee, Chigul, M.I., Bez, Oyinkansola, Chyn and Reekado Banks. Production was primarily handled by Sess, with additional production from Tin Tin, Oscar Heman-Ackah and Spax.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Adesida, Olumide|title=Falz unveils official 'Stories That Touch' artwork and tracklist|url=https://thenet.ng/falz-unveils-official-stories-that-touch-artwork-and-tracklist/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The NET|accessdate=18 August 2024|date=11 November 2015}}</ref>

== Promotion == The album listening party for ''Stories That Touch'' was held at Spice Route, Victoria Island, Lagos on 18 November 2015. Poe, Reminisce, Simi, Reekado Banks, and others performed at the event. Others who attended the event include Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Baba Dee, and more. Spanky was the host and Dj Consequence was the disc jockey for the event.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Pulse Nigeria|title=Falz launches 'Stories That Touch' Album at weekly event|url=https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/events/industry-nite-falz-launches-stories-that-touch-album-at-weekly-event/s3nle93|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=19 November 2015}}</ref>

== Singles == The album's lead single and only bonus track "Ello Bae" was released on 31 January 2015. The song was produced by Sess while the music video was directed by Mex and released on 4 May 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Jonathan|title=Falz the BahdGuy - 'Ello Bae'|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/new-music-falz-the-bahdguy-ello-bae/geztxl7|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=31 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Okuchukwu, Griffin|title=VIDEO: Falz 'Ello Bae'|url=https://thenet.ng/video-falz-ello-bae/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The NET|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=4 May 2015}}</ref> The second single "Karishika" features Nigerian rapper Phyno and comedian Chigul. This track was also produced by Sess and was premiered on 14 May 2015 at Industry Nite, and was officially released on 16 May 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Showemimo, Dayo|title=Falz premieres new song, 'Karishika' featuring Phyno|url=https://thenet.ng/falz-premieres-new-song-karishika-featuring-phyno/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The NET|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=14 May 2015}}</ref> The music video was directed by Aje Filmworks and released on 20 July 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video: Falz – Karashika (ft. Phyno & Chi Gurl)|url=https://culturecustodian.com/video-falz-karashika-ft-phyno-chi-gurl/|website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.)|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=20 July 2015}}</ref> The video won Best Afro Hip Hop Video at the 2015 Nigerian Music Video Awards.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kehinde Akintoye|title=NMVA Organisers Announce Winners of 2015 Edition|url=https://www.channelstv.com/2016/09/12/nmva-organisers-announce-winners-2015-edition|website=Channels TV|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=12 September 2016}}</ref> The third single is a sequel to the previous track, "Karishika". The sequel features Show Dem Camp and M.I. and was produced by Sess and engineered by Marqai.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Jonathan|title=Falz – 'Karishika' (Part 2) ft M.I, Show Dem Camp|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/new-music-falz-karishika-part-2-ft-mi-show-dem-camp/k2htvhz|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=3 September 2015}}</ref> The fourth single, "Clap" features Reminisce and was released on 11 December 2015. The song was produced by Sess and the music video was shot and directed in Lagos, Nigeria by Mex.<ref>{{cite web|author=Badiru, Simi|title=Video: Clap – Falz ft. Reminisce|url=https://culturecustodian.com/video-clap-falz-ft-reminisce/|website=Pulse Nigeria|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=11 December 2015}}</ref> The fifth single, "Soldier" features Simi and was released on 14 March 2016, produced by Oscar Heman-Ackah. The music video was shot and directed by Clarence Peters and features actor Deyemi Okanlawon.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Abiola|title=Falz - 'Soldier' ft. Simi|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/music-video-falz-soldier-ft-simi/fhhnhgr|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=14 March 2016}}</ref> The song won Best Collabo at The Headies 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Abayomi, John|title=Headies 2016 Awards : The winners are...|url=https://punchng.com/headies-2016-winners/|newspaper=The Punch|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=23 December 2016}}</ref> The sixth single, "Soft Work" was released on 6 July 2016. The song was produced by Sess and the video was directed by Mex.<ref>{{cite web|author=DonBoye|title=VIDEO: Falz - Soft Work|url=https://notjustok.com/songs/videos/video-falz-soft-work/|website=NotJustOk|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=6 July 2016}}</ref> The seventh single "Chardonnay Music" features Chyn and Poe and was produced by Spax. The music video was released on 30 August 2016 and was directed by Sesan and features cameos from Simi, Ms DSF, DJ Sose, Vector, K10, Ycee, Boj, among others.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Idowu, Tomi|title=Video : Chardonnay Music Ft. Poe & Chyn : Falz|url=https://punchng.com/headies-2016-winners/|newspaper=The Punch|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=30 August 2016}}</ref>

== Critical reception == {{Music ratings | rev1 = ''Pulse Nigeria'' | rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Pulse Nigeria">{{cite web |url=http://pulse.ng/reviews/pulse-album-review-falz-democratises-hip-hop-in-stories-that-touch-lp-id4384142.html |title=Falz democratises Hip-hop in “Stories That Touch” LP |author=Joey Akan |work=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=17 December 2024 |date=23 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125172848/http://pulse.ng/reviews/pulse-album-review-falz-democratises-hip-hop-in-stories-that-touch-lp-id4384142.html |archive-date=25 November 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | rev2 = ''NotJustOk'' | rev2score = 8/10<ref name="NotJustOk">{{cite web |url=https://notjustok.com/article/album-review/falz-stories-that-touch-album-review/ |title=Falz: Stories That Touch Album Review |author=Tola Sarumi |website=NotJustOk |access-date=19 August 2024 |date=30 November 2015}}</ref> | rev3 = ''Should You Bump This'' | rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Should You Bump This">{{cite web |url=http://sybt.tv/2015/11/20/music-review-stories-that-touch-by-falz/ |title=Music Review: ''Stories That Touch'' by Falz |website=SYBTonline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106111726/http://sybt.tv/2015/11/20/music-review-stories-that-touch-by-falz/ |access-date=20 November 2015 |date=20 November 2015 |archive-date=6 November 2016 }}</ref> }} Joey Akan's review of ''Pulse Nigeria'' praised ''Stories That Touch'' for its ability to blend relatable stories with music, noting that it "democratises music" by making Hip-hop accessible to the common man. Akan highlighted tracks like "Soldier" and "Celebrity Girlfriend", showcasing Falz's growth as an artist and his versatility. He concluded, "Falz is onto a good thing," giving the album a rating of 4/5.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria"/>

Oris Aigbokhaevbolo of ''Music in Africa'' praised ''Stories That Touch'' for showcasing Falz's unique ability to merge different cultural and social influences. Aigbokhaevbolo highlighted the tracks "Karishika" and "Time Difference" as key examples of Falz's class shape-shifting, which allows him to appeal to both "local" and "abroad" audiences. However, the reviewer noted that Falz's versatility, while impressive, prevents him from being fully embraced as a dominant figure in any single class, unlike his contemporaries Olamide and M.I.<ref>{{cite web|author=Oris Aigbokhaevbolo|title=Falz - 'Stories That Touch'|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/falz-stories-touch|website=Music In Africa|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=5 January 2016}}</ref>

Tola Sarumi of ''NotJustOk'' rated ''Stories That Touch'' an 8/10, praising Falz for blending humor with serious storytelling and highlighting his versatility as a rapper. Sarumi commended the album's standout tracks, including "Karishika" and "Soldier," and noted the strong production from Sess, Spax, and others. Despite some minor critiques, she declared the album a contender for Hip-Hop Album of the Year, emphasizing Falz's ability to deliver a well-rounded and cohesive project.<ref name="NotJustOk"/>

''Should You Bump This'' (Sho, Tunde, and guest Kel) gave ''Stories That Touch'' a strong 4/5, praising Falz's growth in the Nigerian rap scene. They highlight tracks like "Kabiyesi", "Soft Work", "Karishika", and "Soldier" for their sharp lyrics, strong production, and clever humor. Kel calls it a "pretty good" sophomore album, while Tunde notes that it showcases Falz's evolution beyond his comedic persona, solidifying his place as a well-rounded artist.<ref name="Should You Bump This" />

===Accolades=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="border:none; margin:0;" |+ Awards and nominations for ''Stories That Touch'' ! scope="col" | Organization ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Result ! class="unsortable" scope="col"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |- ! scope="row" | The Headies | rowspan="3" | 2016 | Best Rap Album | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|author=The Headies|title=The Headies Awards 2016 : Complete list of Nominees|url=https://theheadies.com/the-headies-awards-2016-complete-list-of-nominees/|website=The Headies|accessdate=19 August 2024|date=25 October 2016}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | City People Entertainment Awards | Album of the Year | {{won}} | <ref>{{cite web|title=Falz wins City People Award for Best Album|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/fr/node/15536|website=Music in Africa|accessdate=21 November 2025|date=25 July 2016}}</ref> |- | Rap Album of the Year | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite news|author=Adedayo Showemimo|title=Wizkid, Olamide, Phyno grab nominations at 2016 City People Entertainment Awards|url=https://thenet.ng/wizkid-olamide-phyno-grab-nominations-at-2016-city-people-entertainment-awards/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The NET|accessdate=21 November 2025|date=6 July 2016}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | Ghana-Naija Showbiz Awards | 2017 | Album of the Year | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite news|author=Hassan Sanusi|title=Wizkid, Sarkodie, Tekno, Funke Akindele and more nominated for Ghana-Naija Showbiz Awards 2017|url=https://thenet.ng/wizkid-sarkodie-tekno-funke-akindele-nominated-ghana-naija-showbiz-awards-2017/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The NET|accessdate=22 May 2026|date=19 March 2017}}</ref> |}

==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = ''Stories That Touch'' track listing | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 58:52

| title1 = Kabiyesi | note1 = featuring Oyinkansola | writer1 = {{flatlist| * Folarin Falana * Oyinkansola }} | extra1 = Tin Tin | length1 = 3:42

| title2 = Soft Work | writer2 = Falana | extra2 = Sess | length2 = 3:25

| title3 = My People | writer3 = Falana | extra3 = Sess | length3 = 4:22

| title4 = Karishika | note4 = featuring Phyno and Chigul | writer4 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Chibuzor Azubuike }} | extra4 = Sess | length4 = 4:13

| title5 = Soldier | note5 = featuring Simi | writer5 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Simisola Ogunleye }} | extra5 = Oscar Heman-Ackah | length5 = 3:24

| title6 = Workaholic | writer6 = Falana | extra6 = Sess | length6 = 3:16

| title7 = Soupé | note7 = featuring Yemi Alade and Shaydee | writer7 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Yemi Alade * Shadrach Adeboye }} | extra7 = Spax | length7 = 3:46

| title8 = Clap | note8 = featuring Reminisce | writer8 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Remilekun Safaru }} | extra8 = Sess | length8 = 3:16

| title9 = Time Difference | note9 = featuring Sess | writer9 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Salami Abbas }} | extra9 = Sess | length9 = 3:41

| title11 = Celebrity Girlfriend | note11 = featuring Reekado Banks | writer11 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Ayoleyi Solomon }} | extra11 = Sess | length11 = 3:05

| title12 = Chardonnay Music | note12 = featuring Poe and Chyn | writer12 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Ladipo Eso * Cheyenne Labesa }} | extra12 = Spax | length12 = 4:36

| title14 = Love You Pass | note14 = featuring Bez | writer14 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Emmanuel Idakula }} | extra14 = Spax | length14 = 3:05

| title15 = Karishika | note15 = part 2; featuring M.I and Show Dem Camp | writer15 = {{flatlist| * Falana * Jude Abaga * Wale Davies * Olumide Ayeni }} | extra15 = Sess | length15 = 4:03

| title16 = Everybody (Thank You) | writer16 = Falana | extra16 = Sess | length16 = 2:47 }}

{{Track listing | headline = Bonus tracks | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length =

}}

'''Notes''' *"—" denotes a skit

==Personnel== {{div col|colwidth=25em}} * Folarin "Falz" Falana – vocals, executive producer * Oyinkansola – vocals, backing vocals * Jude "M.I" Abaga – vocals * Emmanuel "Bez" Idakula – vocals * Chibuzor "Phyno" Azubuike – vocals * Ayoleyi "Reekado Banks" Solomon – vocals * Shadrach "Shaydee" Adeboye – vocals * Ladipo "Poe" Eso – vocals * Chioma "Chigul" Omeruah – vocals * Cheyenne "Chyn" Labesa – vocals * Remilekun "Reminisce" Safaru – vocals * Yemi Eberechi Alade – vocals * Wale "Tec" Davies and Olumide "Ghost" Ayeni" – vocals * Simisola "Simi" Ogunleye – vocals, mixing engineer * Salami "Sess" Abass – vocals, producer * Augustine "Tin Tin" Imevbore – producer, mixing engineer, mastering engineer * Oscar Heman-Ackah – producer * Akano "Spax" Samuel – producer * Michael "Marqai" Udenna – mixing engineer * Olujerry – mixing engineer * Timsax – saxophone * Oluwaseun "Saeon" Oni – backing vocals * Lily Oge – backing vocals * Nosa Omoregbe – backing vocals * August Udoh – photography, album art * Sidney "Aboki" Sule – executive producer * Femisoro Ajayi – executive producer {{div col end}}

==Release history== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+Release history and formats for ''Stories That Touch'' ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format ! scope="col"| Label |- ! scope="row"| Nigeria | 16 November 2015 | {{hlist|CD|digital download}} | Bahd Guys Entertainment |}

== References ==

Category:Afrobeat albums Category:2015 albums Category:Falz albums Category:Yoruba-language albums Category:Albums produced by Sess Category:Albums produced by Oscar (record producer) Category:Albums produced by Spax Category:Albums produced by Tintin

Stories That Touch

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